Kelly

Hi Kelly

I was 52 when I had my stroke and it took me almost 1 year to go to the grocery store on my own.

I was scared of the crowds and noise and the fear is still with me. I still have anxiety when I'm in huge shopping centers. I understand what you are feeling.

It takes time so be gentle to yourself and take day by day.

You will get there.

Kelly, this is such a great goal and I commend you for writing it down and bringing us on your journey. This takes courage! Your goal leading to being reconnected with the outside world and not be isolated, is a big step in recovery. I really like seeing the sharing from Gina and would agree with her wise words to be gentle with yourself and take it day by day. I wish you all the best and know that there is support out there if you ever need. You can call us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 if you would like to discuss more. We are all here cheering you on!

Warm regards,

Kath (StrokeLine)

Hi Kelly,

Here are some comments from Facebook:

Melissa Henson Best of luck Kelly. I am also a young stroke survivor (4 months ago) and are struggling with my mental health and anxiety disorder. Hoping to gain some tools from others out there that have taken this journey that I now find myself on.

Di Nkiss Emma Gee is a young stroke survivor, she is on twitter... hopefully Kelly can connect and find some support to help her navigate this very challenging stage. Good luck Kelly!

Shelley Christie Hi Kelly, I’m post stroke 18months and turning 46 in November. I have recovered quite well because of my husband & daughters recognising F.A.S.T.
However I suffer on a daily basis of not knowing what’s going to happen, it’s real and I understand completely how anxiety affects daily decisions that people take for granted.
I’ve taught myself to keep going and find my comfort and my tribe. I’ve lost some of what used to be my tribe and that’s ok but I’ve found myself and it’s been tough but mentally each day is different.
Keep going Kelly you will get there with the right support, happy to chat if you wish. ❤️ Shelley

Melissa Henson Best of luck Kelly. I am also a young stroke survivor (4 months ago) and are struggling with my mental health and anxiety disorder. Hoping to gain some tools from others out there that have taken this journey that I now find myself on.

Amanda Foster Hi Kelly, good on you for reaching out I’m 43 and would be happy for you to message me. Not that I’m the perfect example because I’m still suffering the anxiety, frustration and limitations but I can be here to listen. This is tough and no one really understands the daily mental struggle unless they have been there xx

Emma Collins Kelly you are not alone and what you’re fetid normal. No one told me
It was normal so I really want you to know it is. I am 47 and had my stroke nearly 3 yrs ago due to an undiagnosed auto immune condition. I was too scared to do anything. I couldn’t walk by myself for over a
Year, hated shopping centres and all I could think about was what if scenarios everywhere I went. It impacted on my laugh but I kept pushing through it. Forcing myself to do a bit more each week. I still have those days and stroke is never far from my mind but I have come a long way and you can too. It’s early days but you will get there. X wishing you all the best

Catherine Williams I walked Evey night just going on dark until I felt safe and comfortable then early morning then bit by bit more and more I now walk to the shops and I walk with friends - I have caught the bus with the help of a travel training buddy- if I stick to the same bus and time I manage fine now by myself it all takes time baby steps - I had 2 major strokes age 49 and have Tia often

Stephanie Lynn I had my stroke at 31yo. I have anxiety and depression. I 2nd guess myself.
I take Endep nightly and I take a half diazepam if I'm too anxious to get outside.
It took me a while for me to overcome the thought that I would have another stroke going out. I tell myself that I'm ok over and over till it passes.

Suzana Vasic Kelly my first stroke was at 48, 4 years later i had another 2😔 mentally i think strokes are harder to deal than physically almost. We are broken and we grieve for old us and are mentally trying to put a square peg into the round hole.... i tried everything but electric shocks. Antidepressants i hate and none work for me. Bach rescue remedy u can buy in any chemist and supermarket and it takes the edge for me. I tried hypnotherapy too, psychological help, everything. Therr are a lot of free hypnotherapy calming apps out there and they have calmed me, but home is still the safe place for me. I don't have answers but i understand. Please message me whenever. We that had walked the same road are the only people who understand 😔. I wish you well❤

