Hi, Austin. This is David Archer. I'm the tall long-haired dude with glasses that awkwardly introduced himself to you after our 3 hour auditions at Springfield Little Theatre. The fact that you showed up to a theatre audition in such a lively state is a testament to your strength and determination. Over the 3-4 years that I've watched your videos, you have been nothing short of inspiring. You are strong willed, down to earth, and honest. And when I saw you that night, I almost forgot about your surgery and your stroke. Despite the pain you have been experiencing, you walked the pain off so well that you seemed in the same high spirits I remember from 4 years ago. And even though we only talked for a few minutes, I'm honored that I got to meet you. I further wish you luck on your recovery and hope you start feeling better soon. Also, I wish to congratulate you on being cast in the role of Monsieur Bouc in "Murder on the Orient Express." You're here for a reason, Austin. I'm not certain what it is, but I'd say it's a damn good one. God bless you. :)👍
0:09 Saying he made some progress is an understatement. Austin looks and sounds fantastic and I couldn’t be happier for him. I don’t want to count my chickens before they hatch, but a major part of my career is providing physical and speech therapy for stroke victims, and I’d say it’s looking likely that Austin will make a full recovery. Fight the good fight, don’t try to do too much too soon, and stay positive! We’ll support you every step of the way!
Piggybacking to say- maybe a rollerball mouse would be easier for you to use? I love them. They may not be a perfect solution and they might be worse to use, I’m not sure. But I thought I’d throw it out there in case they do help you, Austin.
Austin, I've worked with disability-related IT for years, ranging from congenital palsies & spasticity to strokes / Parkinson's, involving a range of hand / foot controllers and speech recognition packages. I'd recommend avoiding the turnkey uber-costly crap that 'specialist' disability outfits offer. Often the cheap solutions are best. A rollerball mouse works for many with decentish upper-body mobility. It's basically an inverted, stationary mouse - you use your right thumb to roll the ball, and its buttons are on the side or sloped top. The index finger can operate both buttons. For others, simply switching to their non-dominant hand for mouse control can help - it's not as bad as learning to write with it! But in your case this may be counterproductive as I'm assuming you want to exercise your right hand, not stop using it. But it's an option, and one I use myself when I get wrist cramp. Hang in their, buddy, you've a huge sympathetic audience out there.
I was also going to suggest this. Also, thought they're hard to find now, but an eraser head mouse can be used with a single finger on one hand and use the control button on the keyboard to right click).
having gone through a rough time that also affected my mobility, i have to say its incredible how much you can accomplish, in ashort ammount of time, with discipline and after you get through the mental hurdle of NOT letting the dire circumstances dictate who you are. cause when you go thorugh a debilitating health issue, your norm becomes the pain and just laying on a bed, you kinda lose yourself for a bit. but you gotta push through and find yourself again, being a shell forever cant be an option. and like austin said the people around you can be a BIG help, but the biggest change still needs to come from within.
Austin, I remember a while back you asked your audience what they believed your channel was about. And at the end of your last video when you told the story about the gardener: I finally figured it out. You tell stories. You’re a story teller, and a really good one. I’m glad to see you’re doing a lot better. And thank you for sharing your story with us.
something that my mom did when she had a stroke was she completely switched from using her left hand to her left foot. she learned to write, type, and use a mouse with her foot. it was legitimately impressive.
@@devindouzstuff_8250Definitely my question. Having injured my right arm before (I'm right-handed), it was infinitely easier to use my left hand for stuff than it would have been to whip out my foot. Makes me wonder if she didn't have two hands or if something had already happened to the other one?
The outward difference in how you appear and sound from the previous update to this one is stark. You seem to have improved. I know that it's still a struggle, but youre making good progress! Keep up the great work Austin.
@@ieuanhunt552it’s not only the environments, he sounds more energetic and there’s more emotion in what he’s saying. The last video was extremely deadpan, and slow, but now he’s speaking more “normally”, for lack of a better word
Austin! You have made enormous steps forward! My mom had a stroke shortly after birth and lost the use of her right hand. She went on to have a career, husband and two children. People told her she shouldn't have kids because she wouldn't be able to care for a baby. She did it anyway and she's a great mom. As a kid she got teased. She pushed on anyway. She couldn't play an instrument so she joined the choir. She uses a mouse with her left hand. Buys only cars where she can reach around the steering column with her left hand to turn the ignition. She found other ways to do things. Today, people often don't notice her small, mis-shaped hand until they go to shake her hand. She just got busy living. Thanks for taking the time and energy to make this video for us. ❤❤❤
After my 6th stroke, In my cerebellum, I lost feeling and dexterity in my right hand. I was also blind for a few weeks and couldn't keep my balance and walk, and got so dizzy laying down that I was constantly nauseous. I am left handed thank goodness, but I am a network engineer so I type and use a mouse a lot. Get a tactile Keyboard. Like an old IBM Model M. A company called UniComp makes new ones. The click you hear will help. Learn to used your mouse with your other hand. I am left handed but I always use my mouse with my right hand. It has gotten better over the last year and I have regained some feeling, and I can type on a non tactile keyboard when needed. Also, I reloaded ammo for my physical therapy. I spent 3 months in the basement running my single stage press making myself do it with my right hand. It is really hard and slow at first, but you brain will relearn things over time and now I can reload 1000's of rounds. The physical therapy helped but not as much as actually doing things and relearning how to do them. And building muscle and using them to compensate for the ones that don't work right anymore. Today there are a few annoying things that still exist, but I work, and do everything I did before. You have to make yourself keep doing things. When I came home from the hospital, I would get out of bed, use my walker to get to the kitchen, and wash 3 dishes. 3 weeks later I made it downstairs to my basement.
When you say you were blind for a few weeks, do you mean completely black zero vision or just too blurred to see? As it recovered, what was it like, was it just one day you could see again or was it a gradual thing? If it was gradual was it noticable as it happened or did you just realise one day that you could see well enough to do X again?
I wish I could've done reloading as physical therapy 😅 For me it was my shoulder that lost dexterity from chronic pain, and I just had to do regular old exercises. Congrats on your recovery, and finding a creative way to kill two birds with one stone.
