Hi Robert,
Thanks for your forum post. That’s great that you are back to full time work. You certainly have come a long way, but sorry to hear about the struggles you are also facing. It sounds like you have invisible disabilities where as you mentioned, you may look almost normal to others but not feel normal. Invisible disabilities are very real, and you are not alone.
Here is a forum with some comments from survivors of stroke on the topic of invisible disability.
Saran talks about “feeling like an imposter, to people not understanding that you may need help and support because they can’t see your everyday challenges. She writes “I feel like we need to scream from the roof top that stroke isn't always physical. So many invisible deficits that we live with every second of every day!!!”
Sherree says “Invisible disabilities can be harder to explain or for people to understand”
Ursula says “ It is important to make people aware of these possible consequences of a stroke. But I feel we have to also accept and understand that the people around us can’t necessarily know how we feel.”
Here is our podcast on hidden/ invisible disabilities.
It is great that you reached out to others in this forum, hopefully you will receive further comments.
It is good that you have found prism lenses to support your double vision. Vision Australia may also have some other aids and equipment that may be helpful for you. You can call them on 1300 84 74 66
Have you tried any options for your neuropathic pain? Some treatment options that may help with neuropathic pain are
Here is our podcast on pain. Emma a young survivor of stroke talks about her pain and the strategies that may be helpful for herself and others.
Here is our pain after stroke blog
I hope this is helpful. If you would like to chat with us please feel free to contact StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We are available Monday to Friday 9am- 5pm AEST.
With kind regards,
Kath, StrokeLine
Thank you Kath for your extensive, empathetic, to the point and helpful reply!
With kind regards
Robert
Hey Robert,
Here are some more comments for you from the community:
Terri
The hardest part is when you look normal people expect you to be ok I don’t think you are ever normal the brain and your body have suffered a terrible trauma I turned up at my first stroke meeting not long after I had a stroke and they asked me if I was the journalist they were expecting to cover a story on the group I said no I’m here because I’ve had a stroke they kinda laughed and said never guess that proved I looked pretty normal but that group was my lifeline such great friendships were made just be kind to yourself give yourself time I’m sure the people who know you well and who you work with understand your feelings plus don’t be afraid to tell them how you are feeling kindest terri
Melina
Congratulations on your progress ! I understand how you're feeling, my stroke was 2020. I've just started uni this year and yep appear normal. I just make sure I'm kind to myself and work at my pace and rest when needed, and communicate my needs to colleagues and staff so they are aware but have also told them I will tell them when and if I need help.
Duncan
Take your time, it's a marathon not a sprint, don't expect too much from yourself too quickly. You will get there just don't give up.
Brett
Hey mate I had a stroke also which effect Ed my vision I ended up doing three years on a vision based program on my computer this program is called nova vision you do it twice a day six days a week I went from not been able
To see a the tv correctly or read much my vision is now back to beat back to ninety five pertaining the cost is very reasonable with a chub stand to rest your head in I can recommend it hopefully this helps and gives you some hope for the future
Leanne
Congratulations on your achievements- remember to keep caring for yourself- working full time after a stroke is challenging. I found the more tired I was the worse certain symptoms would be - is this the case with the double vision? Can you perhaps discuss with the neurologist or ophthalmologist?
Nicholas
The one thing I had help with was my vision. I got a visit from a specialist at guide dogs Victoria. He taught me scan vision. It was so bloody helpful. Bye the way way do you still work for the same company?
Frank
Mine went away in its own over time
Saran
Hi Diana, thank you for sending me these comments. How come I don't see them myself and that you need to forward? Cheers, Robert
I just wanted to see thanks, to all who responded. I'm still progressing, be it at a slow pace. Tomorrow doing a driver's exam. And yes, I'm working for the same company. As a matter of fact I'm the CEO of a global company. Very understanding and supportive environment! Double vision is there but is manageable I feel. Neuropathic pain bothers me the most. Going to discus with my neurologist in 2 weeks from now. Also went to advanced rehab centre, and they feel they can help me with my balance.
Hi Robert,
Good luck with your driving assessment. Let us know if we can be of help with anything.
Would liek to hear mroe about your company.
D