The stress of aphasia and recovery

When my stroke happened, I couldn't talk. I slowly recovered that ability, but not without some stress, worries and frustration. And, as this story (link below) reminds everyone, aphasia doesn't reduce intelligence.

Check out this story about someone who speaks volumes of stroke rehab - by not saying much at all:

The stroke survivor has spent the last six years learning to speak again, thanks to aphasia, a condition that can range from trouble finding words to losing the ability to speak, read, or write.

It does not affect intelligence. Tom understands exactly what you've said, and in his mind knows what he wants to say - but the message gets scrambled when he opens his mouth to articulate a thought.

"Before...smoke, smoke, smoke," Tom said in describing what likely led to the stroke at just 49. "But now - quit."