Just putting it out there that mechanical keyboards are an alive and well hobby, you aren't limited to IBM or Unicomp. I personally recommend Keychron, their keyboards are pretty much universal with any kind of standard key switch, cap, and layout. There's dozens of different models in various shapes and sizes, and they're cheaper than those Unicomp boards.
The improvement just in the natural delivery of your speech between this and the video 4 weeks ago is so amazing, what a relief that your recovery is going so well. That said, it still can't be easy, here's to your continued progress and all of the great things you'll no doubt continue to do regardless of any setbacks! The way you're powering through this is inspiring!
I'm so glad to see you're doing better! It's a night and day difference between this and the last video. I'll continue to pray for your full recovery and that it's speedy.
Austin... I'm a computers teacher here in Brazil... To my students with disability we use adapted mouse and keyboard... One mouse we use often is called big track ball that has a ball you roll for mouse use... It's not perfect but it's something... For keyboard there are plastic covers that looks like beehives that you can put over your keyboard to rest your hand over it and stick your fingers in holes so you can press the buttons... Again, it's not perfect but it is a solution... There are mouses you can use in different hand positions and some that track the movement of your hand... If you can I really recommend trying them... You might find something that really fits you
There are also programs that use voice input rather than keyboard input. For programming, for instance, look up "Cursorless: A spoken language for editing code". There's a video on it by Pokey Rule at the Strange Loop 2023 conference that I recommend.
Just jumping onto a top comment to add: foot pedals. If using fingers is too distracting, foot pedals exist that readily map to mouse buttons, keys, or entire key sequences!
I'm just a voice in the void of the internet, but I cannot express the relief I felt seeing & hearing you now versus the last video. I was so worried for you. On countless sleepless nights your videos helped me sleep, when my anxiety starts to trigger a panic attack the cadence of your voice in your videos calms me down. You have done so much for me - someone you'll probably never meet - I'm so grateful that you are on the road to recovery. You are a champion, and you got this
Dude, I was so scared when this was all originally coming about. You're one of my favorite UA-camrs, so it was definitely a 'yikes' moment for me. So glad you're getting better!
Hey Austin, I’m really happy to see you’re doing well. I’ve also been dealing with a heart condition (congenital heart disease, my heart is on the right side, among other things) since I was born, and I hope you continue to do well.
Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.
I am beyond relieved to see that you're speaking and seemingly thinking like yourself. This planet would be a noticeably worse place for at least a million people without your mind in it
I remember seeing the "info"-video a month ago - what I saw was a Austin I didn't recognized and it truly devasted me. Now I watch this video - I see the Autsin I recognize again. And I want to say: Holy, that comeback so far is truly amazing. It feels like you just gave life the middle finger and said "Screw it, Imma go full throttle". Keep it up, listen to all the stuff the doctors say and take all the time you need to get back to full health!
2:06 ahhhh i know exactly which nerve youre talking abt here. my right pinky, ring finger, and abt half of my middle finger i struggle with due to some repetitive movement damage; way, way more minor than your case but i feel your pain. you dont realize how important your pinky is til you cant use it anymore ;-;
I'm dealing with complex migraines that simulate the short term effects of a stroke along with the tremors and tingling. I hope you keep feeling better! I know this is rough
2:42 You may have already tried this, but for script writing you can use voice-to-text writing and/or dictation and having someone else write your words out. I'm really sorry you have to deal with this. I hope you recover completely! ❤
Never watched your channel at all, just somehow got algorithm-ed into your "I had a stroke" video, and been searching your channel name once every few days since, since you looked downright awful in that and it actually kinda stressed me out despite not knowing you at all. Was very happy to click this today, you look and sound thousands of times better!
I had to stop what I was doing to watch this video. My stroke left me so that I have no balance. Standing, I always feel like I'm falling., and my left side, I can't feel in space. It's difficult for me to walk, especially outside. But thank goodness for my family who is always ready with a shoulder I can hold on to. I'm glad to hear that you have doctors and professionals helping you. I didn't get any of that, and most of my recovery I had to do alone. If I could offer a piece of advice, remember to be kinder to yourself. When you can't do something, it's just today that you can't do something. But keep trying because you might be able to do it tomorrow. Thank you for this update. ngl, the last video was pretty scary. I'm happy to see that you're on the mend. Keep going and you'll get there eventually. All the best.
YOU ABSOLUTE LEGEND I SAW YOU WALK INTO FRAME AND I CHEERD HECK YEAHHH BABYYYY IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU, on a more serious note take as long as you need! You got this
Your determination is just like my Grandad's. He had a stroke late 2022 at the age of 79, but he was absolutely determined that he wouldn't just 'get busy dying' as it were, so he's constantly doing things to get back to normality. He's even back driving his car again now!
My dude I know a stroke victim or two and you have bounced back phenomenally. I for one am looking forward to the random historical/fun fact style deep dives on all the random hardware and accessibility stuff you’ll inevitably discover on the way
Reminds me a lot of when I had my colon removed and the surgery went poorly so I ended up going septic (And, unrelated, they didn't notice an IV blowout in my arm for a LONG time, so I was also missing a good half the skin on my arm). Mind you, it wasn't as bad as a stroke, but I woke up and basically had no capacity to lift or move my legs whatsoever. Stayed in various hospital/rehab facilities for a month trying to learn how to walk again. You weren't lying about just feeling SO TIRED and wanting to be left alone. It's a good thing nurses are stubborn, because I was not the most compliant patient. I was just soooooo uncontrollably, devastatingly tired man, it's hard to describe.
I have a scar just like yours and have been through a lot of the same stuff in the last four months. You have managed to put words to the experience of recovery that I couldn't, and I'm sharing this video with my friends. Really glad to see you up and around. Recovering is the hardest work we can do and also the most important.
2:42 You could use (for things like writing scripts,) a voice to text software (like in google docs, which has it built in.) On phones (well, at least iPhones,) there is this cool thing where you can control the phone with soley your voice. For example it can select things on the screen for you if you choose to show numbers. You can then turn on a grid which lets you zoom in, and then interact with things.
