Hello EnableMe member

In this edition of the EnableMe newsletter we look at long term recovery after stroke.

Stroke affects everybody differently. Many stroke survivors continue to improve over a long period of time, sometimes over years.

There is a lot of debate around what recovery gains can be expected and many discussions about a recovery plateau. Adrian and Will have shared their experiences which reflect both sides of the coin.

Sue and Marcus talk about ownership and keeping motivated in recovery.

While Melita from StrokeLine looks at effective long term goal setting.

Watch the recent Stroke Foundation Public Lecture Series 2018. Professor Chris Bladin talks about telemedicine and the latest research in stroke.

And there's a personal thank you from EnableMe member Jim.

All this and more – happy reading!

P.S click here for all EnableMe newsletters.

We used to think that little recovery could be made after the first six or twelve months post-stroke. While there is certainly a ‘sweet spot’ where hard work helps you reach your maximum potential, recovery does not stop after this time. Stroke survivors can continue to work their recovery, and to improve, for many years after their stroke.

In our next podcast, we talk about how to manage long-term recovery from stroke. We’ll discuss the highs, lows, challenges and rewards, answer questions and provide useful strategies.

What would you like to know about long-term stroke recovery?

Click here to ask a question and listen to past EnableMe podcasts.

Forums:

• Samantha: Neurologist
• Sarah: Panic attacks
• Marcus: Not to hate fatigue
• Birgit: Not sure if I have had a stroke?

For all conversations click here

Blogs:

• Katrina: The Power of the Indomitable Human Spiri
• Ros: Cerebellar strokes update
• Jim: Photography equipment
• Sue Bowden: March 2018

For all blogs click here

Ask a question:

• Jo Rose: Extreme fatigue post stroke - is this normal?
• Bronny: I have crippling left shoulder pain every morning.Does anyone have else have this problem and how is one to cope with such pain?
• Cherie: Can we use contraception implants or injections after stroke?

Click here for questions asked by your fellow community members. Perhaps you can contribute some of your own experiences, learn something new or ask a question?

Most people will hear the word plateau used in their rehabilitation. This word can be disheartening when you've not yet reached your recovery goals.

Adrian and William both talk about what plateau means to them in two very different blogs.

Adrian asks: Why is plateau such a dirty word?

William talks about: The fallacy of the plateau.

 

A long time ago I was 22 years old, I had a stroke and lost a baby within two weeks of each other.  I remember that time vividly and the affect these events had on me and those people who were a part of my life.

When I was in hospital, a week after my stroke, two friends came to see me. I was glad to see them, spend time together, talk in English and consider going back to work. I explained my rehab plan and how to get back to the classroom and the whiteboard. 

Setting goals can help you turn a wish into action. It enables you to figure out what works and what doesn’t. It helps you measure your progress and celebrate your successes and it can give you motivation to keep going when the going gets tough.

Leading researcher and neurology specialist, Professor Chris Bladin, discusses the advancements in telemedicine and how they will impact the treatment and care of stroke patients across Australia.

A shout out to Sue and Rosie who attended the lecture in Sydney. Thanks Rosie for recording your experience in a blog. 

2018 has started with state elections in Tasmania and South Australia and the fight stroke advocacy community fought hard in both states.

As a result, the Stroke Foundation will partner with the Tasmanian State Government to establish a ‘Community of practice’ to improve stroke treatment and care across the state, a Tasmanian Stroke Patient Follow up service to help Tasmanians live well after stroke and the expansion of F.A.S.T community education to ensure every Tasmanian household has someone who knows the signs of stroke.

A special thanks to EnableMe member Jenny who emailed her local candidates.

In South Australia, we are making in-roads with the newly elected South Australian Liberal Party about our key asks.

Thanks to everyone who was involved. If you live in South Australia we are calling on the community to meet with their local MP to keep the pressure on. Email us on enableme@strokefoundation.org.au to help.

Remember if you need help, or have any tips to help us improve EnableMe, we would love to hear from you at enableme@strokefoundation.org.au

We look forward to assisting you in your recovery and helping you to live your life well after stroke.

Many thanks,
 

Diana Kerr | Online Community Coordinator
National Stroke Foundation | Level 7, 461 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
T +61 3 9670 1000 |StrokeLine: 1800 787 653