Stroke Survivors Q&A – Episode No.5

Last week I attended a 2-day workshop at The George Institute for Global Health in Australia [I am the

Inaugural Chair of the Consumer and Community Advisory Group] and a number of attendees were readers of my blogs-which was quite flattering.

They made the comment that they hadn't seen any Q & A type blogs that I used to write, I explained that I had a few other Stroke commitments and I had to shelve these types of epistles.

They found these most enjoyable and tonight I thought there’s an opportunity.

So as TV’s boring is boring as bat excreta, ABC Classic FM is on softly in the background \{they are playing Mozart\} so I am going to [because of a groundswell of reader support I will now create Stroke Survivors Q.& A, Episode No,5

Lights…Camera. Action.

How do you still stay motivated seven years after your stroke?

That is a question that I have been asked several times previously.Once I realised [early on], that the rehab process would be quite long, I adopted a ‘marathon’ mindset - what that means is that I set myself some long term, realistic, relevant, and measurable rehab objectives. Then I settled in for the long run. And it seemed to have worked.

My blog ‘My long and winding road’ outlines the time frames involved and illustrates the time frames involved. As you can see Thrill Seekers and Fellow Time Travellers, I am a ‘numbers nerd’

Remember nothing is more motivating than PROGRESS- to see you are getting stronger, fitter, able to do those tasks that were rudely stolen by the stroke.

That’s what keeps me motivated 7 years on!

What do you mean by integrating your rehab in your daily life?

Well for example I walk 8 kms every morning and I incorporate my stepping exercises into this walk by going to my local railway station [Panania] where I walk up the stairs and across the 3 platforms and down to the other side of the railway station.

Then I do the reverse, and that's my stepping allocation for the day.In terms of reaching exercises, I empty the dishwasher and every morning I sweep our 60-metre driveway.

I also put the clothes on the line \{that is great for reaching and the finer tasks with my damaged right hand plus I also I take the washing down.

I also garden and the digging and holding a spade and shovel are good exercise.

if you look at the range of rehab routines you undertake, they are part of and mirror images of what you used to do Post Stroke - Makes sense to integrate!!

Do you enjoy doing webinars and talking to stroke survivors and therapists?

Yes, I enjoy public speaking and have been doing it all my life. I have lost count of the speeches, the number of conferences/conventions I have addressed both in Australia, USA, and the UK

Enough about me!

These activities are all part of what I call my Giving Back strategy.

I was lucky to have a great and superb group of clinicians and therapists to whom I owe a debt beyond value and who saved me/ pushed me and healed me. I will NEVER refuse a request to assist them when asked

.Since my discharge from hospital, I have been busy talking to physio students, clinicians, stroke survivors about my stroke journey, my insights, and learnings.

I am currently involved in 5 research projects and am a regular panellist on stroke related webinars. research projects and focus groups.

Our “Lived Experience” is in demand, your participation in research activities will be eagerly sought by Stroke Researchers – to find our what research activity is seeking participation from Stroke Survivors, go to the Stroke Foundation’s website. You will give a level of satisfaction that you could never imagine-I did

Plus, you get to meet some amazing people!

Do you ever suffer from depression or have those down days?

I have never suffered from depression or feeling down; however, I can understand that some stroke survivors may experience these emotions.

My advice is that you are not alone!

Please talk to someone; don't sit and ruminate on the feelings talk to somebody whether it’s your family, your rehab clinician, or your doctor.

Do you ever worry about having a second stroke?

Not really, I’ve reduced the risk inducing behaviours that I participated in pre stroke, e.g., poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking \{I was a heavy smoker\}, these have been totally eliminated from my life.

I now exercise and enjoy a Stroke friendly diet and importantly I have a stroke friendly mental attitude

I have realised that I you cannot totally eliminate the chance of a second stroke, but I have reduced the chances of it occurring.

Do you often think what your life would have been like if you hadn't had the stroke?

My daughter asked me this question some weeks ago and my answer was now I have accepted my post stroke life and look forward to the rest of my days. I have accepted the fact that I cannot drive so I use public transport.So rather than looking back I look forward into the future- much healthier!

The past is past; you cannot change it; but you can learn from it.

There is music in our Soul, Take Time Each Day to Listen to your Band..I Do