New and feeling overwhelmed

Hello Sue

Welcome.

I am sorry to hear of your husband's stroke and the shock and confusion which has no doubt followed as you navigate what happens now. No wonder you are feeling a bit lost and yes you are in the right place.  

Your write of you husband no communicating yes or no - wonderful to hear of this for you both.

Have you had a chance to look around EnableMe and start to see what sort of information is on here?  Lots of informative stuff like PodCasts, a place to ask questions, the forums and blogs are good for fnding out what others are up to.  Also I don't know if you have called Strokeline , the number is 1800 757 653 if you wanted to talk to someone about the choice of which rehab your husband has the option of.

The Stroke Foundation also has a great Facebook site which has lots of personal stories. 

I came across EnableMe in late 2015. 22 years after my stroke happened in 1993, I was 22 years old.  My stroke occurred two week after my husband and I lost our first baby when I experienced Pre-Eclampsia.  I have gained so much from ongoing long term recovery with the support which has been offered through my  connection with EnableMe.

What you have described of your husbands communication yes or no.  My first recollection after my stroke and blinking yes or no to communicate.  It was like I could let people know "I'M IN HERE!!"  What a relief this was!

Take care and wishing you both all the very best.

Sue

Hi Sue,

I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s stroke. Feeling overwhelmed following such a life changing event is completely normal – hopefully you feel supported through enableme. We are also available on StrokeLine if you would like to chat over the phone.

Have you received any support from the hospital Social Worker? This would be a good starting point. It would be great to request a family meeting if you need further clarity from the treating team about which rehabilitation option is best as this does depend on the individual – the type of difficulties they are experiencing and their ongoing goals. Sitting down with the team and finding out why they suggest a particular rehabilitation option over another will hopefully help. In the family meeting, we’d also suggest taking a list of specific questions you would like the team to address so that all the important areas are covered. You may also wish to take someone with you if you feel you need support for yourself.

As Sue Bowden has mentioned, it’s such a great thing that he has starting verbally communicating. Focusing on improvements like these and other positives in his recovery can also help.

Hopefully this helps Sue. Please feel free to give us a call on StrokeLine if you’d like to chat further.

Best wishes,

Lisa (StrokeLine – 1800 787 653)