Hello enableme member

As 2016 draws to a close it's a great time to reflect on the incredible stories, conversations, blogs and goals made on enableme.

Our community has grown to nearly 4000 members, we've seen friendships built and people reaching out to help others by sharing their words of advice. There has been so many inspirational, helpful and supportive conversations throughout the year.

Six enableme Podcasts have recorded and have been listened to over 4000 times. Two group chats have been hosted, and we look forward to delivering more in 2017.

In 2017 you'll see some changes to the lay-out of the site from the amazing feedback that you've provided over the year. We always love hearing from you so email enableme@strokefoundation.org.au with your comments.

enableme is your community, you have been instrumental in making enableme the warm and compassionate place it is.

Thank you for making enableme the remarkable stroke recovery website that it is.

We'll be starting off 2017 with Podcast 6: Sex after stroke, our apologies for the wait - it's something to look forward to.

Thank you for all the questions submitted, they were fantastic and helped to make a very thought-provoking podcast.

Hear:

Sandra Lever: is a Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Graythwaite Rehabilitation Centre at Ryde Hospital in Sydney, who lectures on sex and acquired disability and has recently published research on the impact of stroke on female sexuality.

Lisa Mangwiro: is a Speech Pathologist and one of the team on the Stroke Foundation’s StrokeLine.

Jayson Killick: a young stroke survivor and StrokeSafe Ambassador.

Talking about sex after stroke.

Forums:

• Sue shares: The Christmas Party
• I shared: Getting it right: What people with disabilities want from their health care
• Eddie asks for advice on: Irritability and aggressive behaviour
• The conversation about cognitive fatigue continues to build.
   

For all conversations click here

Blogs:

• Marcus writes: Just as things were becoming hopeless ...
• Belinda writes about her: Impulsive brain
• Carol shares: CARING – ‘Tis The Season To Be Jolly?
• Veejaymay talks about: Grandpop's Stroke

For all blogs click here

Ask a question:

• Alina asks: After having a stroke Is it normal to have sore feet at the end of every day? No aching but just hurt.
• Bill asks: What can I do to get help or improve my eyesight that was affected from a minor stroke in may 2016? Are there exercises for the eyes to help neuroplasticity to occur?
   

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

Adrian O’Malley has shared his experience on learning how to fall in a blog.

Adrian recognised that falling is going to be part of his life after stroke, and he says

“It’s okay to fall over in your thirties or forties, I can adapt and will heal well. But in my seventies I don’t want to do it and break a hip, end up in hospital with pneumonia, and die." 

"I’ve got years ahead of me falling so I want to put stuff in place now to help minimise the impact when I come in contact with terra firma.”

Read more

Australia’s first ever ‘stroke ambulance’ is set to hit the road in Melbourne next year to provide the quickest possible diagnosis and treatment for patients suffering a life threatening stroke.

It looks like an ambulance but is more like an emergency department on wheels, designed to deliver expert stroke care to the patient at first response.

The ambulance has the latest diagnostic technology built-in including a CT scanner, telemedicine equipment and mobile laboratory.

Staffed by a neurologist, stroke nurse, radiographer and paramedic, the unit enables a specialist stroke-trained team to quickly evaluate a patient and immediately start treatment.

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.

Please note: StrokeLine will be closed from December 23 2016 to January 3 2017

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