Android has an amazing keyboard for voice input called Futo Keyboard, best text to speech dictation I've seen. And it's all local on the phone, no internet required.
It might be better for American accents but for British accents at least speech to text is an absolute disaster. Additionally things like fans/aircon or just the sound of your computer can confuse the system to the point where it no longer recognises anything.
@@jimmydesouza4375 I don't think the Futo Keyboard has trained a model for English accents, but you're able to import your own model (or someone else's) if you really wanted to.
I am a medical speech language pathologist, and I want to say that I am proud of you - your recovery, determination, and insight. I want to share your video with my patients to help them through their recovery. You make so many good points that I try to convey to my patients. But it's just not the same as it coming from someone who actually had a stroke. Keep up the hard work, and thank you for sharing!!
9 months ago, I was involved in an accident, that left me in critical condition. I was in a medical coma for a week and a half, I woke up with 2 majorly broken arms, a broken pelvis, 5 broken ribs and more injuries to my lower body. I relate to your experience with pain immensely. I found that the only for me to get better was to enjoy the pain, celebrate it. I strived to feel the pain while doing my exercises, knowing that if I feel it, I'm betting my self. I can tell you that the road to recovery is hard and long but you already know that. You will get better 100% even if doesn't look like it. Today I'm back to running 10ks, and able to do everything a normal person should be able to. Only thing that's restricting me is my right hand not being able to flex my wrist all the way, even after doctors told me I won't be able to move it at all. I hope your road to recovery will be fast, easy as possible and fruitful.
Austin! Wow! I’m an occupational therapist and I am so incredibly happy to see your progress from your first video back to now. I can tell you’re really putting in the work and following your therapists advice! Keep it up!!!
The good news is that you look and sound much better than in your last update. You seem much more energetic and much more like yourself than the version of you last time that you can tell was going through a lot.
I was in the ER waiting for transfer to a mental hospital for 10 days and yeah, you really do start to not fully remember outside. The psych room i was in didnt have a window, and i wasn't allowed to leave the room unless i had a guard with me (if I had to use the restroom or shower.) It was a great sight to see sunlight after that.
After the last video you seem like a completely new person. CONGRATULATIONS, keep fighting the good fight, we'll be here cheering you on from the sidelines the whole way!
I’m so incredibly happy to see you again. You are doing so much better than I hoped for. Congratulations on your amazing recovery 🥰❤️😍 I hear and understand your frustrations, but I’m just so happy to have you back 🥰
I work in the physical therapy world. Your message about pushing through the discomfort is something I try to communicate to every single patient. Some people are eager to work hard and do everything they can to get home, and others seem to just want to give up and lie in bed all day and night, they don't understand that action creates motivation, and you're not going to get better with zero pain or discomfort. On the other side of that coin, it's incredibly beneficial to build up your body as much as you can no matter what your current health is, so when you get knocked down from injuries or sickness, you have a much stronger base to rebuild from.
It’s so good to see how much your hard work is paying off. You mention how much of an effect just being able to go outside has on you - I’m 100% with you on that. I eat lunch outside every day at work, unless it’s storming so hard that I simply can’t keep my food dry even under the umbrellas. A couple of things about this coming winter - even if you’re going outside as much as you can, you might want to consider getting a full-spectrum light panel to sit in front of for a little while every day, to combat the shorter daylight hours. And you might find yourself needing more protection from the cold than you did before, especially your stroke-affected hand. Thanks so much for keeping us updated, stay safe!
In your update, my heart sank when you started talking because you sounded ROUGH, buddy. I was so glad to hear your usual tone back in this video. You're doing great!
My 36 year old little brother had a major stroke back in Feb. Insurance didn't want to continue paying for his PT, so he was forced to go back home where he has very little mobility, essentially stuck in a bed or wheelchair. I try to be hopeful for him, but I don't really have the best outlook for his situation. It was caused by a hole in his heart; a hole that we all have in the womb that typically closes up after birth. But, for ~30% of people, that hole is still there, undetected until such a terrible event happens. If the hole is closed, a bloodclot will likely pass to the lungs. If open, it passes through the hole and up into the brain. I'm glad your situation is more positive, and all the best to you on your way to a full recovery.
i just broke my humerus bone and during surgery they damaged my radialis nerve, so while this is in no way comparable, this video is still super helpful:)
@@zakgault4209 I am! I was very fortunate to have no permanent effects at all. It sucked for a while but I’m fully back to normal now. Many do not have the fortune that I did and I try to remember that and keep it in mind every day.
Glad to see you doing better Austin; it was unnerving to see and hear the toll this procedure and subsequent events took on you. To see the difference in this video is a testament to your determination and the dedication of your medical team and loved ones. I hope your tachycardia continues to dissipate and that you can grow stronger each day. Sending strength and peace.
i have a very different health condition, but i was in a physical and occupational therapy program last summer that was so exhausting but so worth it. i wish you the absolute best with your recovery and i'm so glad that you're seeing progress. ❤
Well strokes are so different and effects so many people in different ways! My Mom had a Major stroke and ended up partially paralyzed but regained her speech and eventually walked again with the assistance of a cane. A very dear friend of mine who is an Airline Pilot, had a stroke at the age 45. He was just recertified to fly again and I would fly with him anytime! Strokes are weird. So glad to see your recovery is going great and still going!! Keep up the fight! Cause The Good Lord knows when my Momma had hers....SHE NEVER GAVE UP! Deus et pax vobiscum!
As someone who worked skilled 'wicked' nursing care for so long, that last video was so hard to watch. I've seen SO MANY people in that and worse condition and I was teary for you through the whole thing. Now, seeing this is so crazy good to see. Recovery is insanely hard and you are doing so incredibly well
I don't know if it will help, but instead of a mouse you could try a trackball mouse, there is a bunch of types, like thumb operated, or hand/finger operated, and if you buy one that is ambidexterous you can use your left hand / switch between hands. (I use Kensington Expert Mouse, but most people recommend Kensington Slimblade Pro instead of it, but there are cheaper options)
Fortunately Windows offers the option of switching to Left Hand mode in the mouse settings, so his existing mouse could still be useful as long as it's not a super ergonomic design. But a track ball is a good idea, I used one for quite a while at a previous job and it was pretty great.
