Eileen’s story
Eileen is in her late fifties. She had several mini strokes and then a ‘big’ stroke twelve years ago.
The strokes affected Eileen’s speech and movement. She uses an electric wheelchair to get about.
After many years, Eileen still remembers some of the techniques and exercises she was shown at the beginning. They come in handy when she has a setback. “So I’ve got to re-start every now and then. At least I know I can do it, I’ve done it before.”
Eileen has recently discovered a love for drawing in charcoal. “You know, what amazes me, I learn even more things all the time. Although my world is smaller – I can’t do things – there’s lots that I can do. Artwork is not about drawing the picture, it’s about how you draw it, the technique and that’s what I’m trying to do, learn new techniques.
While my world may be getting smaller and smaller, my outlook is getting wider and wider.
Don’t let anything discourage you. Use it as a launch pad to something new and that can be anything – use it as an opportunity.
Patient Advice
A stroke can be the beginning of something new
Eileen’s advice: Unfortunately, I’m one of those people who are susceptible to strokes. But in some ways, having a stroke can be the beginning of something new. I, for example, never thought I would enjoy art classes and the end result was hopeless in the beginning. I learned that it’s not about the actual something. It’s about how you do it and what you get from it. That’s freed me up. It took me a long time to get there, but I’m now using that on everything.
My life with stroke in pictures
