Hi Ree,
Here are some comments and words of advice for you from the community:
Derek Hoole
Michelle Young I empathise with you. The recovery can be very trying and challenging. It is a case of two steps forward and one step back. Those small victories you talk about are so very important and motivating. I found that walking complimented my medication and diet. Prayer and faith in God was a major contributing factor to my 2 year recovery. May God abundantly bless you and your family.
Michelle Young
I am nearly 3 years post stroke and taking my son to school was such an important goal along with returning to my job in the emergency services.
Proving people wrong has been such as big part of my journey and at times it’s just exhausting.
I don’t think the anxious feelings ever go away (especially with communication difficulties) you just need to learn how to work with it and how to prepare for each task.
What I have learnt and hope encourages you is
- take the small wins
- prepare, prepare, prepare...I love a good to do list!
- never give up on your goals
- rest when you need to (I still have to learn this one 🙃)
- remember everyday is a blessing and your kids love you no matter what!
Three years on licence back, slowly walking my son to school and have returned un operational to my job, but still back in an administrative role!!
Never give up on your goals 💚
Archana Sinh
I only supported someone who had a stroke and I felt a loss of identity and helplessness that was quite shattering. It was for him, for myself and of what was going to be us.
Some suggestions:
Keeping very small goals is always an advantage.
So if your ultimate goal is to drop your kids then break it into smaller steps.
As a parent the first thing in school drop offs for me was to prepare school bags and uniforms the night before.
The next step was to sleep on time to be able to wake up. (For kids, but it’s advisable for adults too)
The morning was always busy with getting ready breakfast and lunches to be done.
I worked backwards ie if to reach school at 9.00 i need to leave at 8.30, then I aim to be ready by 8.15. So breakfast finish by 8.00 etc
It was a regime that needed constant perfection and review with many kerfuffles.
Despite best efforts we all experience plans that go pear shaped- I tried to learn to take in my stride. Some days I was successful
So be kind to yourself.
Involve the children in planning if schools and teachers can be informed it might reduce some anxiety of being in time.
Good luck and take your time
Basia Kmita
Definitely some beautiful & realistic goals that are achievable within that timeframe.
First step is to regain your independence through driving. Anxiety on road can be managed through many techniques. For example if you have been given clearance to resume driving it is important to start off in your local area- quiet streets between 11am- 1:30pm first then gradually build this up where you incorporate more decision making and more complex traffic including freeways & night driving ax well as the number of passengers in the vehicle to eliminate distraction to begin with. It is always beneficial initially to have a close family member or friend sit in the passenger seat with the hand covering the handbrake just in case. Calming music in lieu of intense talkback helps to eliminate negativity & practising parking in quiet locations.
The neurologist may recommend an OT driving assessment to set this plan in place. Once small steps are taken then confidence increases.
Anxiety on road can include panic attacks, fear of driving long distances, driving at night or during peak times. It may cause problems on road where you may brake suddenly, straddle into someone else’s lane or feel like you simply cannot proceed any further or that you are going to collide or someone else will collide into you. It may also cause you to fear parking your vehicle.
Vehicles fitted with blind spot sensors are also beneficial as are reverse cameras; particularly for safety if the driver is educated on their use. They may not be favourable with older drivers whereby technology may pose more distractions and anxiety and it is important to recognise this.
Driver rehabilitation aims to correct this behaviour and increase confidence and above all safety for the driver and everyone else on road. I hope this helps. Never give up hope or feel that you cannot do it especially if it is your passion. The independence of driving opens up so many doors and pathways regardless of your age 😊
Kerry Lee Hutchesson
Yes it does sadly😔
But you know you just got to get back on that horse and go for it xx.