New to strokes

Hi Julie,

I am so sorry to hear about your stroke. Please call the team on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 they can talk you though support networks and answer your questions. They are a brilliant resource that you can call for help and advice.

Here is a link to Stroke Support Groups. But when you talk to StrokeLine ask about groups in Hervey Bay. 

Here are resources on getting back to work and the NDIS.

Also, connect with the Young Stroke Project group. There are many young people connecting through the project too. www.youngstrokeproject.org.au 

Diana 

Hi Julie 

I live in the Wide Bay and would love to chat. We do have a support group, it's only small & in its early stages of growth but its a start and so worthy to everyone. We have also started implementing the ABIOS/STEPS program in Hervey Bay and I am excited that we will finally start supporting people like yourself. It's a tuff gig for you and support is vital in your recovery.  If you would like to email me, I'd love to help you along your journey and connect you with our ABI group.

Kind Regards

Daini Connell 

DainiC@rehabilityaustralia.com.au 

Hi Julie,

Here are some comments from the community for you:

Russell

Health will come first. Rest will be important. It is common for brain function to change after a stroke. Some connections may need to rewire. For fatigue- Having a stroke can be similar to a small child going through brain development and needing rest whenever they decide or dealing with some learning disabilities. Be kind to yourself, take that vital rest when you need. Job wise will be finding the right environment that will be flexible to your needs. On a side note , everything going on including brain recovery may use far much more energy than before, this is a critical reason for feeling tired. Recovery time is very individual. All the best and take your time to read any feedback and support. Apologies if this is too long.

Linda

Aww Hun .. U will hear this a lot , But Time will make a difference our Brains are Magical Beings they will heal , grow new wave lengths, U will improve with TIME .. But it will Take time , Don't Panic Breath , .. Listen to yr body / brain .. xx

Caroline

I had a tia recently and had great difficulty with both my legs and feet, exercise and walking has been difficult, I'm still waiting for physio and referrals - but slowly I can feel and see improvements. I am unable to go back into care work and have signed on to my local online college courses, you can learn all sorts of things, gain recognised qualifications and it keeps me sane and busy. Staying busy and focused has helped me.... Sending positive thoughts your way...

Rebecca

Hi Julie, there’s many physically and mental changes within yourself post stroke are hard enough to handle sometimes.. believe me I know. I was very lost too.. I was a paramedic had a stroke at 28, never thought I’d have to search for a whole “new” me. I didn’t know what I wanted to do or be, so heres my advice.. do things that make you happy or feel good at first.( for me that was volunteering with animals elderly and kids, getting in the garden and being hands on) then when you’re ready follow your heart in a career path that feels right.. for me being medical pre stroke meant I felt most comfortable back in that familiar field post stroke- knowing I couldn’t be a paramedic again was hard but I’m now a pathologist so still get to help others and use similar skills sets, but am now accepting that quality of life is better so put yourself and your health first. And have some fun. Use this recovery stage to make a difference through generosity and it will make u feel better and help to find your purpose again.

Andrea

Your recovery will be in little steps with gradual healing. You may not even notice it's so gradual, then one day you will realise how far you have come. For the First five or six months I would have up to eight rests lying down for about fifteen minutes each time. Knowing when to stop and rest is what will heal you.

Rishana

As time goes on, you will have many challenges in your day to day life, I always remind people baby steps are a good way to look at things. Set yourself small targets, praise yourself if you achieve it, but if you don't, please do not give up, it will happen. I know its easy to say don't stress over your job as it is not good medicine for you, always remember baby steps, and often things just fall into place. Remember the people on this dite are either stroke survivors and or stroke carers, we are always here to chat too, so if you need to chat, send a pm, im always available for a chat. Keep your chin up hun, smile.

Linn

Every state has Job and Family assistance programs. These programs help find new career training or rehab to see if you could return to your former career, if you would like to.

Google search " career/job after brain injury".

I advise against using stroke and job together- you may get some risque answers

We have a Support Group in Gympie. Contact Rahima on 0427 479 372

Hello Julie

Thank you for reaching out on EnableMe. I am sorry to hear of your experience of a TIA and the ongoing  difficulties you have been having.

Usually, the symptoms post a TIA do resolve, but we are hearing more and more about those who have ongoing effects, especially fatigue and occasionally headaches and other impacts such as the changes you have described. It is important to let your doctor know about these so they can rule out anything else that may be causing your effects.

Have you spoken with your Gp or neurologist (if you have seen one) about your headaches?  Headaches can be common following a stroke or TIA, and this can certainly be exacerbated by fatigue. You can read more about fatigue and what might make your fatigue worse here, the fatigue podcast may also be helpful to listen to.

If you haven’t already it might be helpful for you to speak with a doctor regarding medications that might help your headaches.  There are medications that may help but you will need to talk with your Doctor (Gp or neurologist) about these.

What do you do for a job Julie? A successful return to work begins with understanding how the effects of your stroke will impact you at work.  This includes considering any physical limitations, thinking, sensory, communication and personality changes.  Difficulty walking or moving around, and reduced ability in your hands and arms should also be considered.  There are different sources of assistance and services that can assist you to return to work depending on your situation. These include Centrelink, your employers Human Resources Department or Occupational Health and Safety department and specialist private services. There are also supports available if you cannot return to paid work.

If it won't be possible for you to return to your current role, I would make contact with Centrelink. Centrelink can assist with a job capacity assessment  and refer you to a Disability Employment Service.   You can give us a call on StrokeLine to talk about your situation in more detail and we can talk through some of these options.  You might also like to read more about returning to work at our EnableMe Page on work here or another resource from Synapse Australia’s Bran Injury Organisation here.

It can be really tough after having something like a TIA and feeling isolated and alone can be really overwhelming. As Di has mentioned above there are a number of stroke support groups available, ones that run face to face and online. Do have a look at the link Di posted or give us a call on StrokeLine and we can talk you through what might be best for you. The Young Stroke Project as Di mentioned is also a great resource and provides great resources and peer support with others who have experienced similar situations to you. They have some wonderful resources designed by other young stroke survivors.

Do give us a call on Ph. 1800 787 653 or email us so we can talk with you in more detail about what has been happening for you over the last few months.  You can also email us on strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au if that would be easier for you.

Kind regards

Siobhan (StrokeLine)