Hello Angela
It sounds like it has been a really hard time for you following your stroke.
What you have described could definitely contribute to what you are feeling. Any change in being able to understand spoken or written language will impact on how you interact with others.
I am glad that you have had a neuropsychology assessment. Was the assessment conducted as part of your rehabilitation and are you still having therapy?
If you are not already, it would be helpful to have contact with a speech pathologist who might be able to help you find ways of talking and interacting with others, perhaps using communication cards, or a communication book where you can use pictures to explain what you are thinking or feeling.
Have you sat and talked with the neuropsychologist about the results and what they mean for you? If you have not I would suggest that you contact them to ask them this question. They could also maybe meet with your family as well and explain why you are having these difficulties.
With difficulty talking or writing, it would be very isolating and lonely. Have you tried to explain to your family or friends how difficult it is for you to interact with them? It can sometimes be hard for people to understand that there is a problem, if the difficulty is more hidden. We talk with a lot of stroke survivors about this issue. There are groups where you can meet with others who have trouble talking and understanding after their stroke. We can let you know if there might be any near you, or you can find them here. There are also many stroke support groups that can help you to meet others in a similar situation to you. You can find these here.
Have you considered speaking with your local doctor about how you are feeling? Mood changes can also be common after a stroke, and on top of difficulty talking and understanding people, this can be really difficult.
It would be good if we could reach out to you on the phone or on email. You can contact StrokeLine on the phone on Ph. 1800 787 653 or on email at Strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au and let us know your best number or email. We can then talk about this in more detail with you.
Kind regards
Siobhan
Hi Angela, I had a severe stroke 15yrs ago that has left me with some reasoning problems, very poor writing & if stressed, inability to recall words or names. My right hand side is called "non-functioning" so not much use. I also have a faulty Aortic valve in my heart that's needed replacement twice, the 2nd this last May. Doctors found it while investigating stroke. The problems & feelings you are having are normal for stroke survivors. I still suffer fatigue daily, have difficulty recalling words when talking (especially if getting stressed) & have found that friends don't invite me anymore. I also have Social Phobia so being in crowds was always an issue (friends or strangers) but no-one seemed to want to take the time to slow down to my pace? After my last open heart surgery I was contacted by a local Healthcare Group who offered a companion for 3hrs, 2 days a week. The companion would be trained in some sort of care work & would be able to do things around the house, cook, drive to appointments, shopping & anything else I want? I'm on an NDIS Plan so it's free too. It's all up to me, times & days or even companions? Maybe you could try something like that to get you out & having someone with patience to talk to will help? Maybe your GP would have the information or the Stroke Team? Hope this helps, Julie 🐶🐕🕊
Hi Julie,
Thanks for posting, I imagine that Angela will get a lot from what you've shared. How is your NDIS companion program going?
Diana
Thank you Julie for your comment. I’m really pleased you have been able to find a connection, especially with your ongoing health problems.
Angela