Hello enableme member

In this edition of the EnableMe newsletter we look at the challenges young stroke survivors face. When you're younger you may experience the same effects as other survivors but you may be in a different stage in life. Stroke can interrupt reaching those social, career, family and financial milestones you’ve set for yourself.

Sadly the rate of stroke in younger people is on the increase. There are currently around 150,000 stroke survivors under 65 in Australia and our health, welfare and community care systems are not well set up to offer support, particularly for those with high care needs.

In this month's EnableMe Podcast we're looking at the impact of stroke in your 20's and 30's. 

In 2016 Luke and Emma shared their stories with SBS highlighting some of the particular issues younger people face after stroke.

Paul talks about parenting after stroke - excitingly he's just about to welcome his second child in November.

Nikki shares advice about going back to work after stroke. We were lucky enough to have Nikki join Team Stroke at the Melbourne office.

Check out the Genyus Trauma Network Facebook community run by young survivor Caleb Rixon.

All this and more – happy reading!

P.S click here for the all EnableMe newsletters.

Stroke doesn't discriminate, and we're hearing more and more about young people having strokes. When you're younger you can experience the same effects, but the impact on your life may be very different.

Our guests are Ali Earley (pictured), a young stroke survivor, former nurse and now Stroke Foundation volunteer; Assoc. Prof. Maree Hackett from The George Institute, who has researched the psychological and social factors affecting young stroke survivors; and Lisa Mangwiro from StrokeLine.

Click here for the young stroke podcast and past EnableMe podcasts.

Ali has also asked "What do you want to know as a young stroke survivor?"

Forums:

• Thatgirl: Moving forward?
• Sue and Mark: New and feeling overwhelmed
• Lyn Knight: Sensory changes pins and needles
• Capacity Assessments - how to obtain one?
• Belinda: Recognising Days and Dates

For all conversations click here

Blogs:

• Peter: Disarthria disaster
• Joanna: Young mum blog 1
• Marcus: Feeling Like a Teacher Again
• Shelagh: Join the advocacy team
• Greg: Week 3 back at work

For all blogs click here

Ask a question:

• Kimnott: How do I get help when the stroke victim is under 65?
• jacnemeth: What type of allied health professional can assist a person to regain the ability to write or communicate?
• MissRMG: Is it normal to have nightmares after suffering a stroke?
• Jey: Please guide me with some information on how to improve breathing after a 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?

Strokes are life-changing events. In my situation, my son Oscar was six-months-old when my stroke happened. Having a family gave me goals, motivation and direction for rehab.

Oscar cannot remember my stroke, but he is four years old now and he is asking lots of questions about my health and trying to process why I am different to other Dads. For more

A successful return to work begins with understanding how the effects of your stroke will impact you at work. This includes considering any physical limitations, as well as thinking, sensory, communication and personality changes.

Nikki says "after I started work I began to experience fatigue more often. I was trying to keep up with learning new things, tiredness and overload. I didn’t see that coming and it rattle me. It felt like I’d just had the stroke, not that I was three years past it”. For more

We are often asked how to find a good physio, and how to get the most out of physiotherapy. Our friends at the Australian Physiotherapy Association have kindly provided the following questions to help you get the best treatment. For more

Sarah Fitzhenry a Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist CSRT Caloundra spoke at the recent 'Young Stroke Positive Recovery Think Tank' and shares her top tips for recovery.

An eleven-year-old school girl, an Olympian and a father have all taken important strides forward in their recovery from stroke, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Remember if you need help, or have 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