Have you ever thrown out belongings that remind you of your pre-stroke life?

I don't use Instagram but can imagine and definitely relate. I did exactly the same, threw out all of my work clothes and shoes, threw out paperwork, deleted my job CV, emails, husband, etc. I almost got rid of my bush walking gear thinking I would never ever get out there again. I'm glad I didn't as I have managed to get back out there with the help of a trek pole for confidence. 

I threw out my cigarette lighter and the packet of cigarettes that I had in my pocket the night of my stroke!!!

Julie, so glad that you didn't throw out your walking gear. I hear that walking poles are amazing. Check out Nick's blog about using nordic walking poles.

Brian, fills my heart with gladness that you through out your cigarettes.

i gave away my guitars (2) and some of my workshop tools.  i have paralysis on my right side.  i don't regret giving away the guitars as they are now in constant use. i wish i had kept the tools as i am still finding ways to do things with one hand

Hey Glen,

Is there a Men's Shed near you? They could be a good option to getting back on the tools, and help others at the same time.

There were a lot of people on Facebook that talked about giving away clothes, and not wanting to look at photos of themselves taken before stroke - that resonate with you?

Corrine Mcl
Totally!
My husband had bought me my dream car and I drove it for 6 months before my stroke, and had to sell it after as I wasn’t at all confident driving a manual any more.
Also hate any photos of me now due to medication and weight gain, and hate looking back at pictures of me able bodied. With major sensory issues I live in clothes with very soft fabrics, so the wardrobe is basically bare with just a few items.

Paula Scanlon
Most definitely. I don’t like seeing photos of myself pre stroke. Reminds me of what my life before stroke was 😢

Rachel Margery
I had a lot of issues after my stroke as I put weight on. I needed to though. But one day I was not having a good day and I pulled out 70% of my dresses. I was able to hand them down to some beautiful young ladies, but I had to. I couldn't look at them the same way and it was hard. I don't have as many beautiful dresses any more but I slowly find nice ones I like. Especially the 50's and 60's skirts and dresses.

Suzanne Griffiths
Yes! Just said to my husband the other day that I want to throw out my entire wardrobe and start fresh.

Duncan Mitchell
Absolutely, I have kept my old squash gear but I was looking a a new racket I'd bought just before my stroke, I only played with it a couple of times and was playing with it the night I disected my Carotid artery. I also bought a new car weeks before my stroke which my eldest son now drives, my ex-wife decided to gift it to him for his 18th birthday because I could no longer drive.

I threw out any clothes that had sleeves or were difficult to put on or more so take off.

I found it was so stressful trying to dress quickly, and they just reminded me of my difficulties now in dressing.