Coping with changes

Hi Twitchy,

I am very new to strokes too. Only 2.5 months since my darling dad had his stroke. I wonder has your mum spoken to her doctor about her hearing loss. Also what support does she have eg a speech therapist. Just an idea, could you skype, even writing down what you want to say? Depression is certainly common from what I have learned for stroke victims. I do hope you get help, there are also good support groups on facebook as well as being able to phone The Stroke Foundation.

Best wishes 

Michelle

Hi Twitchy,

Thank you for reaching out to us on EnableMe. We are sorry to hear about your mother’s stroke and the difficulties that you have both been facing. It sounds like you are very supportive and we're sure your mother appreciates you being there with her during this journey.

As Myshelle said, it’s a good idea for your mother to talk to her doctor about the hearing loss if she hasn’t already. They might be able to investigate the exact cause of the hearing loss and the management of it.  It might also be worth discussing your mothers hearing loss with her neurologist if she is still seeing one.

Is your mother seeing a Speech Pathologist? If so they would be able to work with her on her communication and perhaps look at different communication aids that may be helpful.  There are also a number of aids such as communication cards and some communication apps (that can be used on a smart phone) that may also help. Myshelle has also made some great points about using different mediums to help you and your mother better understand each other. If your mother is not currently seeing a Speech Pathologist, you can speak with her local doctor about a referral to community rehabilitation, or a private therapist through the chronic conditions management treatment plan if she is eligible. The chronic conditions management treatment plan can provide up to five sessions of Medicare subsidised allied health therapy.

Does your mother have hobbies that she enjoys? If she is unable to work, hobbies are a great way to keep her engaged, which can help with low mood. You might like to read this fact sheet from Synapse about avoiding boredom after a brain injury.

Changes in mood and personality are common after a stroke. If you find that these difficulties are ongoing, or that your mother’s symptoms are worsening, she might like to speak to her doctor about seeing a psychologist. She could access a mental health treatment plan, which would provide your mother with up to ten Medicare subsidised sessions with a psychologist. A psychologist will be able to help her identify strategies to help with the low mood. You might like to read our fact sheet about emotional and personality changes after stroke or listen to our podcast on emotional and personality changes here.

It’s also important for you to take the time to look after yourself and care for yourself as well. Do you think that your mother would be interested in stroke support groups? They can be helpful for stroke survivors to connect with others and have a sense of community.

It sounds like you are doing a great job at supporting and being there for your mother, and we are pleased you have reached out to the community here at EnableMe.  It might also be helpful to talk you over the phone, and you are welcome to give us a call here at StrokeLine on Ph. 1800 787 653, or let us know if we can contact you.

Best wishes

Meredith and Siobhan (StrokeLine)

Twitchy,   Although the problems faced by you and your mum are enormous, I can assure you that things will improve, some of them on their own but most by the pair of you breaking the problems down and seeking answers. Many will not go away completely but the rest can be eased. This forum is an excellent vehicle for getting you in touch with people facing similar problems.

Good luck with your endeavours.

Deigh 

Hi Twitchy, I'm so sorry this has been so difficult for you and your mum. I know it's not the same as talking but are you able to use texting or fb to share your news withe your mum. The loss of music enjoyment is so hard. Since my stroke I no longer hear music the same and I have lost my singing ability with notes coming out totally different to how they are supposed to. Despite this I still love to attend live performances though sensory overload also means I need to wear earplugs which further diminishes what I am hearing. Maybe try going to a ballet or musical to see if tis is something you can enjoy together.
Please make sure you look after yourself; being  a stroke survivor's carer is hard work and wathing your loved ones being your carer is also hard.  You sound like you are doing an amazing job and being an incredible support for your mum.

Best wishes to you both, Toni

Hi ,

I wanted to say thankyou to all the other members replies to Twitchy's post, they have been greatly informative to me also.

Michelle

Thank you for all this.