There is much to talk about, so much to share.
We will not always agree but an attempt to communicate is a good beginning.
Thank you for making a start on this promising project.
We might have been affected by stroke, but we have hopes dreams, dreads even, just like every other human being. We also have potential and deserve an opportunity to discover ways to realise what we are capable of.
I have been disabled by stroke but that does not make me useless or incapable.
Please realise I am trying to rebuild self esteem, find my direction and struggle with all sorts of set backs. (there are successes and triumphs too btw.)
Not everyone gets my sense of humour but at the worst you can simply ignore me. Don’t try to change me into some sort of acceptable item, I am what I am and am not in need of a polish or a change of attitude. You might even get used to me.
This forum is a resort very dear to many of us.
I have said enough, I’m sure others will want to have their say.
I always jump in feet first.
Thanks for dropping by! I agree there is lots to talk about and share with stroke recovery.
It’s great to hear that many people find this forum helpful and my hope is that we can all come together in this space to offer support on the journey of stroke recovery.
I’d love to hear about peoples triumphs and celebrate their wins and it’s equally important that people feel they can share their hard times here too.
Just arriving on this forum for the first time, is difficult.
You have no answers, there are so many questions, you are frightened, Will things stay like this forever, will things get worse? Will you be able to get back to work, Can anyone say how long it will go on? How will you live?
Does anybody understand what you are going through?
Spending some relaxed time with others who have also been affected can be a help. Seeing what others have achieved helps put things in perspective.
It is more than two years since my stroke. I believe that those with a little experience can be a useful resource to ‘newly stroked’ individuals.
In return they earn a little self esteem from being able to do something useful for another.
I have achieved things I never believed possible when I first came home, I definitely still have far to go. I left hospital bed bound, I can walk a little now, In a few weeks I am expecting delivery of a car, which will open up my world considerably. I am still disabled but there are all sort of possibilities. Last week I was being driven at speed around the Silverstone race track in a high end Porsche racing car.
Next week I’ll likely bake a cake and enjoy a slice or two with my wife. There have been ups and downs but it is worth the effort. This forum has been a great place to share my experiences, gain encouragement and learn about the journeys that others are making.
We all take delight in hearing about success but realise sometimes a little encouragement is what is needed.
This forum is a godsend and worth it’s weight in gold. I found it so helpful after my stroke 7 years ago and it is still my go to place for information and advice. There’s nothing better than speaking to people who truly understand what you are going through and long may it continue.
A big thank you to all of the contributors who remind us that we are not alone
Hi all, totally agree with 1st paragraph. I spoke with my doctor only this morning and virtually highlighted (ad verbatem) about q’s but no answers. This forum/website has in itself has been uplifting for me as i can relate to most of what otger people have/are still going through and i thank you all for that.
@Bobbi I know those early days of stroke recovery can be hard and scary with few answers. This forum is a great place for people in those early days to gain some insight into what can be a long road of recovery. It’s also a great place for people to share their wins on their journey too in the hope of inspiring others and I’m looking forward to seeing this over the coming months.
It’s great that you have achieved so much in your recovery, I can see you’re still striving for more! I hope you keep us all update on the many adventures you’re sure to have with your new car!
I do love baking and can never turn down a piece of cake so please make sure you sure to pop some pictures and recipes on here for me.
Anna,
You are right when you say that the early days can be hard and scary, but even a year or two after the event, times and the ways things work out can still be unsettling.
Right now I am going through a phase where my self esteem is being challenged and complaints have been made against me. I am being encouraged to question myself.
I find myself innocent of all charges but am still faced with the dilemma of which direction to take next. Very similar to that first realisation things that are no longer as they were.
It is worth noting that it is possible for one to mute adverse comment and this can help to defuse fraught situations. However, I really wish things were not like this here on this forum.
I suppose it can make one stronger to work through one’s problems. I hope there is a lesson worth learning somewhere in the midst of all this. I already have a few years experience to draw upon.
By the way, I do get as much pleasure from my writing as I give. I sincerely hope there will be more, we will see, eventually, how things pan out.
I’m aware of the discontent that has been growing on the forum. As you say, I’ve been here for 3 months now, learning, observing (not lurking ) and embedding myself into the role. Admittedly my focus has been turned more towards Online Activities for those first few months and as was planned my introduction to the Online Community came yesterday. I hope this will be a positive turning point for the Online Community and all the people that contribute so amazingly to the peer support here.
I’m here to engage with you all, how that looks will be a collaborative effort between us all. To be clear, my role is to offer support for people using this space. The community of stroke survivors and people affected by stroke that use this space are what makes this forum what it is, and I’m here to help support you all to do this. You all have invaluable experiences and knowledge that you can pass on to others and should be what this forum is all about.
As you’ve asked how you all can help me I’ll answer that with;
Continue to offer the amazing support that you do to each other, my wish is to see this forum flourish.
I’m looking forward to seeing you around the forum!
Hi Sue, This is the first time ive visited. Nice to see that your using the service after 7 years. I had a stroke 10 months ago,lost my right side,but am now walking at home and using my toothbrush. It’s going to be a long journey, but ill get through with the help on the stroke nurses and family. Like I said this is my first time that ive used the Stroke so I hope im doing ok.
Jeff
Hi @Jeff1 and welcome to the community.
Good to hear that you walking and able to use your toothbrush. As you say tye journey is a long one but you will no doubt keep improving.
Hi @Jeff1 welcome to the community, sorry to hear about your stroke. I hope you’ll find it useful here. There’s lots of information about recovery and if you have any questions there are plenty of people here who will answer.
If you need anything whilst using the Online Community please don’t hesitate to tag me using the @ symbol.
Thanks Simon, so nice to hear from you. I tell people that having a stroke is like having the flu every day,so tired. I have worked very hard on my right side, the hands are so paifull to work at, ive never felt such sickening pain to work on the hands. I am off to town on my scooter just now, so will call again. All the best Jeff
I am so glad to hear you are able to get out and about on your scooter! May not seem so exciting due to other possible limitations, but sounds like an exciting adventure to me, as I rarely get out. Over time, likely many issues will be resolved through recovery, and others by finding a different way to get them done or work around them.