Patient Advice

Mel’s advice: I did have the comment ‘have you been drinking’ from a couple of people. It’s trying to explain to them that I’ve not been very well. It’s not that I’m drunk, I just can’t get my words out properly.

Helen’s advice: After leaving the hospital, there wasn’t much ‘official’ community support for me. So the clinical psychologist was a massive help. Later on, I found social media useful to find out from other stroke survivors what struggles they went through.

Elsie’s advice: One main challenge in my life is how to control my emotion. If I heard something sad, I would cry very easily. But it helps if I try to think of something else as it’s happening, for instance, when I first went into church, I found I was very emotional but I recited a poem when I went in. It was amazing how it had helped me.

Elsie’s advice: My ambition was to get round onto my tummy. I got a lighter duvet for a start. The rehab team had also shown me how to turn over and I kept working on it. I couldn’t do it at that time, but I’ve been able to do it since. I sleep much sounder now.

Helen’s advice: I was struggling with things and couldn’t work out how to get through it. Taking a step back, giving myself time and re-assessing, re-addressing something at a later date helped. You might have a fresher head and it’s crystal clear. I think stepping back and talking to someone about it is important too. A fresh pair of eyes – I think it really helps you to get over challenges, especially new challenges that you don’t expect.