Hello EnableMe member

In this edition of the EnableMe newsletter we welcome the Federal Government’s $1 million research boost to support new, innovative and cutting edge treatment options to aid stroke recovery.

We share information about current research projects looking for volunteers. These include studies on arm mobility, fatigue and depression after stroke.

Carol from StrokeLine shares her tips of accessing the NDIS, and we call for your experiences and tips to help others navigating the system. 

Tony shares his experience of getting back to work, and Joanna blogs about how she fights to be the best Mum she can be after stroke. 

And we are delighted to announce Marcus will be coming to Australia to speak at a Stroke Foundation event in Melbourne on November 16, 2018. 

All this and more!

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Forums:

• Karen: Brain aneurysm causing stroke
• Craig B: Hi - how do i introduce myself?
• Cindy Loo: TIA two weeks ago, what should I do?
• Ameli: Young (adult) stroke - specialist recommendations

For all forums click here

Blogs:

• Louisa: Join our choir 
• Katrina: The Best of Days, the Worst of Days.
• Marcus: Practising mindfulness meditation for 10 minutes a day
• Katrina: Another Piece of the Puzzle
• Sue Bowden: Today....

For all blogs click here

Ask a question:

• What is meant by eating something in moderation?
• Nick Tolliday: How do I know I’m getting the right advice on anti depressants?
• Who can sign for my medical clearance that is required for me to return to driving?

For all questions click here

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.

The Stroke Foundation is delighted to announce Marcus Otlowski will speak about his stroke and the ongoing recovery in Melbourne on November 16 2018.

Come and meet Marcus, other EnableMe community members, and the Stroke Foundation team. Listen and see Marcus’s story told with words and photos and participate in a question and answer session.

Register here.

In 2016 I suffered a stroke due to two aneurysms in my brain. I was 35 years of age and 32 weeks pregnant with my daughter Melanie. In an instant the life I and my husband had planned with our baby changed forever.

After undergoing this process myself recently and finding the whole task extremely frustrating, disappointing and upsetting, I’ve realised the extent of trauma I was trying to overcome.

I wasn’t just trying to obtain a job, I was trying to regain some control in my life. By having a job, this would enable me to have something else to focus my attention on: instead of the focus being all about me I would have to undertake regular tasks.

I had to also overcome the understandable scepticism there is about employing someone that is returning from a chronic illness.

Recently, a friend of mine with an acquired brain injury told me about the aspersions many people were casting upon her character due to her being on a Disability Support Pension (DSP).

A number of different individuals who had come into contact with her had suggested, either directly or obliquely, that since her condition was not apparent (hence the description invisible disability), she should be looking for paid employment. I was incensed!

This young woman has a number of neurological and neuro-psychological impairments as a result of complications from a stroke some years ago.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to roll out across Australia, and we are getting lots of questions on StrokeLine about it. Here are some tips on how to you can get the most out of your NDIS plan. 

If you are South Australian and have been experience of accessing the NDIS, Carol would like to speak to you. Please email Strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au 

Stroke Foundation has welcomed the Federal Government’s $1 million research boost to support new, innovative and cutting edge treatment options to aid stroke recovery.

The Return to Life, Return to Work research package has the potential to provide new medicines to working-age Australians impacted by stroke.

When you get involved in research, you contribute to improving knowledge about stroke, stroke treatment and recovery. Getting involved in research may allow you to get access to emerging therapy you wouldn’t otherwise have opportunity to use. Involvement may also be part of your stroke recovery plan.

Current research pojects looking for volunteers:

1. Sleep and Fatigue Treatment Study 
2. Research Opportunity: Can we improve arm function in your affected arm by exercising your unaffected arm after stroke?

 

Research looking for participants in SA: Using brain stimulation to treat post-stroke depression - Dr Brenton Hordacre, University of South Australia.

This study aims to investigate non-invasive brain stimulation approaches to treat people who are experiencing post-stroke depression.

Remember, if you need help or have any tips to help 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 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