My dad had a stroke, he recovered really well and pushed himself too hard trying to return to his old life, within a year he had another much worse one and now can't use his left arm or swallow fluids very well. Whatever you do please take it slow, don't push yourself, basically take 5 years off
wow, you've come a long way. I hope you can keep on keeping on. Seeing people get through things like this makes me realize that my life might not be so difficult after all and I can go and do that stuff I was meaning to get to
honestly the mere fact that you've gone from a stroke to nearly unnoticeable symptoms within only a month is a testament to both your doctor's excellent care and your own incredible strength of will. I'm no expert in the field, but that sort of recovery, even if incomplete, is something to be astonished by. I'm glad that Austin found his way back, and while the old ticker is still being a pain I'm sure your unbreakable mind can push through that struggle just as impressively as you've done here
Hey Austin, I just got out of the hospital for newfound heart problems of my own. I just want you to know your video helped me get through it immensely. Tachycardia is new and difficult to me, but your video helped me so much.
Dam, hope things get better. My father has had 4 strokes and 2 heart attacks since 2012. Just a month ago me and my mother had to perform CPR on my father while he was in V-fib (Ventricular fibrillation) for 20 minutes before the police arrived with an AED. My father has been incredibly lucky in avoiding any permanent brain or nerve damage and my entire family is CPR & First Aid certified. Good luck with your recovery m8, and have a good day!
It's great to see you on a path to physical and mental wellness. We hear a lot about PTSD but not enough about the other side - post traumatic growth - that positive change after a life crisis or traumatic event. Wishing you continued success on your way back!
Austin, don't give up hope on your recovery. Keep going! You're super creative and you've been flexing your creativity muscles all your life. A stroke can damage those skills, they can cause your creativity to slumber but it can't take it away. There's more than one method to get to a desired outcome and necessity is the mother to all inventions. I know you'll figure out a way to remain creative. Our brains are flexible. Lost connections can be restored and reinforced with practice. Is there permanent damage somewhere? Then people will figure out a process that circumvent that region of functions in the brains to get to the same destination anyways. And your work will still be valuable. Maybe even more so.
The recovery afterwards is so so so important to keep up on. My grandpa had a stroke a few years back that almost killed him and paralyzed a few limbs, parts of his face and his tongue. He did the absolute bare minimum to get back to where he could survive without aid and then stopped his physical therapy. He basically cant talk now and lost a lot of mobility that he could have got back, but hes alright overall. So happy to see your progress so far is going well!
Austin the amount of progress you've made is staggering. Can't wait to see you get back in action.
Did not expect to see you here
Hey do you know if the drink machine in subnautica is a rinsing marching or a filling machine?
Should my mother have her hands on my peanut butter
Love you babe
its amazing how much hes done in such little time
Hi, Austin. This is David Archer. I'm the tall long-haired dude with glasses that awkwardly introduced himself to you after our 3 hour auditions at Springfield Little Theatre. The fact that you showed up to a theatre audition in such a lively state is a testament to your strength and determination. Over the 3-4 years that I've watched your videos, you have been nothing short of inspiring. You are strong willed, down to earth, and honest. And when I saw you that night, I almost forgot about your surgery and your stroke. Despite the pain you have been experiencing, you walked the pain off so well that you seemed in the same high spirits I remember from 4 years ago. And even though we only talked for a few minutes, I'm honored that I got to meet you.
I further wish you luck on your recovery and hope you start feeling better soon. Also, I wish to congratulate you on being cast in the role of Monsieur Bouc in "Murder on the Orient Express."
You're here for a reason, Austin.
I'm not certain what it is, but I'd say it's a damn good one.
God bless you. :)👍
Wow, i didn’t know he got such a role in a wonderful play! The murder in the orient Express is one of my favourites? When does it run?
@@TL_1920 October 18-27.
@@bigginox nice! Going to have to investigate that a bit further😁
0:09 Saying he made some progress is an understatement. Austin looks and sounds fantastic and I couldn’t be happier for him. I don’t want to count my chickens before they hatch, but a major part of my career is providing physical and speech therapy for stroke victims, and I’d say it’s looking likely that Austin will make a full recovery. Fight the good fight, don’t try to do too much too soon, and stay positive! We’ll support you every step of the way!
Seriously. He's made some major progress in a short time. It is so encouraging.
For sure. He didn't even sound like himself before. Sounds like he has way more energy now
My uncle had a stroke about 3 years ago and only recently started to get better, Austin has made so much progress so quickly it’s inspiring to see.
Piggybacking to say- maybe a rollerball mouse would be easier for you to use? I love them. They may not be a perfect solution and they might be worse to use, I’m not sure. But I thought I’d throw it out there in case they do help you, Austin.
Austin, I've worked with disability-related IT for years, ranging from congenital palsies & spasticity to strokes / Parkinson's, involving a range of hand / foot controllers and speech recognition packages. I'd recommend avoiding the turnkey uber-costly crap that 'specialist' disability outfits offer. Often the cheap solutions are best. A rollerball mouse works for many with decentish upper-body mobility. It's basically an inverted, stationary mouse - you use your right thumb to roll the ball, and its buttons are on the side or sloped top. The index finger can operate both buttons. For others, simply switching to their non-dominant hand for mouse control can help - it's not as bad as learning to write with it! But in your case this may be counterproductive as I'm assuming you want to exercise your right hand, not stop using it. But it's an option, and one I use myself when I get wrist cramp. Hang in their, buddy, you've a huge sympathetic audience out there.
I was going to ask if a rollerball mouse would help
@@Uhohlisa Yup, it may well!
I was also going to suggest this. Also, thought they're hard to find now, but an eraser head mouse can be used with a single finger on one hand and use the control button on the keyboard to right click).
if he is on mac, he could also use a voice control
Man, the difference between videos is insane. Welcome back dude!
