# Questions and recommendations **URL:** https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/c/about-stroke/recommendations/22.md [Latest](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/latest.md) · [Categories](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/categories.md) · [Tags](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/tags.md) --- ## [Alcohol](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/alcohol/47641)
**Author:** [@Springchicken](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Springchicken)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [22 October 2026 10:34 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/alcohol/47641 "2026-10-22T10:34:33Z")
Prior to my mild stroke I liked a glass of wine maybe once or twice a week. I just wondered if others still have the occasional glass now and again. I think I know the answer but value others opinion. Chris. --- ## [AFO / Brace for Foot Drop for wearing in Bed](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/afo-brace-for-foot-drop-for-wearing-in-bed/46963)
**Author:** [@Mrs5K](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Mrs5K)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [21 October 2026 12:23 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/afo-brace-for-foot-drop-for-wearing-in-bed/46963 "2026-10-21T12:23:06Z")
I wonder if anyone has any experience of wearing an AFO/Splint/Brace for Foot Drop in bed and offer any suggestions on the best device to look at. As a bit of background, I had my stroke nearly 5 years and sometime afte… --- ## [COVID jabs](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/covid-jabs/47640)
**Author:** [@Springchicken](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Springchicken)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [18 October 2026 08:55 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/covid-jabs/47640 "2026-10-18T08:55:09Z")
I’m 8 weeks post stroke and due a COVID jab on Saturday with a flu jab the following Wednesday. This is the first year I can have two a year. I have some doubt in my mind about whether to have it or not as my last one … --- ## [Post stroke lower back pain](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/post-stroke-lower-back-pain/35085)
**Author:** [@Emma\_GH](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Emma_GH)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [26 July 2026 22:27 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/post-stroke-lower-back-pain/35085 "2026-07-26T22:27:39Z")
Hi all, just looking to see if anyone has been in a similar situation as me with lower back pain after a stroke due to an AVM. Bit of background. I had a stoke on May 13th 2022 whilst I was 20 weeks pregnant at the age … --- ## [Dysarthria](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/dysarthria/46842)
**Author:** [@Hayeam](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Hayeam)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [6 July 2026 12:48 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/dysarthria/46842 "2026-07-06T12:48:43Z")
Hi all, Does anyone know of any Dysarthria groups online (zoom etc)? I can find plenty of Aphasia groups but none for Dysarthria? Even though Dysarthria affects more people worldwide? Can you help? Best Wishes Eamon… --- ## [I closed the PFO - can I go an MRI?](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/i-closed-the-pfo-can-i-go-an-mri/46822)
**Author:** [@PeterU2](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/PeterU2)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [3 July 2026 17:24 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/i-closed-the-pfo-can-i-go-an-mri/46822 "2026-07-03T17:24:27Z")
Hi there, I need an advice. I closed my PFO in February and my cardiologist said it’s completely normal to have do lots of things including a MRI if I need one. I have been postponing an MRI I need for my back until afte… --- ## [Shingles vaccination](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/shingles-vaccination/46588)
**Author:** [@Forgecroft](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Forgecroft)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [7 June 2026 09:10 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/shingles-vaccination/46588 "2026-06-07T09:10:57Z")
Has anyone had adverse effects to the Shingles vaccination? --- ## [Insurance and DVLA](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/insurance-and-dvla/46524)
**Author:** [@Simont](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Simont)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [28 May 2026 14:40 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/insurance-and-dvla/46524 "2026-05-28T14:40:07Z")
I had a cardiovascular stroke and subsequently have some memory and occasional balance issues Could anyone with similar post stroke /TIA issues please advise of any issue has arisen with DVLA or insurance. Particularly… --- ## [What a Stroke Looks Like the Day Before It Hits — Know This to Protect Yourself](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/what-a-stroke-looks-like-the-day-before-it-hits-know-this-to-protect-yourself/46369)
**Author:** [@ManjiB](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/ManjiB)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [10 May 2026 23:06 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/what-a-stroke-looks-like-the-day-before-it-hits-know-this-to-protect-yourself/46369 "2026-05-10T23:06:10Z")
We have been discussing this recently on this forum and it is a question many of us would like answered. I came across this today and thought it might interest many of us. Disclaimer I am sharing this in good faith and… --- ## [Passive hand exercise](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/passive-hand-exercise/40262)
