A whole new world

Carey
Careyon Sunday, July 30 2017
11 Comments

Hi everyone,

My husband has recently had a stroke, a major bleed on the left side of his brain. Put simply...shock, distress, dread, grief, you name the emotions going on for both me and him. Two weeks down the track, very early days. He's now in rehab and hating it.  I know why...it's all the emotions I described above including extreme frustration and anger.  Sadly his directs his anger at me, I have to keep telling myself this is not the gentle man I know and love. But gee, so hard.  Trying to stay strong. Any advice here?

11 Responses

Carey I am sorry to  read of the turmoil both you and your husband are experiencing as result of stroke. 

Strokes turn  a world upside down. strokeline phone no. 1800(787 653) during business hours. The feelings. you spoke of are quite normal with stroke, however can be hard to understand  and deal with. Strokeline has helped me  greatly during tough times. I encourage you to give them a call.Jenny

Thank you, I've been speaking to his therapists today, it's nice to hear all these reactions are normal. A highlight of the awful weekend we've just had....he broke down & apologized to me. Heart wrenching but a sense of relief that he is still in there somewhere..gives a lot of hope. Thanks for responding...I'm discovering the awesome kindness of strangers x

Carey  I apologise I gave incorrect Strokeline phone no. Should read. 1800 787 653 Mon/Friday 9a.m 5pm. I am pleased you have had support from a therapist. We all need support. jenny

Carey this is confused Jenny . I gave you correct phone no for Strokeline. Numbers and dates are deficits of my stroke.  Quite muddled at times, I use a diary, with calanders in two rooms. I am pleased 

to hear you received support from a therapist. We all need support from people  who understand.

      Jenny

Hi Carey,

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's stroke.

You've described the roller-coaster of stroke recovery so well. It is often the hidden disability and unforeseen challenges that have the biggest impact on the stroke survivor's partner.

Learning how to navigate the health system and advocate for your husband can be particularly challenging on your own. Friends and family, the hospital social worker, and other health professionals can all help you through this period.

As you've already found, EnableMe has a wonderful supportive community of stroke survivors who you can reach out to and share your experiences with. Jenny also mentioned StrokeLine. You're more than welcome to give us a call on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST). 

 

For general stroke recovery information have a look at our resource My Stroke Journey.

Our fact sheets  provide more detailed information into areas of stroke recovery including emotional and personality changes after stroke and depression and anxiety after stroke.

 

Best wishes,

Alana - StrokeLine

 

Hi everyone

 

The sharing and caring about the sudden shock which occurs - I am glad that people have somewhere to ask questions to and that helps with the sudden isolation.

Your husband sounds like a very determined man - best of luck to you both and we may see him on EnableMe in the future. 

 

Sue

Yes he's is determined..but some insight is returning, which brings a whole new set of problems..fragility, fear of the future, realization that life is now different.  Not an easy road for us both. One day at a time here. 

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