Hi Helen,
Here are some more responses for you from the Facebook community:
Hi Helen I’m 30 months post stroke and I can relate to what you are saying. Speech was and remains my main concern. There are times when you wouldn’t pick it and then there are the times when I struggle to make myself understood. Often when talking I have the word but cannot enunciate which inevitably becomes very frustrating. When this happens I tell people I can’t get the word (even though it’s there in my mind) and try to engage in other conversation until the word/s come. I often find also fatigue can play a big role in communicating so when I start to struggle I slow the conversation or just change the subject. Overall for me I have learned that giving up is not an option. Everyone is different but the journey is the same for each of us... we’re all looking to return to normalcy. So Helen don’t give up, stay strong and you will find yourself. I’m hoping it’s sooner rather than later. Take care.
I had my stroke 3 years ago.
Language and speech were affected. I still hate phone calls.
While things have improved, I still have word issues now, with words emerging that weren't what was intended, or not coming out.
Others just tell me that "that happens to everyone" as if I'm just having a tongue-tied moment. I know inside it's different. This is Me v.2 and it's difficult not being what I once was.
That said, remembering where I was 3 years ago compared to now, I'd say keep up the therapy. It's a long road, but it gets better.
Hi Helen, my stroke was quite a few years ago and my speech was intially very affected. Last year I had a few TIA’s and my speech again was quite affected. My speech and word finding are always worse when I am fatigued or stressed (not so great when this happens at work!). I had speech therapy sessions on both occasions and they definitely helped. If possible suss out a speech pathologist that has experience in working with stroke survivors.
I had my stroke 5 years ago. I couldn’t say my name at the start, let alone read. But with loads of speech therapy I’m nearly back to pre-stroke. I’m not as articulate as I once was, hate talking in meetings and still muck up words constantly (which people who know me kindly ignore)
The speech therapy at the start helped me a lot, but I think time and just accepting I’m not the same helped me regain my confidence.
Please continue with speech therapy !! I'm 3 years post stroke and my speech was one of my biggest hurdles, I've had 3 years of speech therapy and I too seemed to go backwards at times but that is how it seems to be. I think that this is because our cognition and general recovery is improving and we are "doing" more, our brain cannot keep up with this and speech is unfortunately affected especially when "fatigued". I was lucky that I had a beautiful, understanding, caring speech therapist who became my shoulder to cry on, who gave me encouragement and the person who really understood me. I hope you are as lucky as me and find that special speech therapist to help you on your road to recovery.
I was the same, i started to feel awkward as i had to think about the sentence before speaking BUT my wife made me keep up contact with my hotrod buddies. Your speaking will improve i am confident in that. A stroke is the nastiest of things but every day is new and usually things improve.
I had a stroke nearly 12 months ago and my speech was affected a lot. I've seen 2 speech therapist and without them I don't think I would be able to talk and write. Both of my speech therapist supported me and someone I could talk to who understand what I was going through! If you decided to get a speech therapist hopefully they will help you as mine did.
Hi Helen, not speech related (managed to get that going quickly!), my problem is walking and balance. I reached a distance of one kilometre with a wheeled walker before it went wrong, back to a few steps and a total lack of balance! My stroke was last year in July. Cost me my job and it’s so frustrating, I do weekly hydro, physio along with chiro and acupuncture! Really don’t know what else to try but will not give up! Keep going and hope for the best! Good luck
My dad is 18mths post stroke. Speech can be affected when stressed or tired but otherwise he's shown improvement in all areas all the way through. Keep chipping away
Speech therapy is really important. Remember when you speak to make it extra slow when you are having difficulty and try to articulate every word. It might sound a bit odd but you have a better chance of coming out with the right word.
Please video yourself regularly, even if it’s just for yourself. You might not see small changes but the chances are that you are improving. It’s hard when you remember the ‘old’ you and it’s frustrating that progress isn’t as fast as you want. Speech therapists are great, but you can set yourself small goals, step out of your comfort zone and try things to stretch your speech. Games, apps, getting out and meeting people can help. Find a peer support group where it’s a safe place to share speech and feelings. Don’t give up because there’s no end time to progress in stroke recovery. The brain is amazing.
Hi Helen, I had my stroke nearly 6 years ago. When I first came home my speech was good. But 6 months later my speech deteriorated alot, barely able to speak. The doctors thought I was having another stroke but luckily I wasnt. I think medication for my anxiety/depression has helped. My speech has improved but when I'm tired it gets a bit slurry. I havent had speech therapy.
I hope thes hellp
Diana
