4 years post stroke and return of physical symptoms of arm shaking, upper arm pain and high tone, unsteadiness. lack of previously rehab'd fine motor skills and associated anger and concern....all medical tests returning 'normal'....what can I do? Have had to work as no welfare payments and as a result means reduced time for own rehabilitation engagements.

Hi there,

I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you are now experiencing. Have you seen your GP or neurologist about the return of these symptoms? I would suggest a review, if you haven’t already, to rule out a new stroke and to discuss the best way to manage the arm pain. You could ask for a referral to community rehabilitation for occupational therapy and physiotherapy to work on the arm movement, fine motor skills and your balance. You could access this through your local public health service or privately (and use a Chronic Disease Management plan which entitles you to subsidised sessions).

Sadly you aren’t alone in your experience; many people find it challenging balancing therapy with work and other commitments. Once you get started, you could ask your rehab team to set you up with a home program to allow you to practice around work and on weekends. If you are seeing multiple therapists at the same health service, they may be able to group appointments and also work around your commitments. Chat to them about this at your first appointment.

Hopefully this helps, please feel free to give us a ring if you have any further questions,

Lisa

Speech Pathologist – StrokeLine

1800 787 653

i've been on the waiting list for community and hospital allied health services for years....and because now i have to work to earn money i am told by the services that i am not on the high priority list and that a further 'few years' of waiting  may be  experienced.  i have used up all of my 'free' health referrals inc. mental and chronic health which saw me with out of pocket payments of $100 at each visit.  neurologist charges $300 for a 10 minute consultation of which around $90 is returned by medicare - again am on the waiting list to see the neuro at the hospital again years on the waiting list........because i have to work (and within the disability field) i am unable to engage in the stroke support group nearest to me and even if i could i can't drive that far......i'll continue to work on the exercises that i learned in rehab years ago, maybe the screaming and tearing pain will lessen and tone etc will return - haven't any other options....