**Author:** [@mrfrederickson](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/mrfrederickson)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [28 April 2026 17:23 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/passive-hand-exercise/40262 "2026-04-28T17:23:28Z")
Look at my new toy to try and get my left hand operating properly From America and has a right mit for mirror work. Not cheap but as the NHS is borderline useless had to look out for myself. There is a mirror hand … --- ## [CBD experiences?](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/cbd-experiences/38972)
**Author:** [@Trace57](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Trace57)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [20 April 2026 22:00 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/cbd-experiences/38972 "2026-04-20T22:00:14Z")
Has anyone had a positive experience with CBD for helping with tingling/ numbness or other sensory issues? --- ## [Stroke rehab. robotic glove](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/stroke-rehab-robotic-glove/34999)
**Author:** [@anon70975133](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/anon70975133)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [20 February 2026 23:18 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/stroke-rehab-robotic-glove/34999 "2026-02-20T23:18:50Z")
Hello everybody. Has anyone tried to use a robotic rehab glove,and to what success please? --- ## [Westbrook House / Stroke Rehab centre experiences](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/westbrook-house-stroke-rehab-centre-experiences/45604)
**Author:** [@Kiwimama](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Kiwimama)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [20 February 2026 22:46 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/westbrook-house-stroke-rehab-centre-experiences/45604 "2026-02-20T22:46:41Z")
Hi all, It’s been suggested that my mum might be ready to move to Westbrook House (Margate, Kent) which is an NHS stroke rehab centre as she is now medically stable. Mum is 66 and had an ischemic stroke 10 days ago. Sh… --- ## [Recovery after a stroke / Help me help you](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/recovery-after-a-stroke-help-me-help-you/45145)
**Author:** [@Aidan.B](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Aidan.B)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [8 January 2026 22:20 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/recovery-after-a-stroke-help-me-help-you/45145 "2026-01-08T22:20:22Z")
Hi all, My name is Aidan Bradley and I suffered a stroke in 2021 at the age of 17. I am very thankful I have recovered as much as I have and I am now attending university studying technology and design. For my final yea… --- ## [Foot Drop - Saebo Step](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/foot-drop-saebo-step/39033)
**Author:** [@Susan\_Jane](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Susan_Jane)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [25 August 2025 16:40 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/foot-drop-saebo-step/39033 "2025-08-25T16:40:07Z")
Hi everyone, I have foot drop following a hemorrhagic stroke 7 years ago which paralysed my left side. I walk with a stick and use an Fes machine. I have recently read an article about a Saebo Step and was wondering … --- ## [Brain fog](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/brain-fog/42729)
**Author:** [@Mikedob](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Mikedob)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [18 August 2025 15:55 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/brain-fog/42729 "2025-08-18T15:55:35Z")
Have been gone for some time. I had 2 strokes about 2 years ago and brain fog has never left. I thought mayb medication fog, bue over the 2 years have weeded the medicatiin out. Or how do I know this is brain fog and … --- ## [Appetite and returning to 'normal' foods](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/appetite-and-returning-to-normal-foods/17211)
**Author:** [@Craftchick](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Craftchick)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [25 July 2025 11:29 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/appetite-and-returning-to-normal-foods/17211 "2025-07-25T11:29:04Z")
Hi all - today has been a milestone day. Exactly 12 weeks after my Mum had her stroke, she has had a further Speech and Language Assessment and been given the all clear to go back to normal eating and drinking...so no mo… --- ## [Tom Balchin's book 'Had a Stroke, Now what?'](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/tom-balchins-book-had-a-stroke-now-what/41972)
**Author:** [@nico](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/nico)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [8 July 2025 21:14 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/tom-balchins-book-had-a-stroke-now-what/41972 "2025-07-08T21:14:27Z")
Would others recommend this book? --- ## [Dissasociation](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/dissasociation/43570)
**Author:** [@Mich-mm](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Mich-mm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [7 July 2025 07:28 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/dissasociation/43570 "2025-07-07T07:28:44Z")
Has anyone like me, suffered disassociation? Not recognizing my reflection because of losing so much weightt and atrophy to my face muscles due to lack of use not eating, talking, smiling. Months later my brain tells me … --- ## [Aches and pains](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/aches-and-pains/43411)
**Author:** [@Laura95](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Laura95)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [26 June 2025 18:50 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/aches-and-pains/43411 "2025-06-26T18:50:04Z")
hi everyone, for the pat week or so I’ve noticed a lot more sensations in my stroke affected arm, sharp pains, dull aches a general heaviness nothing too bad, but the past few days I’ve noticed the pains moved it’s way u… --- ## [Air fryer, mobile phone & TV remote recommendations](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/air-fryer-mobile-phone-tv-remote-recommendations/42609)