Oh it's nice to see 😊 I hope everyone remains healthy 🙏☺️
having gone through a rough time that also affected my mobility, i have to say its incredible how much you can accomplish, in ashort ammount of time, with discipline and after you get through the mental hurdle of NOT letting the dire circumstances dictate who you are. cause when you go thorugh a debilitating health issue, your norm becomes the pain and just laying on a bed, you kinda lose yourself for a bit. but you gotta push through and find yourself again, being a shell forever cant be an option. and like austin said the people around you can be a BIG help, but the biggest change still needs to come from within.
@@samuraibeluga3749 You should make this part of the main comment because way more people would see it
It is the difference between convinced-there-must-be-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel and can-see-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel.
Definitely you can see the progress ❤ well done Austin
Austin, I remember a while back you asked your audience what they believed your channel was about. And at the end of your last video when you told the story about the gardener: I finally figured it out.
You tell stories. You’re a story teller, and a really good one.
I’m glad to see you’re doing a lot better. And thank you for sharing your story with us.
So awesome to see you in good spirits dude! Truly inspiring to see you persevere through such a tough spot.
Pookie
pook
Pookie wookie
S-TIER
Bless your heart, man. I hope you continue to have a safe recovery.
something that my mom did when she had a stroke was she completely switched from using her left hand to her left foot. she learned to write, type, and use a mouse with her foot. it was legitimately impressive.
i remembered the book "my left foot"
Why not her right hand?
@@devindouzstuff_8250 edit: i can’t read
good question
@@devindouzstuff_8250Definitely my question. Having injured my right arm before (I'm right-handed), it was infinitely easier to use my left hand for stuff than it would have been to whip out my foot. Makes me wonder if she didn't have two hands or if something had already happened to the other one?
@@devindouzstuff_8250 she wasn't that bright
"I just wanted to be as far away from a heart monitor as possible" dude that is too relatable 😂
Glad to hear you're improving. Praying it continues!
The outward difference in how you appear and sound from the previous update to this one is stark. You seem to have improved. I know that it's still a struggle, but youre making good progress! Keep up the great work Austin.
Might be as simple as the surroundings. Just look at the thumb.
Black void vs greenery and sunshine.
@@ieuanhunt552it’s not only the environments, he sounds more energetic and there’s more emotion in what he’s saying. The last video was extremely deadpan, and slow, but now he’s speaking more “normally”, for lack of a better word
Austin! You have made enormous steps forward!
My mom had a stroke shortly after birth and lost the use of her right hand.
She went on to have a career, husband and two children. People told her she shouldn't have kids because she wouldn't be able to care for a baby. She did it anyway and she's a great mom.
As a kid she got teased. She pushed on anyway. She couldn't play an instrument so she joined the choir. She uses a mouse with her left hand. Buys only cars where she can reach around the steering column with her left hand to turn the ignition. She found other ways to do things.
Today, people often don't notice her small, mis-shaped hand until they go to shake her hand. She just got busy living.
Thanks for taking the time and energy to make this video for us. ❤❤❤
After my 6th stroke, In my cerebellum, I lost feeling and dexterity in my right hand. I was also blind for a few weeks and couldn't keep my balance and walk, and got so dizzy laying down that I was constantly nauseous. I am left handed thank goodness, but I am a network engineer so I type and use a mouse a lot. Get a tactile Keyboard. Like an old IBM Model M. A company called UniComp makes new ones. The click you hear will help. Learn to used your mouse with your other hand. I am left handed but I always use my mouse with my right hand. It has gotten better over the last year and I have regained some feeling, and I can type on a non tactile keyboard when needed. Also, I reloaded ammo for my physical therapy. I spent 3 months in the basement running my single stage press making myself do it with my right hand. It is really hard and slow at first, but you brain will relearn things over time and now I can reload 1000's of rounds. The physical therapy helped but not as much as actually doing things and relearning how to do them. And building muscle and using them to compensate for the ones that don't work right anymore. Today there are a few annoying things that still exist, but I work, and do everything I did before. You have to make yourself keep doing things. When I came home from the hospital, I would get out of bed, use my walker to get to the kitchen, and wash 3 dishes. 3 weeks later I made it downstairs to my basement.
The effort you've made is incredible, 6 strokes is crazy. I wish you the best man congrats
When you say you were blind for a few weeks, do you mean completely black zero vision or just too blurred to see? As it recovered, what was it like, was it just one day you could see again or was it a gradual thing? If it was gradual was it noticable as it happened or did you just realise one day that you could see well enough to do X again?
I wish I could've done reloading as physical therapy 😅
For me it was my shoulder that lost dexterity from chronic pain, and I just had to do regular old exercises. Congrats on your recovery, and finding a creative way to kill two birds with one stone.
Would a trackball be a better alternative to a mouse?
Just putting it out there that mechanical keyboards are an alive and well hobby, you aren't limited to IBM or Unicomp. I personally recommend Keychron, their keyboards are pretty much universal with any kind of standard key switch, cap, and layout. There's dozens of different models in various shapes and sizes, and they're cheaper than those Unicomp boards.
5:58 "When you're numb, you'll take whatever feeling you can get" really hits
The improvement just in the natural delivery of your speech between this and the video 4 weeks ago is so amazing, what a relief that your recovery is going so well.
That said, it still can't be easy, here's to your continued progress and all of the great things you'll no doubt continue to do regardless of any setbacks! The way you're powering through this is inspiring!
I'm so glad to see you're doing better! It's a night and day difference between this and the last video. I'll continue to pray for your full recovery and that it's speedy.
Austin... I'm a computers teacher here in Brazil... To my students with disability we use adapted mouse and keyboard... One mouse we use often is called big track ball that has a ball you roll for mouse use... It's not perfect but it's something... For keyboard there are plastic covers that looks like beehives that you can put over your keyboard to rest your hand over it and stick your fingers in holes so you can press the buttons... Again, it's not perfect but it is a solution... There are mouses you can use in different hand positions and some that track the movement of your hand... If you can I really recommend trying them... You might find something that really fits you
I mentioned that mouse myself thank you for giving its name as i couldn't think of it ❤
There are also programs that use voice input rather than keyboard input. For programming, for instance, look up "Cursorless: A spoken language for editing code". There's a video on it by Pokey Rule at the Strange Loop 2023 conference that I recommend.