Peter ZDixon Gday lelly I had my stroke 14 years ago at yhe age of 44 i have regained a fair walking endurance using lawn bowls to exercise. My issues with droression are by far the hardest part of rehab finding the most suitable antidepressant and a good psychologist is the best advice I can offer. Good luck

Laine Yates Good on u 4 reaching out Kelly - having people who understand your journey really helps give u hope & to know ur not alone.
I found that making smaller/achievable goals worked well for me. Asking a friend/family member or physio to help with accompanying you x number of times of walking to the shops or catching the bus etc to gain your confidence. Then you can maybe try by yourself & they can meet u at the shops or other end of the bus journey - another safety net. Then slowly u can maybe feel comfortable to do this by yourself?
One of my fears was to be home by myself after I got out of hospital. I asked my hubby to take my young boys out for 10 minutes the 1st time and increasing the time by myself slowly to then being at home with my boys by myself. I had to teach them the signs of stroke & to call 000. Our youngest was 5 at the time. Scary to start with, but it did get easier.
Sending u love, hugs & positive vibes 4 ur recovery. If ur in Melbourne, & once lockdown is over, I’m happy to accompany u to the shops or catch a bus or tick anything off your list! Please do message me if I can help in any way.

Paula Scanlon Kelly, I to suffer from crippling anxiety having had 3 strokes. The best bit of advice I can share with you is to find a neurophysiologist or psychiatrist. Not the easiest to find I know but, they understand brain injury. Then find the things that bring some light & joy into your life. As for your goals take baby steps. Ask your family or friends for support with perhaps walking with you to the bus stop for example. Maybe start with getting them to drive you halfway then walk the rest. Remember that you will get tired not just physically but mentally. Going to the shops can be brain overload with bright lights, music, people, noise. Then you need to come home in time to rest. Wishing you all the very best with your goals. And the most important thing is to be kind to yourself. You will get there, it will take time but, you will get there. 💜

Alison Ahrens Kelly, well done for reaching out. I was 48 as well when I had a massive stroke. Specialist counselling can give you insight and coping strategies for the changes a stroke can bring. Break your goals down to baby steps and keep going! All the best for your recovery

Hi Kelly,

I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke back in November 2018, today I am still on the road to recovery, there has been some improvement but not back to my usual self. In hospital they talk to you about the many physical effects of stroke and some possible side effects like how it can sometimes effect things like your thinking or personality, but the crippling neurological effects were not really discussed. In my case, when I am in an environment there are too many competing stimuli, such or mentally trying to deal with more than one thing at once, or deal with something stressful, I can easily become cognatively overloaded and in my case my blood pressure can shoot up over 200 (clearly not ideal for a stroke survivor).

I am an audio engineer, have my own company and working on major events and festivals, as you can appreciate in our industry you definitely need to be able to multitask well and work quickly in a busy environment with everything that can happen during a live performance.  The last day I was able to work was four days before my stroke, it was a major corporate event at Crown Casino Melb. Since the stroke I have had to outsource all my work to subcontractors hopeing one day to make a full recovery. But for now I'm sill a work in progress.

Hang in there my friend, I know how frustrating this can be!  

I have found a good neuropyschologist and neuropsychitatrist can be very helpful.
Feel free to message me if you would like the details of the doctors I have been seeing.

Robert - Glen Waverley Melbourne.

I was socially isolated for many years after my stroke.  The best thing I ever did was register with NDIS.  The scheme gave me access to Support Workers to assist me in achieving my goals of re-connecting with the community and to gain more confidence to leave my home to shop or socialize.  I know registering with NDIS is a long and frustrating road, but the end result is well worth it.  I now get help around my home with things I struggle with (eg, gardening, which I love) and get support to attend workshops where I can meet with other stroke survivors.  I get to travel to see my 92 year old father who lives 200 km away (I had to give up driving recently which was devastating as I live in a rural location).  NDIS has helped with mobility equipment as well as opening up new opportunities for me.  I have a life again instead of just existing.  I hope you can reach out to an NDIS provider and start the journey towards your goals.