Hello there. My brief story is under topic "Brainport Information" so rather than repeat it you could read it all there. I was 46 when I had a brain stem bleed and was in a very bad state. I encourage him to read "The Brain that Changes Itself" by Norman Doidge which is a huge seller in medical/self help books at the moment. Research shows that the brain has huge recuperative powers as long as we challenge ourselves.

I have come a long way since July 2003 when I had neurosurgery. I could not walk, swallow, cough, speak very much, the room was continually spinning, and I had so many other problems. Gradually with continual rehab and other activity I have largely overcome many of the neurological deficits and minimised the effects of others as much as possilbe. Since the Brainport I have seen a big improvement in my neurological health after almost nine months of training with it.

I did not return to work as I was able to retire with superannuation due to my ill health. It was the best decision as it is difficult to concentrate on getting your health back when you are under pressure at work. I had previous bleeds and returned to work but found it was impacting on my outside life as I didn't have enough stamina for both. I have not regretted retiring and found lots of activities which are enjoyable and help with my continued improvement.

I had so much trouble sleeping and still wake several times a night but I manage to sleep for longer bursts these days. I found a CD on eBay called "Sleep Induction for Active Minds" which I listen to with earbuds on my iPod when I am having trouble sleeping. It helps to promote the right brainwaves for sleep and is just a repetitive sound. It does work quite well. I don't go to sleep until I switch it off then seem to drift straight to sleep, sometimes for 3 or 4 hours. I also have other relaxing meditation programs, it all helps. I encourage him to learn meditation. My doc advised me to do this and it was a great help. I am sure I would not be as well as I am today if not for this practice each day. Even just half an hour when he first wakes up. I lie in bed while I do this and it helps get me going for the day. Prior to brainport, I would feel a buzzing sensation all over my body on waking and the meditation helped settle it down and lessen the dizziness. This sensation eased after a few weeks of twice daily BP training. It is amazing and wonderful technology which is giving me a greater quality of life these days. All who know me have noticed a huge difference in me. In fact they noticed on my return from overseas just 6 weeks after I started the initial training so it had a very fast impact.

If he never gets back to work it is important to realise that he can still have a great life within whatever limitations he has. Candace Pert's book "Molecules of Emotion" is another interesting read about how scientific research is proving that our emotions impact greatly on our state of health. A positive mindset and activities that bring happiness to our lives will help us to heal from the worst situations. Laughter is truly a great medecine. I have also found time out in nature has been very healing for me.

I wish you both well in your journey ahead

Janet

Thank you for your information on the brainport. For now, beecute reported that it would cost $10,000 plus travel and accomodations in Canada for about a week. I find that very expensive. As for sleep, this what I've done and they all work well. The published Dr Weil recomends 3 tabs of melotonin. You can also take 'Calm' which is a powder that you mix in a glass of water. 'Calm' is magnesium and citric acid. You can find that at any health food store like Wholefoods, Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers, Wild Oats. Or you may sometimes have two glasses of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon red wine.