Hi Eva Marie
Thanks for posting your question on EnableMe. I’m very sorry to hear about about your paralysis and headaches since your stroke.
It’s not unusual not to be kept in hospital if time has passed and you don’t need acute treatment. However this can mean that you aren’t as clear about how your care and rehabilitation will be looked after.
It’s great that you have a neurologist appointment coming up. It would be worthwhile ringing their office to ask if you can be seen sooner. Two weeks is not too long to wait, but it’s worth getting on their radar in case an appointment comes up in the meantime.
Prepare for this appointment by making a list of the things you want your neurologist to know and the questions you want to ask. These could include questions about:
The cause of your stroke
- How to look after your health and prevent another stroke
- Understanding and managing any problems from your stroke, including your headaches and paralysis
- What kinds of therapy may help you improve your movement and how you do things.
- Your neurologist will write to your GP after your appointment. It will be important to see your GP soon after your neurologist appointment, to talk more about your situation and get a good plan in place.
If you haven’t been receiving any allied health or rehabilitation services, you definitely need to follow this up. You may need help from allied health professionals such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists to manage problems and to get therapy.
There is some good information about what you can do to make sure you get good healthcare at enableme.org.au/Resources/Getting-good-healthcare. There is information in there on the different ways to get allied health and rehabilitation services. Make sure to check this out so you can speak with your neurologist and GP about it and ask for what you need.
You may not have received a copy of My Stroke Journey yet. This book has everything you need to know about life after stroke. If you would like a paper copy sent to you, just call us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au
One last thing – make sure you and your family and friends know the signs of stroke. If you ever experience any of the signs, call triple zero (000) straight away.
With kind regards, and best wishes for your recovery –
Jude, Social Worker, StrokeLine
