Paralyzed But Not Powerless-Kate's Journey Revisited, by Kate Adamson. Redondo Beach, CA: Nosmada Press; 2007. 268 pages, $19.95 (paperback)
Kate Adamson's story of recovery from a debilitating stroke includes the intimacy of a memoir and the elements of a gripping drama. Paralyzed but Not Powerless-Kate's Journey Revisited touches a wide audience and provides hope and encouragement to patients battling any long-term illness or grave medical condition. The author's remarkable story also reminds caregivers and helping professionals alike not to overlook or underestimate the limitless strength and healing role of one's human spirit.
Kate was outwardly healthy and physically fit in 1995 when a double-stem stroke left her paralyzed from head to toe. Until then, her only physical complaint was an occasional but incapacitating headache. The mother of 2 relives her inspiring story in agonizing, concrete details. The massive stroke caused "locked in syndrome," leaving the 33-year-old with only involuntary eye movements. Kate lived in a self-described "glass coffin" in a California hospital's intensive care unit for 70 days: "I am in a coffin. I see and hear everything. But I am shut off from everyone." She recalls grueling treatments while on life support-a trachea tube inserted every 20 minutes to clear her lungs, and a feeding tube placed into her stomach without adequate anesthesia. During one episode, a bacteria-filled feeding tube was removed for 8 agonizing days until an infectious disease specialist stepped in.
The author's story is powerful and informative but often difficult to read. Kate's raw and emotion-filled entries are well-balanced, however, by her husband's observations called From the Other Side of the Bed. While Kate battled for life, her attorney husband Steven Klugman fought for her treatment each step of the way. When doctors told Steven to contact a funeral home, for example, he refused to accept a hopeless prognosis: "[horizontal ellipsis] I had a deep personal conviction that life was meant to be lived-and lived in whatever circumstances God intended." A breakthrough came when Kate began to blink-once for yes, twice for no. Says Kate: "Now I can do things. I can blink. I can think. Because I can blink and think, I can communicate." Miraculously, Kate made slow but steady progress after she was transferred to a first-rate rehabilitation facility, largely due to her husband's dogged effort and an understanding lung specialist.
Kate's and Steven's entries are filled with inspiring thoughts on life, love, and family. In From the Other Side of the Bed, Steven offers valuable advice to all caregivers, including the following:
* Every patient needs an active advocate.
* Patient advocates need the determination of a trial lawyer.
* Stroke affects more than the patient. "Family takes the first and hardest hit."
* Doctors deserve respect but not reverence. Remember, you know the patient better than the doctors.
* Trust nurses-they spend more time with the patient than physicians do.
* Make sure nurses chart each of the patient's achievements. Insurance companies base crucial decisions on patient progress, so no feat is unimportant.
* Know your case manager. A social worker got Kate's young children a grounds pass, so they could visit outside the medical facility.
* Don't hesitate to negotiate hospital fees if you need financial assistance. If necessary, get a lawyer to help.
* Lean on your faith.
* Rely on friends, family and community for help.
* Stay hopeful even in outwardly hopeless situations. "Doubt can be a powerful tool in the right hands."
Kate's survival and recovery are inspiring. Today, her left arm is still paralyzed and she walks with some effort, the foreword says in part. A New Zealand native, Kate is a tireless advocate for stroke victims nationwide. This follow-up to the author's earlier book, Kate's Journey: Triumph over Adversity (2004), includes Steven's important entries as well as a useful appendix, with the exercises Kate uses in her own maintenance program. Also included are entries on insurance issues, rehabilitation and recovery, stroke and emotions, stroke and marriage, support groups, and other relevant topics.
-Janice Tigar-Kramer, MA, MLIS
Reference Librarian, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan