Deena's story

Elsie using her tablet
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Job: Nurse, Principle Lecturer

Study: Masters, PhD studies

Nursing is my passion

4 years ago I dropped down – a stroke
Then: Nothing happened the first year, because I was crying, crying, crying
Now: it’s good because I’m trying

The leg is going better, and the hand is doing not well, but is going a bit better

My voice is going better and better and better, every day, the speech is going a lot better

It’s hard, but never mind

Two friends helped Deena through the difficult times. Deena says “ they gave me time to breathe”. Joining a communication group helped Deena and going to a gym. Deena is now thinking about volunteering.

Deena likes singing. At home, she plays soul, reggae and some classical music and sing along. Singing helps Deena with her speech.

Patient Advice

Grieving is a natural thing, but finish

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Deena’s advice: I felt terrible two, three years ago. I cried and cried – my friends said ‘alright, alright’. Together we got past it. Grieve and then finish. Grieving is a natural thing, but finish.

My life with stroke in pictures

Deena
Deena in the garden
Deena walking to the aphasia support group
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