@@shandy2470 Same. First thing I thought was "trackball". There are so many different styles I'm sure he could find one that works best for his hand.
Just jumping onto a top comment to add: foot pedals. If using fingers is too distracting, foot pedals exist that readily map to mouse buttons, keys, or entire key sequences!
I use a logitech ball mouse... much easier than a standard mouse.
12:44 I legit laughed out loud at that transition to the sponsor 😂
You have no fucking idea how happy the first few seconds of this video made me. GREAT progress! You're a stud!
As a man who has gone through rehab recently for the loss of a leg, I'm right there with you buddy ❤
Damn, this is PROGRESS! Nice to see you doing much better, man!
I'm just a voice in the void of the internet, but I cannot express the relief I felt seeing & hearing you now versus the last video. I was so worried for you. On countless sleepless nights your videos helped me sleep, when my anxiety starts to trigger a panic attack the cadence of your voice in your videos calms me down. You have done so much for me - someone you'll probably never meet - I'm so grateful that you are on the road to recovery. You are a champion, and you got this
Love it dude! "I had a stroke," Sponsored by Squarespace© ..... lol
Gotta pay for the stroke somehow xd
@@CrazyCobraCC 'Murica
Hahahahaha! He really did it! (I read your comment before finishing the video.)
At least it's not BS Help.
gotta pay those medical bills
Dude, I was so scared when this was all originally coming about. You're one of my favorite UA-camrs, so it was definitely a 'yikes' moment for me. So glad you're getting better!
Props to Squarespace for sponsoring Austin through these times on videos that might not even do as well as his previous ones!
wym this is probably the most popular video he'll make
I knew you were gonna kick ass. I knew it! I’m so glad you’re feeling better and better.
I’m in tears im in a wheelchair a lot of the struggles hit home in a i can not properly express. God bless you, man. Keep up the amazing work.
The deep parts of your voice are back! I’m so glad to hear them again and to see that you’re improving
Hey Austin, I’m really happy to see you’re doing well. I’ve also been dealing with a heart condition (congenital heart disease, my heart is on the right side, among other things) since I was born, and I hope you continue to do well.
Woah
@@plazima It's not what it seems, that's 1 dollar. Still a nice donation though
Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.
Microdosing helped me get out of the pit of my worst depressive episode, a three year long episode, enough to start working on my mental health.
Does he make delivery across the state??
Just a heads up to anyone reading this, it's probably a group of spam bots; please do not heed their advice.
@@nashadkajr.3111let's report it so they don't victimize anyone with their fake doctors name and steal their money.
@@nashadkajr.3111 Yeah, you see the same kind of stuff on finance related content too.
You sound so so much better since the last video! Always thinking of you and hoping you’re feeling better in yourself
I am beyond relieved to see that you're speaking and seemingly thinking like yourself. This planet would be a noticeably worse place for at least a million people without your mind in it
It is so good to see you up and moving about. We're all cheering you on with lots of love and support!
4:33 oh I love it, that's got to be a 60s drawing and hasn't been updated since. Fantastic. Congrats btw, you look much, much better than last time
I remember seeing the "info"-video a month ago - what I saw was a Austin I didn't recognized and it truly devasted me.
Now I watch this video - I see the Autsin I recognize again. And I want to say: Holy, that comeback so far is truly amazing. It feels like you just gave life the middle finger and said "Screw it, Imma go full throttle".
Keep it up, listen to all the stuff the doctors say and take all the time you need to get back to full health!
2:06 ahhhh i know exactly which nerve youre talking abt here. my right pinky, ring finger, and abt half of my middle finger i struggle with due to some repetitive movement damage; way, way more minor than your case but i feel your pain. you dont realize how important your pinky is til you cant use it anymore ;-;
austin!! what a beast!! you have a lot of people sending you love, i’m so happy to see you bouncing back. keep on keepin’ on, friend.
I'm dealing with complex migraines that simulate the short term effects of a stroke along with the tremors and tingling. I hope you keep feeling better! I know this is rough
im dealing with something similar, anything youve found that helps?
Any idea what caused it for you?
2:42 You may have already tried this, but for script writing you can use voice-to-text writing and/or dictation and having someone else write your words out. I'm really sorry you have to deal with this. I hope you recover completely! ❤
Never watched your channel at all, just somehow got algorithm-ed into your "I had a stroke" video, and been searching your channel name once every few days since, since you looked downright awful in that and it actually kinda stressed me out despite not knowing you at all. Was very happy to click this today, you look and sound thousands of times better!
I had to stop what I was doing to watch this video. My stroke left me so that I have no balance. Standing, I always feel like I'm falling., and my left side, I can't feel in space. It's difficult for me to walk, especially outside. But thank goodness for my family who is always ready with a shoulder I can hold on to. I'm glad to hear that you have doctors and professionals helping you. I didn't get any of that, and most of my recovery I had to do alone. If I could offer a piece of advice, remember to be kinder to yourself. When you can't do something, it's just today that you can't do something. But keep trying because you might be able to do it tomorrow. Thank you for this update. ngl, the last video was pretty scary. I'm happy to see that you're on the mend. Keep going and you'll get there eventually. All the best.
I am so proud of you! I had my stroke in 2020. I am 67 years old. Still have issues...but WE ARE STILL HERE!!
YOU ABSOLUTE LEGEND I SAW YOU WALK INTO FRAME AND I CHEERD HECK YEAHHH BABYYYY IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU, on a more serious note take as long as you need! You got this
This. So much this. We're all cheering you on, Austin!
I noticed as soon as I started this video that Austin sounded a lot more like himself than the last video. you're amazing Austin.
