Early May Bank Holiday Monday 2025 is a day I shall never forget.
Thankfully, one year on from my stroke I am hear to say that I am so grateful to my family, friends, this excellent community and especially all the doctors, nurses and the countless other medical professionals that have helped me get to today with a smile on my face.
It has been a very traumatic 12 months but I am happy and taking every day as it comes.
Lots of Ups and Downs along the way including having to apply for new driving license as I turned 70 in December and had to declare my stroke….eventually received new license. Have been advised to stick to my borough/county to be on the safe side and not drive any long distances. I am fine with that as at least I have my independence…
Managed to get a Blue Badge but not without many challenges along the way…
I can cook, clothe myself, wash/shower etc ok so unfortunately I cannot get a PIP …
Concentration lapses are creeping in but am ok at the moment…
Confusion is worrying me when being asked complex questions, when usually I would be fine and handle them with no problem at all…
Speech is “ok”, not perfect but handle it as best I can with understandable bouts of being tongue tied, which is very annoying but I try to laugh it off with the family
I am like a pair of “maracas” with all the medication I am having to take daily but I need it so it’s just routine
Anyway, thank you all on the community. I don’t post normally but i read pretty much all the threads and I really appreciate the support this community gives everyone who has been affected by strokes.
Hey Gary - Thank you for posting your anniversary update. You’ve done very well and I am pleased for you as I expect all reading this will be too. Posts like yours offer inspiration and moral boosts to many who read them.
If I may ask, are you on schedule for this, or perhaps have ye already achieved this?
I hope you’re already doing this, but if not, I have no doubt this will be easily achieved in the next 12 months
With regards to your PIP claim, Ann @Mrs5K is right. PIP is usually paid to people who have not reached state pension age, all new claims will be based on this, though if your PIP was granted before you reached state pension age then you may [in certain circumstances] continue to receive it until age 70.
However, in your case as you were already at state pension age when you applied for PIP, you would not have been eligible (on grounds of age), but they should have explained this and they should have advised (as Ann did) to apply for Attendance Allowance in stead. Attendance Allowance is the PIP equivalent of the PIP and is for people already at state pension age.
Certain criteria do have to be met before it is granted, but if you were advised to apply for PIP then certainly you should apply for Attendance Allowance.
I really appreciate your reply and kind words and advice
I will definitely try claiming for AA an hope to get that done this week. I will let you know how I get on.
As for walking unaided: at my last Consultant review, I was advised to use a stick when out and about on longer trips other than going to the supermarket. I have a history of spinal surgery with metalwork… haven’t needed a stick for 12 years until the stroke. So the stick is really there as a precautionary measure to support me and cautionary to let people know to steer clear. Thank you for asking
Wrt the stick, go ahead and use it.
I was merely suggesting it is something you might want to aim for. but funnily enough we have been talking about sticks on this forum, not sure if you’ve seen it, but I am planning to make a walking stick from an apple tree branch.
I thought it would be a nice accessory - @Rups makes them and this is what got me thinking I could do the same.
It is a bit of a sticky subject for stroke survivors who often come to a sticking point over whether to stick with using a cane, however, I feel many get the wrong end of the stick when thinking about these majestic walking companions, and end up gesticulating the stigma seen in being the bearer of one, but I think sticking to one’s guns, if one feels it is a practical and artistic gratification, is the best way forward.
Wrt the stick, go ahead and use it.
I was merely suggesting it is something you might want to aim for. but funnily enough we have been talking about sticks on this forum, not sure if you’ve seen it, but I am planning to make a walking stick from an apple tree branch.
Good luck with your attendance allowance claim. When we claimed for my mother in law someone from the local council came out to complete the forms with her. They know how they need to be filled in. Worth an ask at your local council.
I will take a look at the “stick” thread later. Thanks for the piece from ‘Rups’ proudly presenting “Steptoe” . I wish I had the talent to create like that .
I hopped onto https://www.gov.uk/ yesterday as applied for AA. I had an acknowledgement email. So, fingers crossed I may be successful in approx 12 weeks or so
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