The right side of my body is paralysed, but now I'm falling to the…

In November 2019 I suffered a bilateral medullary stroke. I'm quadriplegic with 100% paralysis on the right side and about 40% use of my left arm. I have aphasia (I had a trachie for 3 months, paralysis is on the right side), but I can talk now and my brain doesn't seem to be affected. I live in SDA accommodation in the community. I am 19 months post stroke and 1 month ago I started falling to the left in my chair. It is progressively worse and now I can't sit up in bed.

Hi Wendy,

Thank you for sharing with us on EnableMe. You have been through a lot since your stroke and it is good to hear that you are reaching out for support when you need it. From what you wrote, you sound like a true fighter!

The changes to your posture and falling to the left sound like they are having a big impact on you. It’s only been a month since this all started so now is the time to see what can be done.

The first thing is to find out what’s causing the problems you’re having.

It would be good for you to see a neurologist. You can get a referral from your GP. The neurologist will thoroughly assess whether you have any medical changes. They can organise scans and tests. They can also refer you to physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

It may be that being stuck in bed, moving less and doing fewer things for yourself has made your muscles weaker. This makes you less able to hold yourself up. In this case, physiotherapy will be really important for you. You will also need to see an occupational therapist to look at your home set up and see if there is equipment that will help. Occupational therapists can also show you better ways to do things and make sure you are as safe and comfortable as possible.

You can talk to your GP and neurologist about the best way to access therapy. They may be able to refer you to community rehabilitation – it would be good for you to have access to a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. If you have an NDIS plan, they will be able to help with access to allied health sessions and any equipment you may need. You can also use a Chronic Disease Management Plan for subsidised allied health sessions if needed.

If you would like to talk to us about this, please call StrokeLine 1800 787 653. We’re available 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday AEDST. You can also email us on strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au

Warm regards,

Kath (StrokeLine)

It could be normal , you body trying to straighten itself up , but it cant because of the stroke , Only advice is to straighten up you seating position , I am in a wheel chair and lean to the good side so I know . Yes its common if you have a serious stroke and stuck in a wheelchair .