Your determination is just like my Grandad's. He had a stroke late 2022 at the age of 79, but he was absolutely determined that he wouldn't just 'get busy dying' as it were, so he's constantly doing things to get back to normality. He's even back driving his car again now!
My dude I know a stroke victim or two and you have bounced back phenomenally. I for one am looking forward to the random historical/fun fact style deep dives on all the random hardware and accessibility stuff you’ll inevitably discover on the way
You're looking a million times better man. Im glad to see ya making progress. Ill keep prayin for ya man.
Reminds me a lot of when I had my colon removed and the surgery went poorly so I ended up going septic (And, unrelated, they didn't notice an IV blowout in my arm for a LONG time, so I was also missing a good half the skin on my arm). Mind you, it wasn't as bad as a stroke, but I woke up and basically had no capacity to lift or move my legs whatsoever. Stayed in various hospital/rehab facilities for a month trying to learn how to walk again.
You weren't lying about just feeling SO TIRED and wanting to be left alone. It's a good thing nurses are stubborn, because I was not the most compliant patient. I was just soooooo uncontrollably, devastatingly tired man, it's hard to describe.
I have a scar just like yours and have been through a lot of the same stuff in the last four months. You have managed to put words to the experience of recovery that I couldn't, and I'm sharing this video with my friends. Really glad to see you up and around. Recovering is the hardest work we can do and also the most important.
Seeing how much Austin's mental faculties recovering is so heart warming
HEY! you sound great!! :D
This is an EXTREMELY relieving video. Just the sound of your voice makes me happy. So glad to see you're on that road to recovery.
2:42 You could use (for things like writing scripts,) a voice to text software (like in google docs, which has it built in.) On phones (well, at least iPhones,) there is this cool thing where you can control the phone with soley your voice. For example it can select things on the screen for you if you choose to show numbers. You can then turn on a grid which lets you zoom in, and then interact with things.
Hopefully this helps :)
Android has an amazing keyboard for voice input called Futo Keyboard, best text to speech dictation I've seen. And it's all local on the phone, no internet required.
It might be better for American accents but for British accents at least speech to text is an absolute disaster. Additionally things like fans/aircon or just the sound of your computer can confuse the system to the point where it no longer recognises anything.
I've had terrible luck with speech recognition but maybe I'd get used to it if I had to
@@jimmydesouza4375 I don't think the Futo Keyboard has trained a model for English accents, but you're able to import your own model (or someone else's) if you really wanted to.
I am a medical speech language pathologist, and I want to say that I am proud of you - your recovery, determination, and insight. I want to share your video with my patients to help them through their recovery. You make so many good points that I try to convey to my patients. But it's just not the same as it coming from someone who actually had a stroke. Keep up the hard work, and thank you for sharing!!
I had a stroke during My second brain surgery. have left side numbness weakness tingling now. keep it up, man!!!
You’re both troopers! Hope life has become better for you since then ❤
9 months ago, I was involved in an accident, that left me in critical condition. I was in a medical coma for a week and a half, I woke up with 2 majorly broken arms, a broken pelvis, 5 broken ribs and more injuries to my lower body. I relate to your experience with pain immensely. I found that the only for me to get better was to enjoy the pain, celebrate it. I strived to feel the pain while doing my exercises, knowing that if I feel it, I'm betting my self. I can tell you that the road to recovery is hard and long but you already know that. You will get better 100% even if doesn't look like it. Today I'm back to running 10ks, and able to do everything a normal person should be able to. Only thing that's restricting me is my right hand not being able to flex my wrist all the way, even after doctors told me I won't be able to move it at all. I hope your road to recovery will be fast, easy as possible and fruitful.
the progress is showing! get well soon Austin!
Austin! Wow! I’m an occupational therapist and I am so incredibly happy to see your progress from your first video back to now. I can tell you’re really putting in the work and following your therapists advice! Keep it up!!!
Holy smokes. Just learning about this! Wishing you the best on the recovery road!
The good news is that you look and sound much better than in your last update. You seem much more energetic and much more like yourself than the version of you last time that you can tell was going through a lot.
I was in the ER waiting for transfer to a mental hospital for 10 days and yeah, you really do start to not fully remember outside. The psych room i was in didnt have a window, and i wasn't allowed to leave the room unless i had a guard with me (if I had to use the restroom or shower.) It was a great sight to see sunlight after that.
After the last video you seem like a completely new person. CONGRATULATIONS, keep fighting the good fight, we'll be here cheering you on from the sidelines the whole way!
I’m so incredibly happy to see you again. You are doing so much better than I hoped for. Congratulations on your amazing recovery 🥰❤️😍 I hear and understand your frustrations, but I’m just so happy to have you back 🥰
I work in the physical therapy world. Your message about pushing through the discomfort is something I try to communicate to every single patient. Some people are eager to work hard and do everything they can to get home, and others seem to just want to give up and lie in bed all day and night, they don't understand that action creates motivation, and you're not going to get better with zero pain or discomfort. On the other side of that coin, it's incredibly beneficial to build up your body as much as you can no matter what your current health is, so when you get knocked down from injuries or sickness, you have a much stronger base to rebuild from.
Nice. Dude is getting there.
Goodluck.
So good to see you smiling again. Welcome back!
Eyo i'll thank you for him, thats no small dono 👌
It’s so good to see how much your hard work is paying off.
You mention how much of an effect just being able to go outside has on you - I’m 100% with you on that. I eat lunch outside every day at work, unless it’s storming so hard that I simply can’t keep my food dry even under the umbrellas.
A couple of things about this coming winter - even if you’re going outside as much as you can, you might want to consider getting a full-spectrum light panel to sit in front of for a little while every day, to combat the shorter daylight hours. And you might find yourself needing more protection from the cold than you did before, especially your stroke-affected hand.
Thanks so much for keeping us updated, stay safe!
In your update, my heart sank when you started talking because you sounded ROUGH, buddy. I was so glad to hear your usual tone back in this video. You're doing great!
Welcome back Austin!
My 36 year old little brother had a major stroke back in Feb. Insurance didn't want to continue paying for his PT, so he was forced to go back home where he has very little mobility, essentially stuck in a bed or wheelchair. I try to be hopeful for him, but I don't really have the best outlook for his situation.
