EnableMe | enableme - stroke recovery and support

Hey everyone,

I'm kind of new to the whole Blogging thing and don't do a lot of it, even when I was younger. But ever since my Grandpop had a stroke I'm finding it a little hard to stay focused on the stuff I need to get done and I thought that this might be the best place to come for a little advice and guidance.

On 9th December 2016, my Grandpop had a massive stroke, it was a Left Ischaemic Stroke, which has left him paralyzed on the right side of his body and unable to speak more than 3 words total. He has trouble managing his saliva and is on liquid feeds. I know we are in for a long road of recovery but it's still really hard to come to terms with being that he was such an active and very opinionated person before his stroke.

Since then the physios have had him sitting and standing to test his balance and both he's been able to do with ease, so they wanted to see if he could take a few steps and he could, the first day he walked two lengths of the physio room (so up and back twice) and the next day he did it 4 times. Yesterday he only did it once then gestured as best he could that he wanted to go back to bed. I know the signs so far are proving that he will have some degree of movement after rehab, but I must admit I am finding it really hard to stay strong for my family.

Being a student nurse I know the basics about stroke and two days before my grandpop had his stroke I have an assessment due that was a case study of a patient who had the exact same stroke as grandpop. Who would have predicted that? I know I sure didn't.

I don't know what's the hardest thing to come to terms with the fact that he'll never be quite the same or that it's looking like he will never be able to talk again, it's caused a massive amount of his brain that controls communication. He still remembers us all, he even recognised my partner even though they had never met in person until 1 day after his stroke. So I guess that proves that some of his brain is still working for him.

Good on you for reaching out and sharing about your Pop. At the end of your post you wrote about your Pop being able to recognise you all and your partner and what this might mean for his memory. ABSOLUTELY. Hang on to that and encourage your Pop in every effort to communicate that he does. Communication in whatever way and the ability to feel included is so very important,

Hi Vanessa,

We are very sorry to hear about your grandfather’s stroke. It’s no doubt been a challenging time for him, you and the rest of your family.

It’s great that he’s continuing to make gradual improvements with his walking, and although long term recovery is difficult to predict, improvements this early on are positive. It sounds as though he has some really good swallowing, speech and mobility goals, with a supportive family to encourage him along the way.

Having a nursing background would certainly give you insight into the challenges that stroke survivors experience, however as you note, it’s unlikely that anything can really prepare you for this. Part of ‘being there’ for your grandfather and the rest of your family is looking after yourself. Part of the journey will be finding what works for you – this might be continuing to blog, practicing mindfulness and debriefing with a trusted friend. There are also formal counselling services available or you could chat to your grandfather’s Social Worker for emotional support. Other family members or carers may also suggest what has worked for them.

You are more than welcome to chat to us on StrokeLine for further support or if you have any specific questions about your grandfather’s recovery.

Best Wishes,

Lisa (StrokeLine, 1800 787 653)

Please note StrokeLine will close after 23/12/2016 and re-open on 3/01/2017.