Hello EnableMe member

For many, returning to driving is a major goal after a stroke, which helps to regain independence and mobility. In this edition of the EnableMe newsletter we continue to look at driving after stroke through our EnableMe podcast: Driving after stroke.

We also bring you our new video about muscle spasticity after stroke, thanks to our supporting partner Allergan.

Kat shares news about her epic night, where not only did she fundraise to fight stroke, but for the first time she shared her stroke story with her local community.

Sue went to the Blue Mountains on a retreat and she shares what she learned. Sue says, ”we’re bombarded on an hourly basis about what food to eat and how much to exercise, so why not bombard myself with messages about compassionate living.”

We share two videos from the Stroke Week 2018 public lectures, The Brain Collective: Bright Minds of Stroke in Conversation.

And Mary shares her experience about getting back to work after stroke. 

All this and more!

• Click here for the last newsletter on Driving after stroke
• Click here for all EnableMe newsletters.

 

Many people find getting back to driving helps their independence and their sense of returning to a normal life, but there can be obstacles. In this podcast, we talk about the process for returning to driving after a stroke, the issues that can affect someone’s ability to drive and what you can do about them. We also consider what happens when you can't return to driving and the impact it can have.

Our guests are occupational therapist Associate Professor Stacey George from Flinders University; stroke survivor Tania Shirgwin, who has regained her licence and has just completed a fundraising drive; and occupational therapist Simone Russell, from StrokeLine.

Click here for the full EnableMe podcast series.

Forums:

• Sexuality after stroke on Life Matters
• Rod: NDIS
• Hien: Double vision after brain stem stroke
• Onno: Research Opportunity: Can we improve arm function in your affected arm by exercising your unaffected arm after stroke?
   

For all forums click here

Blogs:

• Toni: Five Year Anniversary
• Yvette: Fatigue after stroke
• Shadow: Unimportant
• joelvincent: Fatigue beat me today
• Nordic Walking Poles by Nick Martin
   

For all blogs click here

Ask a question:

• Annie M: Is attendance at a day rehab centre always necessary?
• Joe: Can large change in air pressure affect a stent and coils?
• Once a person has shoulder subluxation is there a chance of ever reducing the gap?
   

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?

It's 7.55am, I've been awake for two hours already. Mind you I didn't get to bed until 12.30 this morning. Just shows you how much energy I have at the moment.

The big moment for me was where I spoke about stroke. I realised afterwards it was the first time I had publicly spoken about having a stroke and the impact it's had on my life. I admit I broke down, but I pulled it together and got through it. It's been 5 1/2 years for me, but last night it could have been yesterday.

Mary has written a great blog about her experience of getting back to work after her stroke. Mary was Director of Nursing at Royal Melbourne Hospital when her stroke occurred, and even with that health knowledge she never thought stroke!

Mary shares some pearls of wisdom about her stroke recovery, encouraging others to get income insurance and see a neuro psych if they’re in a position to do so.

About 30 percent of stroke survivors will experience some form of muscle spasticity. Some people experience spasticity immediately after their stroke, but it can start at any time. 

There are treatments that can help, so speak to your doctor or allied health professional.

Proudly supported by Allergan.

Research shows that targeted physiotherapy treatment after stroke leads to improved mobility, balance and walking ability. Physiotherapy assists stroke patients with recovery of movement, so you can perform everyday activities again.

Rehabilitation activities can vary considerably, depending on what part of the body has been affected by stroke and may include strength, fitness and balance training or practicing everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, standing up or reaching for objects.

Importantly physiotherapists will set you up with an exercise and activity program for you to complete independently.

Stroke Week 2018 public lectures; featuring six of the nation’s brightest minds in stroke discussing the current state of stroke in Australia along with the big issues facing stroke treatment, research and care.

We have just launched Stride4stroke and we would love you to be part of this year’s event.

Stride4Stroke is a perfect way to set activity goals and be active. It’s easy and free to take part!

1. Register at www.stride4stroke.org.au and set-up your personalised page. You can either register as a team or as an individual.
2. Nominate an activity goal you would like to achieve during the month of November. This can be any commitment you like – from walking every day or running a set number of kilometres during the month, to completing a personal fitness goal. It’s your choice!
3. Ask your friends and family to support your challenge. They can donate to your secure online fundraising page; with every dollar they donate totally tax deductible. 

The funds raised during Stride4stroke will help to support critical Stroke Foundation programs – like StrokeLine 1800 787 653.

Last year, StrokeLine’s team of health professionals provided information, support and advice to more than 6,000 stroke survivors, carers and families.

This year we have a bold goal to raise $200,000 from Stride4stroke.

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