Dear group, I am a new member and a wife/carer. My husband who is 61 had a severe MCA stroke on the 16th January (left hemisphere). Because he was on warfarin with an INR of 3.6 the neuros would not intervene so the stroke heartbreakingly progressed for another 24 hours plus... my husband who up until that day was working full-time as a management consultant is now completely non-vocal. We had two months in rehab and are now back at home and waiting for our NDIS application. The stroke has taken out "Broca's language" in his left hemisphere and specifically the neuros called it pseudobulbar palsy. It's basically like a facial paralysis so he has severe dyspraxia of speech and also dysphagia. I've read a lot about aphasia but MOST of the accounts I have read are with people who can "switch on their voice" and they can produce words, it's just that they struggle to retrieve the correct words. Whereas my husband can't speak at all. He is devastated, depressed, without hope... we are making very small progress with speech therapy (sometimes he can say a word). I would love to hear of any similar experiences. I am hoping for hope, that this may improve as it is just awful. Thank you, Anna
Hello, Anna. Welcome to the forum. I feel the same way, Life is hard, but don't ever lose your faith in God.
Hi Anna,
Welcome to EnableMe and thanks for posting, I hope others who have lived experience of dyspraxia of speech, pseudobulbar palsy and dysphagia will also join in the conversation and share their tips and journey.
We are very sorry to hear about your husband’s severe stroke and that he was unable to access acute treatment due to his INR levels. It must be a lot for you all to take in, such a sudden and unexpected shock. It is good your husband has applied for the NDIS and is still receiving speech therapy.
Some of these resource pages might be helpful:
https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Speech-and-language
https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Swallowing
https://enableme.org.au/Resources/NDIS
https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Emotions
You may have come across some of these resources but if not they may also be helpful. Some are from the US and UK.
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/674176/dyspraxia_pro.pdf
https://synapse.org.au/fact-sheet/speech-deficits-and-speech-pathologists/
https://www.stroke.org.uk/resources/complete-guide-communication-problems-after-stroke
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/apraxia-of-speech-in-adults/
University of Sydney have a Communication Disorders Treatment and Research Clinic.
While Stephen and Tracy’s story is a little different to you and your husband’s, it may resonate. This was 2018.
https://strokefoundation.org.au/Blog/2018/08/28/00/48/Team%20Ward
Unfortunately, depression and anxiety are common after stroke. Having difficulty communicating also impacts mood and access to traditional psychological treatment. If you haven’t already, speaking to your husband’s GP about his mood and treatment options would be helpful.
Looking after yourself is important. Carer Gateway provide good resources and you can also connect with other survivors of stroke and their support crew on here. We also have a resource page for people supporting survivors of stroke.
https://enableme.org.au/Resources#cat-carer-tips
If you’d like to speak to a health professional at any stage don’t hesitate to call us on StrokeLine 1800 787 654 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) for information, advice and support. We are here for you and your husband.
Best wishes,
Simone – StrokeLine