**Author:** [@CDon](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/CDon)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [25 April 2025 18:46 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/air-fryer-mobile-phone-tv-remote-recommendations/42609 "2025-04-25T18:46:19Z")
Hi, my 74 year old Dad was discharged from hospital back home yesterday, 3 weeks after he had an ischemic stroke which damaged the left side of the brain, causing right neglect with visual field loss (hemianopia) in the … --- ## [Standing Aid](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/standing-aid/42685)
**Author:** [@HelenS](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/HelenS)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [25 April 2025 18:40 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/standing-aid/42685 "2025-04-25T18:40:08Z")
Has anyone successfully used a standing aid such as the Sara Stedy to help teach them to stand again, please? If so, were you successful? I’m considering getting one for my husband, but the OT in the hospital he is curr… --- ## [Seeing a Neurologist privately](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/seeing-a-neurologist-privately/42507)
**Author:** [@Apple](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Apple)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [17 April 2025 13:39 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/seeing-a-neurologist-privately/42507 "2025-04-17T13:39:33Z")
Hi. I wondered if anyone had any experience of paying to see. neurologist privately? As many of you on here know I have had problems with very strange head feelings. Not pain but a constant muzziness slight balance prob… --- ## [Stroke Rehab in Thailand?](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/stroke-rehab-in-thailand/29084)
**Author:** [@dingalingalong](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/dingalingalong)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [8 April 2025 19:39 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/stroke-rehab-in-thailand/29084 "2025-04-08T19:39:16Z")
We are interested in specialist Rehab care. And none seems to be available in the UK, outside of the NHS Stroke centres which will only treat you for an initial phase. So looking at medical tourism. Thailand (or India… --- ## [Can anyone recommend herbal sleeping pills](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/can-anyone-recommend-herbal-sleeping-pills/39748)
**Author:** [@Stephy1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Stephy1)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [7 April 2025 08:27 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/can-anyone-recommend-herbal-sleeping-pills/39748 "2025-04-07T08:27:25Z")
Hello. My brother had a stroke just over a year ago. He is only getting around 3 hours sleep a night. He never was a good sleeper before the stroke. Will ask the GP but was hoping someone had the magic answer. Thank you.… --- ## [Powered wheelchair](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/powered-wheelchair/42461)
**Author:** [@richfinn](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/richfinn)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [5 April 2025 13:15 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/powered-wheelchair/42461 "2025-04-05T13:15:24Z")
hi all, I am desperate to get more mobile and was wondering if anyone has any advice on the possibility of getting a grant or help with purchasing a powered wheelchair .i am unable to access the buses or anything from m… --- ## [Mobility scooter](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/mobility-scooter/42372)
**Author:** [@Janet1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Janet1)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [28 March 2025 13:52 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/mobility-scooter/42372 "2025-03-28T13:52:10Z")
Thinking of getting a mobility scooter, how do others manage with only use of right hand? --- ## [Ct. mri](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/ct-mri/42313)
**Author:** [@richfinn](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/richfinn)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [22 March 2025 09:46 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/ct-mri/42313 "2025-03-22T09:46:59Z")
I suffered a severe stroke last march. and on arrival at the hospital. was eventually sent for a CT scan.which showed no problems although I couldn’t walk my face had dropped and my arm was paralyzed. the consultant sus… --- ## [Sleep](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/sleep/40331)
**Author:** [@Dexi](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Dexi)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [21 March 2025 17:33 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/sleep/40331 "2025-03-21T17:33:13Z")
2 years ago I had a stroke. I’m suffering from sleep - I can’t keep awake in the day. Reading my book, watching TV. Other time if I just sat in wheelchair for 5 minutes I go fast asleep and wake up not knowing where I am… --- ## [Husbands hand](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/husbands-hand/40358)
**Author:** [@EmmaT1974](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/EmmaT1974)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [21 March 2025 13:18 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/husbands-hand/40358 "2025-03-21T13:18:45Z")
Hello hoping someone can advise please? My husband has left sided weakness followig a stroke in December 2023. His left arm and hand are still a work in progress. He’s just noticed that he is having trouble extending hi… [Next page](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/c/about-stroke/recommendations/22.md?page=1)