Summary Of Ambiguity By Jean-Dominique Bauby

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Jean-Dominique Bauby revealed“…I would have to rely on myself if I wanted to prove that my IQ was still higher than a turnip” (Bauby 82). Bauby’s account has augmented my perception of those who endure and succumb to stroke. I now ascertain the struggles of trying to preserve independence and retain dignity whilst enduring the collapse of the body. Having a stroke can effect a person’s self-esteem, I could sense Bauby’s feelings of anger, apprehension, sadness, and fear in wavering points while reading. “My weekly bath plunges me into distress and happiness” (Bauby 17) demonstrates his frustration of having to be bedridden and reliant on caregivers. His memoir provided insight on how many patients with stroke cope with ambiguity, even Bauby …show more content…

Locked-in syndrome comprises damage to the pons (located in the brainstem). From prior lectures, I assume Bauby had impairment to hubs in the brainstem central for talking and facial movements. This clarifies Bauby’s inability to freely breathe, speak, chew and swallow food and liquids. From class dialogs, we discussed how the pons has vital neural passageways amid the cerebrum, spinal cord, and cerebellum. In locked-in syndrome, I assume there has to be some disruption of the motor fibers (which control the body muscles) in the brain via the spinal cord, this explains why Bauby’s cognitive function remained intact, while his body remained …show more content…

The section Our Very Own Madonna is a recollection of holidays, vacations, and past accomplishments which gives credence to his legacy before his stroke. I find his memoir encouraging, Bauby refrains from using self-pity; his optimism, wit, and honesty while captive in a paralyzed body is motivating. I am in awe of Bauby’s strength, courage, and resiliency, upon finishing The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, I had immense feelings of gratefulness. I am amazed that he wrote his memoir by blinking his left eye to indicate his words. Perhaps what I find most disheartening is having an active mind while confined in a still body. My favorite quote from the book entails “My old clothes could easily bring back poignant, painful memories. But I see in the clothing a symbol of continuing life. And proof that I still want to be myself. If I must drool, I may as well drool on cashmere” (Bauby 17). Bauby’s vivid accounts of the past and his current life made me reflect of my own, while reading, I consistently thought about my future and the insecurity of life. I mused. If I had Bauby’s condition, would I be as progressive and optimistic about my debilities? I would hope

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