Learning who the new "Altered self" was!

Sarah,

I am sure that you're going to get a lot of comments, as I think you will have described what's in hte hearts of many.

You're not alone, we're here for you.

Diana

Oh Sarah, its been a year since my trauma as well. I am 62 and had a totally "put of the blue" stroke, a cerebellar bugger, which I felt was a bit of a rip off surprise, as I have looked after myself, never as white as the driven snow, but in good shape. A year on, I am still getting used to the "new me" .... what a journey, and it is hard to tell and convey, even to those around you, how this actually "feels" ... I am doing OK, but there are parts of me missing. Life is different, but it can be very abstract. My mortality is now very real, and profound. I always felt about 18 in my mind, now I am 62, and have to handle the trauma that invaded my brain. At least I won't be days / weeks in Intensive Care any more, but the treatment I received was a most humbling experience. All the very best for and to you. My main issue is the "motivation" for life's issues, on a daily basis, "wind out of my sails" Fatigue is profound. Mick.

It truly has been quite a profound journey in so many ways than one. I too, have the sudden onset of fatigue that cripples my motivation. Explaining those helpless feelings to loved ones truly is exhausting, on the outside I am no different but on the inside I am constantly fighting a silent battle with myself. Facing the harsh reality that I could have left behind my 4 young children has been tough, however I don't let it consume me because I am very much still alive and well. 

Thank you for sharing a part of your story with me, I truly am grateful for those brave enough to do so. I too, wish you all the strength and love in the world to help you continue along your pathway to "Happy"

Can I firstly just say how well that was written Sarah. So much of what you wrote resonates so strongly with me. I too was 33 when I suffered an ischemic stroke due to a spontaneous dissection of my carotid artery.i only have one son and my biggest failing is that I never communicated with him him what I was feeling. It took me a long time for me to accept what had happened and four years down the road to recovery my biggest challenges are the emotional. I’ve lost many friends and family over the last four years but the new me has also made many new friends. Once again thank you for sharing and good luck on your journey. 

Can I firstly just say how well that was written Sarah. So much of what you wrote resonates so strongly with me. I too was 33 when I suffered an ischemic stroke due to a spontaneous dissection of my carotid artery.i only have one son and my biggest failing is that I never communicated with him him what I was feeling. It took me a long time for me to accept what had happened and four years down the road to recovery my biggest challenges are the emotional. I’ve lost many friends and family over the last four years but the new me has also made many new friends. Once again thank you for sharing and good luck on your journey. 

Sarah,

Like you I also have homonymous hemianopia, but my left side is the one missing in action. It's a pain but 18 months on I am slowly adjusting to it. I have a "I Have Low Vision" badge from Guide Dogs Victoria and there are several types available from the Vision societies in your state. I am also scheduled for an appointment with a Neuro Ophthalmologist later in the week. These doctors can produce a wide variety of lenses to help correct vision changes cause by brain trauma e.g. Prism lenses. I'll post a report in my blog when I have some results.

Hi Sarah,

That was very well written and exactly how I feel. I had an ischemic stroke 2 years ago, I was 32. My son was 3 months old, and my daughter was 2. 

My biggest challenge is tiredness amd anxiety, but I can't complain Im.alive and here for my children and husband. 

Thanks again for sharing your story 😊