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.
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.
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. :)👍
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).
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?
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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!!
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! ❤
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!
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
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!
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!
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.
Dude, I was so scared when this was all originally coming about. You're one of my favorite RUclipsrs, so it was definitely a 'yikes' moment for me. So glad you're getting better!
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.
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
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
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 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.
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.
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 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.
@@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.
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!
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!
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’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 🥰
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!!!
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.
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 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:)
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.
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 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. ❤
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.
@37Kilo2 I'm so, so sorry to hear about your brother. I'm an OT and certified stroke rehab specialist with a nonprofit channel dedicated to stroke recovery and rehab. It's all completely free, nothing behind a paywall. My nanny had a stroke in 2019, then I had postpartum preeclampsia last year that could have lead to a stroke had I not been hospitalized and received treatment. This is a topic near and dear to my heart. I hope you find my videos helpful!
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
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!
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 ;-;
Oh my god :O glad to see you made it and recovering so well!! I had a health emergency last year too, i had open heart surgery. And I'm only 30. Absolute worst 3 months of my life.
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
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.
It is SUCH a breath of fresh air to see and hear you in (at least relatively) good health and spirits. It's especially refreshing to hear you got your usual cadence and intonation back. Sorry to hear about your hand issues, and while I don't have any recommendations for keyboard replacements, you should try a top-mounted trackball mouse like the Kensington Expert -- you can use whichever parts of your hand have sensation to move the ball around and place the important left and right clicks on whichever buttons are easiest to press. I don't know the specific issues you're dealing with, but this has been a great help for many of my coworkers who have RSI, wrist, hand, and other mobility issues. My grandmother passed from a stroke and her younger sister is just now recovering from her second in a month, and I wouldn't wish one on my worst enemy. What you're going through is maybe one of the toughest things we can deal with as a species, and it fills me with so much hope to see you recovering so well. Hope recovery goes awesome and, again, it's super great to see you're doing well!
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 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
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.
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😁
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
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).
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
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.
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.
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!!
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.
Seeing how much Austin's mental faculties recovering is so heart warming
You have no fucking idea how happy the first few seconds of this video made me. GREAT progress! You're a stud!
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.
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!
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
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
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!!
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
As a man who has gone through rehab recently for the loss of a leg, I'm right there with you buddy ❤
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! ❤
"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!
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
5:58 "When you're numb, you'll take whatever feeling you can get" really hits
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!
12:44 I legit laughed out loud at that transition to the sponsor 😂
Damn, this is PROGRESS! Nice to see you doing much better, man!
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?
It is so good to see you up and moving about. We're all cheering you on with lots of love and support!
So good to see you smiling again. Welcome back!
Eyo i'll thank you for him, thats no small dono 👌
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!
Bless your heart, man. I hope you continue to have a safe recovery.
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.
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!
HEY! you sound great!! :D
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.
7:50 You literally touched grass ♥️😂
Dude, I was so scared when this was all originally coming about. You're one of my favorite RUclipsrs, so it was definitely a 'yikes' moment for me. So glad you're getting better!
You sound so so much better since the last video! Always thinking of you and hoping you’re feeling better in yourself
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.
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 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.
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'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
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 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.
You're looking a million times better man. Im glad to see ya making progress. Ill keep prayin for ya man.
You look and sound so much better, Austin. This totally made my day.
Nice. Dude is getting there.
Goodluck.
Wishing you the best ❤
the progress is showing! get well soon Austin!
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 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.
I knew you were gonna kick ass. I knew it! I’m so glad you’re feeling better and better.
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 ❤
The deep parts of your voice are back! I’m so glad to hear them again and to see that you’re improving
Welcome back Austin!
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 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.
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.
Holy smokes. Just learning about this! Wishing you the best on the recovery road!
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!
damn bro looking better! much love to ya
Dude this is so uplifting!!!!!
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!
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’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 🥰
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!!!
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’m glad you’re better!
Welcome back Austin :D
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 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!!
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.
You are already looking a lot better!
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 know there are good days and bad days... But the difference in 4 weeks is mental!
Keep pushing forward dude you got this!
This video has no errors to point out bro, you just getting better and better at editing
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. ❤
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.
@37Kilo2 I'm so, so sorry to hear about your brother. I'm an OT and certified stroke rehab specialist with a nonprofit channel dedicated to stroke recovery and rehab. It's all completely free, nothing behind a paywall. My nanny had a stroke in 2019, then I had postpartum preeclampsia last year that could have lead to a stroke had I not been hospitalized and received treatment. This is a topic near and dear to my heart. I hope you find my videos helpful!
I've never been so excited to see a video. Glad to see you're doing better!
I've never seen stroke recovery so quick - hope you continue at this pace!
I glad to see you again
Happy to see that your okay
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
Great to see you doing so much better!
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!
thanks for fighting for yourself! Keep going!
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 ;-;
Oh my god :O glad to see you made it and recovering so well!!
I had a health emergency last year too, i had open heart surgery. And I'm only 30. Absolute worst 3 months of my life.
Honestly, this video made my day!
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
Squarespace sponsoring this mans medical bills
Praying you make a full recovery Austin
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.
It is SUCH a breath of fresh air to see and hear you in (at least relatively) good health and spirits. It's especially refreshing to hear you got your usual cadence and intonation back. Sorry to hear about your hand issues, and while I don't have any recommendations for keyboard replacements, you should try a top-mounted trackball mouse like the Kensington Expert -- you can use whichever parts of your hand have sensation to move the ball around and place the important left and right clicks on whichever buttons are easiest to press. I don't know the specific issues you're dealing with, but this has been a great help for many of my coworkers who have RSI, wrist, hand, and other mobility issues.
My grandmother passed from a stroke and her younger sister is just now recovering from her second in a month, and I wouldn't wish one on my worst enemy. What you're going through is maybe one of the toughest things we can deal with as a species, and it fills me with so much hope to see you recovering so well. Hope recovery goes awesome and, again, it's super great to see you're doing well!