I heard both of you being interviewed on National Radio this morning. Good on you for sharing your story and your journey.

Hang in Darryl. Our bodies, including our brains. have an amazing capacity to heal.

In 1996 my brain was seriously damaged as the result of a virus. At that time, two neurologists gave no hope of any recovery.

I have since discovered that in 1998 Prof Richard Faull, of Auckland University, and his team were the first in the world to prove that we generate new brain cells. Richard was awarded the Rutherford Science Award, NZ’s top science award, last year. I only learned of Richard’s research about two years ago. I found it so encouraging and strongly belief that having a window of hope is like a light at the end of the tunnel.

I wrote to Richard and faxed a copy of my brain scan report to him. I am fortunate to have had a chat with Richard and he said that I, and many others like me, are proof that their research is true.

I’m writing to encourage you to keep in going. I know that for many years I felt that I would never have an enjoyable life. At one point I was unable to read or write and if someone spoke to me my concentration span was a maximum of two sentences. After six years I was able to use a computer again. I still can’t read or write for very long, but I can for a short time. I value everything that I had lost and regained. It has all taken time. I read in a book called Quantum Wellness a great sentence, that said something like “lean towards what you want”

Recently I smashed my little finger in the wardrobe sliding door. It has taken many months to grow out and it is now almost repaired. As I’ve watched it heal, I have marvelled at the body’s capacity to heal.

Looking back, it was my fear of never being well enough to enjoy life that really sapped my energy and every day my negative thoughts poisoned my day.

Darryl and Mike I honour the guts you both have and know that with the right beliefs, dedication and making the best of every day that we get there. We may never be who we were. We may never do the things that we did before, but we sure can reach a place where we feel life is worth living and precious.

I have learned to adjust to my new life. So far, I have not been able to return to work, yet I realise that life comes in many shapes and forms and that my life is worth living, even with limitations. My life is filled with laughter and love. I continue to do the best I can to improve, but now enjoy life as it is right now, in the moment.

I have found acupuncture extremely beneficial and have read, on a number of occasions, that acupunture is beneficial to the brain.

I go to a chinese acupunturist and herbalist, at Bellevue Health Centre in Mt Eden, in Auckland (phone 630-6331). Many of his patients take only the herbs. Some because they don’t like needles and others because they live some distance away or overseas. He has helped people with an amazing range of ailments. I have recommended him to many people and all feel that they have benefitted.

I recently met a lady that does work to repair the brain. Her website is http://www.family-focus.co.nz Her name is Noeline Levinson and she uses sound therapy to evoke changes in the brain. I have not tried her treatment, but she was suggested to me by a friend.
Perhaps next year I will investigate it further.

Whatever you choose to do, I encourage you to sense what feels right for you and to give it a go for long enough to have a chance of helping. Many things that have benefitted me, took a long time to show results.

Initially I tried to reason, in my head, what choices to make. After a few years I learned to follow my gut instinct, including when to start and when to stop. I also listened to every suggestions and kept all information offered to me. I have boxes full of stuff. I heard a doctor on the radio say that after the brain that the gut has the most nerves and that is why it is called the second brain. If my gut response was to try something, I would then shift to my head to look at the logistics of it all. How was I going to get there and could I afford the treatment.

I look forward to revisiting your blog and reading of your progress, that I am confident will continue to expand.

If you want to write and ask me anything you are most welcome.

Love and blessings to you Darryl and all your family and friends
Gail

I hope Darryl is still going full steam ahead. We’d just like to wish you all a merry christmas and a very happy new year.

Best wishes, Sue Gibbons and Family

Darryl, you are an inspiration to mankind!

Kia kaha!!!

Bill Thurston