It was caused by a hole in his heart; a hole that we all have in the womb that typically closes up after birth. But, for ~30% of people, that hole is still there, undetected until such a terrible event happens. If the hole is closed, a bloodclot will likely pass to the lungs. If open, it passes through the hole and up into the brain.
I'm glad your situation is more positive, and all the best to you on your way to a full recovery.
i just broke my humerus bone and during surgery they damaged my radialis nerve, so while this is in no way comparable, this video is still super helpful:)
Man's absolutely glowing. Can't wait to see your new videos when you're fully healed (here's hoping!)
The difference between the videos is absolutely remarkable. So happy for you!!
I've never seen stroke recovery so quick - hope you continue at this pace!
7:50 You literally touched grass ♥️😂
0:35 I remember those socks from my stroke back in April.
I hope you're doing well chap.
@@zakgault4209 I am! I was very fortunate to have no permanent effects at all. It sucked for a while but I’m fully back to normal now. Many do not have the fortune that I did and I try to remember that and keep it in mind every day.
damn bro looking better! much love to ya
Glad to see you doing better Austin; it was unnerving to see and hear the toll this procedure and subsequent events took on you. To see the difference in this video is a testament to your determination and the dedication of your medical team and loved ones. I hope your tachycardia continues to dissipate and that you can grow stronger each day. Sending strength and peace.
i have a very different health condition, but i was in a physical and occupational therapy program last summer that was so exhausting but so worth it. i wish you the absolute best with your recovery and i'm so glad that you're seeing progress. ❤
This video has no errors to point out bro, you just getting better and better at editing
I know there are good days and bad days... But the difference in 4 weeks is mental!
Keep pushing forward dude you got this!
NGL I didn't know about your channel until this situation. Not only is your content great; so is your recovery
Well strokes are so different and effects so many people in different ways! My Mom had a Major stroke and ended up partially paralyzed but regained her speech and eventually walked again with the assistance of a cane. A very dear friend of mine who is an Airline Pilot, had a stroke at the age 45. He was just recertified to fly again and I would fly with him anytime! Strokes are weird. So glad to see your recovery is going great and still going!! Keep up the fight! Cause The Good Lord knows when my Momma had hers....SHE NEVER GAVE UP! Deus et pax vobiscum!
As someone who worked skilled 'wicked' nursing care for so long, that last video was so hard to watch. I've seen SO MANY people in that and worse condition and I was teary for you through the whole thing. Now, seeing this is so crazy good to see. Recovery is insanely hard and you are doing so incredibly well
I don't know if it will help, but instead of a mouse you could try a trackball mouse, there is a bunch of types, like thumb operated, or hand/finger operated, and if you buy one that is ambidexterous you can use your left hand / switch between hands. (I use Kensington Expert Mouse, but most people recommend Kensington Slimblade Pro instead of it, but there are cheaper options)
Fortunately Windows offers the option of switching to Left Hand mode in the mouse settings, so his existing mouse could still be useful as long as it's not a super ergonomic design. But a track ball is a good idea, I used one for quite a while at a previous job and it was pretty great.
Great to see you doing so much better!
My dad had a stroke, he recovered really well and pushed himself too hard trying to return to his old life, within a year he had another much worse one and now can't use his left arm or swallow fluids very well. Whatever you do please take it slow, don't push yourself, basically take 5 years off
The same cause resulted in both strokes. He didn't have a stroke because he didn't "take it easy."
wow, you've come a long way. I hope you can keep on keeping on.
Seeing people get through things like this makes me realize that my life might not be so difficult after all and I can go and do that stuff I was meaning to get to
Welcome back Austin :D
I had a stroke with I was 14, and have had roughly a dozen TIAs since then. My deepest sympathies are with you!
honestly the mere fact that you've gone from a stroke to nearly unnoticeable symptoms within only a month is a testament to both your doctor's excellent care and your own incredible strength of will. I'm no expert in the field, but that sort of recovery, even if incomplete, is something to be astonished by. I'm glad that Austin found his way back, and while the old ticker is still being a pain I'm sure your unbreakable mind can push through that struggle just as impressively as you've done here
Hey Austin, I just got out of the hospital for newfound heart problems of my own. I just want you to know your video helped me get through it immensely. Tachycardia is new and difficult to me, but your video helped me so much.
I've never been so excited to see a video. Glad to see you're doing better!
Dam, hope things get better. My father has had 4 strokes and 2 heart attacks since 2012. Just a month ago me and my mother had to perform CPR on my father while he was in V-fib (Ventricular fibrillation) for 20 minutes before the police arrived with an AED. My father has been incredibly lucky in avoiding any permanent brain or nerve damage and my entire family is CPR & First Aid certified. Good luck with your recovery m8, and have a good day!
You are already looking a lot better!
It's great to see you on a path to physical and mental wellness. We hear a lot about PTSD but not enough about the other side - post traumatic growth - that positive change after a life crisis or traumatic event. Wishing you continued success on your way back!
Squarespace sponsoring this mans medical bills
Austin, don't give up hope on your recovery. Keep going!
You're super creative and you've been flexing your creativity muscles all your life.
A stroke can damage those skills, they can cause your creativity to slumber but it can't take it away.
There's more than one method to get to a desired outcome and necessity is the mother to all inventions.
I know you'll figure out a way to remain creative. Our brains are flexible.
Lost connections can be restored and reinforced with practice.
Is there permanent damage somewhere?
Then people will figure out a process that circumvent that region of functions in the brains to get to the same destination anyways.
And your work will still be valuable. Maybe even more so.
Honestly, this video made my day!
The recovery afterwards is so so so important to keep up on. My grandpa had a stroke a few years back that almost killed him and paralyzed a few limbs, parts of his face and his tongue. He did the absolute bare minimum to get back to where he could survive without aid and then stopped his physical therapy. He basically cant talk now and lost a lot of mobility that he could have got back, but hes alright overall. So happy to see your progress so far is going well!