Hello EnableMe member

It's coming up to the end of 2018 and in this EnableMe newsletter we take a look at how to manage the festive season. This includes everything from planning a holiday to managing emotions, communication and fatigue. 

It was fantastic to welcome Marcus Otlowski to the Melbourne and Hobart Stroke Foundation offices last week. Marcus talked about his recovery, how he shares his journey through storytelling and how he teaches with aphasia.

Shannon tells us how F.A.S.T. saved her life. Her husband knew the signs of stroke and got her to hospital quickly. The Stroke Foundation's aim is for one person in every Australian household to know the signs of a stroke. You can help by giving a FAST pack as a stocking filler to family and friends this Christmas. It could save a life. 

Judy and her daughter Portia share how stroke broke up their family, and over time, how they pieced it back together. 

Thank you to Toni for providing her perspective in a meeting with the Canadian Heart and Stroke Association, where we shared what we have learned in the planning and use of EnableMe.

StrokeLine's Physiotherapist Carol asks for your experience in dealing with the NDIS, to help with planning future resources. 

And Stride4stroke passes $156,000 funds raised for StrokeLine 1800 787 653 and My Stroke Journey resources. 

All this and more!

• Click here for all EnableMe newsletters.

 

We have a heap of tips on enjoying the festive season and setting up for a great year ahead.

First Day: Get travelling. For many stroke survivors, having a holiday is a significant milestone in their recovery. Like many of us, you might be travelling over Christmas, or planning an adventure in the new year.

Forums:

• Belinda: Neurologist Assessment
• Beth: So confused, TIA clinic said I had TIA other doctors question it
• Diana: Stroke survivors and those at risk urged to focus on yoga and tai chi
• Heart and Stroke Action plan survey 

For all forums click here

Blogs:

• Sue Bowden: Honoring Chelsea
• Katrina: Where's your head at?
• Nick Tolliday: Wondering about Stroke survivor’s experiences with yoga
• Toni: Participating in research 
   

For all blogs click here

Ask a question:

• Anne: Sensitivity to part of tongue and lip.
• Dean: How can I lessen muscle spasms in my trunk?
• Lauren Alice: What’s the difference between the signs of vascular dementia and other dementia?

 

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 was fantastic to welcome Marcus Otlowski to the Melbourne and Hobart Stroke Foundation offices recently.

Marcus talked about his recovery, how he shares his journey through storytelling and how he teaches with aphasia.

If you couldn’t make it, watch his presentation here.

Click here for the full EnableMe podcast series.

We look forward to adding new topics to the podcast series in 2019. Look out for alerts in EnableMe newsletters in the new year.

Planning to get back to travelling and other leisure activities is a key goal stroke survivors often set for themselves.

Age and a previous stroke can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis) when flying. Discuss your individual risk with your GP or neurologist prior to flying. Discuss any special requirements with your airline. You may need assistance getting around the airport or you may be travelling with equipment.

If you need medication, pack some in your hand luggage in case your bag gets lost or if there are any unexpected delays. It is also a good idea to take a letter from your doctor stating what your medication is and why you need it.

• Prepare for takeoff 
• The National Public Toilet Map
• How soon can I fly after my stroke?

Blogs and forums from the community about travel

• Travelling with a stroke survivor
• TravellersAid at Melb’s Southern Cross Station
• Travel insurance
• Overseas Travel
• Accessible Holiday Accommodation

 

A split second was all it took to shatter Judi Green’s life. It took decades, a lot of forgiveness and a little luck to piece it back together.

Shannon, 45, nurse and mother was left with communication challenges after her stroke. Today - with a lot of effort - she has a message to share.

If you are looking for ways to share the F.A.S.T. message with friends and family this holiday order a F.A.S.T. pack  (at no cost) and fill their Christmas stocking with a message that may one day save a life. 

EnableMe member Toni joined Stroke Foundation CEO Sharon McGowan for a conversation with the Canadian Heart and Stroke Association about EnableMe.

She shared her thoughts and insights and we highlighted the importance of community engagement is throughout the planning and building of the site.

Thank you Toni!

Photo L - R: Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan and the amazing Toni

Thank you to all the EnableMe members that particpated, fundraised or donated in November's Stride4stroke.

We have beaten the target with more than $156,000 raised.

That is approximately 135 days of StrokeLine (1800 787 653), or 6,240 My Stroke Journey information kits delivered to stroke patients and their families on the hospital ward.

And November is not over yet! 

Photo: Young stroke survivor Rob Goyen running with pediatric stroke survivor 'little Jo'. 

We know that diarising your rehab and recovery can help you to goal set effectively. Regular videos can also help pick up little improvements that you have made, which may be missed or forgotten.

Jacky Dean suffered a stroke 5 months ago and has recorded much of her recovery to keep track of her progress and raise awareness that stroke can happen to young people – stroke can happen to anyone!

Photo: On the day of Jacky's stroke and again four months later.

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