Hello EnableMe member

In this edition of the EnableMe newsletter we're looking at upper limb issues in the latest podcast with Dr Annie McClusky, young survivor Rebecca Shmidt and Tahnee physiotherapist from the Stroke Foundation's Queensland Follow Up service.

We're also sharing what EnableMe members Joy and David are doing to improve mobility in Joy's arms, shoulders and hands.

Three neurologists from The Florey - Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health take us through some of the latest stroke research.

Plus Marcus has started a Recovery and Photography Group where EnableMe members discuss how the images they capture and create can help to express feelings and assist recovery.

All this and more – happy reading!

The majority of stroke survivors will have problems with their upper limbs at some point – that's the arm, shoulder and hand. These problems include weakness, trouble coordinating movements, changes in muscle tone, subluxation, contracture, swelling, and reduced or increased sensation. These make a big difference in your daily life.

In this podcast, we talk about these issues with arms and hands and shoulders, and what you can do for recovery.

Our guests are:

• Dr Annie McCluskey, an occupational therapist, educator and researcher with over 30 years' experience in stroke and brain injury rehabilitation.
• Rebecca Schmidt-Lachlan, a young stroke survivor and member of the Stroke Foundation's Consumer Council.
• Tahnee Winks, a physiotherapist from the Stroke Foundation's Follow Up service.

Listen here.

Forums:

• Alina: Motivation or lack there of!
• Ali: What do you want to know as a Young Stroke Survivor?
• Craig: I'm looking for new members to join our casual and fun weekly coffee and stroke meeting
• Mark: Surviving brain aneurysm
• Dr Brooke Ryan: Post-stroke depression and anxiety: What online information do you need?
• Emma: Overseas Travel
• Belinda: Stuttering or Stammering
   

For all conversations click here

Blogs:

• How Toni manages sensory changes
• Marcus: EnableMe and I
• Shelagh: Fatigue - it is what it is!
• How to make a complaint or influence change
   

For all blogs click here

Ask a question:

• Arna: How to stop constant spasticity in my leg
• Karina: Is it safe to fly in an aeroplane after having recently having a stroke.
• Bill Laver: 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 questions asked by your fellow community members. Perhaps you can contribute some of your own experiences, learn something new or ask a question?

Paul says "Prior to my stroke, I had no idea what was available for people with disabilities. I am constantly amazed what we have access to, in Australia. And this week was no different when I finally made my return to golf."

EmpowerGolf runs clinics almost daliy operates nationally out of four states and 10 inclusive facilities with the goal of having all states and 30 sites established in the next 12 months.

Here are the EmpowerGolf Clinics scheduled in June.

Arm problems are very common after stroke: the most recent National Stroke Audit found that sixty-nine percent of stroke patients in hospitals problems with their arm, hand or shoulder, collectively known as the upper limb.

These problems can last for a long time, partly because hands and arms are so complex, and we use such a large part of our brains to control them. But also, in the early days after a stroke more attention is often given to the legs and walking. Even in hospital, getting around is seen as essential, while people can learn to cope with one arm.

For more.

Joy says "I had a stroke in October 2012 and I am a real believer in Self Directed Rehab. I have tried many different exercises and used many different devices to aid my recovery. I will never give up!"

Joy has documented her recovery and the different rehabilitation aids that she has used to get there - many made by her loving husband David.

Click here for her full list of videos. 

 

David says "My wife Joy had a stroke October 2012 which left her with right side Hemiparesis. Since that time she has undertaken an extensive rehab program based mainly on targeted exercise. 

I have done a lot of research on what commercial equipment and aids are available for physical rehab. We have found that we have been able to make some home made gadgets to replicate the functionality of or tailor the use of these products in a way that we can afford."

• Some more background.
• Here are the specs and a list of materials required to build a Strongarm device.

 

"Recognizing left from right arms by individuals with stroke"

You are invited to participate in this research project which is investigating changes in people (with and without stroke) with upper limb pain. We know from previous research that some people with longstanding hand or arm pain have difficulty recognizing the laterality (left from right) of a picture of their affected hand (perception difficulties).

Brendon Haslam - PhD candidate, Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health (University of Melbourne)

Hi Everyone,

This is just a short post about a new 'group' at EnableMe for people who are interested in photographs and how it helps them with recovery.

Anyone is welcome to post a photograph! 

If it is possible it would be good if you can include a title with your photo and a short explanation about why you like the photo - feelings, goals, mood or your journey after stroke.

I hope this will create a number of short conversations and help you or someone you know.

Happy to meet you!

Three neurologists take us through the latest stroke research:

1. Prof Geoffrey Donnan talks about stroke diagnosis and acute treatments.
2. Dr Katie Bagot discusses the latest advances in remote telemedicine for stroke treatment.
3. Prof Amy Brodtmann discusses the emerging links between stroke and dementia.

Click here.

Have a question about how to do something on EnableMe?

Help is now here. The EnableMe helpdesk is available to all members, and those interested in becoming users.

How can you contact us?

The helpdesk can be reached via phone, email and online chat (coming soon), and is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Eastern Standard Time.

Phone: 1800 130 150
Email: help@enableme.org.au

Remember if you need  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