Independence

Life after stroke
#1

I have read of many recovering stroke survivors on our forum and it has given me hope, however the point of independence is key to rebalancing the altered existence, it gives carers freedom from their obligations and the revival of a shattered life

I am assuming independence comes shortly after a gul recovery but I may be wrong
For me independence is being able to walk most places without my carer hovering over every step, dressing and feeding mysel, washing and shopping and getting back to driving again.those are the headline parts probably more but it’s a start

#2

I think independence is relative. I can walk to a certain degree, shower by myself, bake, cook, do a little ironing and, despite the difficulty, change a bed. However, I can’t do much lifting,have a wonky left arm, can’t walk far, can’t hold a fork and need help shopping and going up steps with no rail or balustrade. I am taken everywhere by car.

I don’t have carers, but rely on my partner for things I cannot do. I class myself as partly disabled. But ai battle on.

1 Like
#3

Hi @mrfrederickson yes, there are some very inspirational people on this forum.

It depends what you think of as independence and a full recovery, some SS may have some residual impairment, of varying levels, for a long time, and I believe independence can be achieved whilst still progressing through recovery, though of course it depends on what type of impairment one has. If it’s mobility, a mobility scooter or power chair could be utilised and the SS could get out and about as most shops and venues are accessible friendly.

If it’s cognitive, a little more planning may be required, ensure you have contact numbers to hand in your mobile, have a sunflower lanyard visible, carry a Brain injury identity card

It’s all about ones safety and ability. You may find in a few weeks your able to venture out and about a little, take someone with you the first couple of times to build up your confidence.

#4

Thanks for your story John, suppose I call independence the ability to survive and operate ones life with minimal intervention by a carer or third party, looks like you have done very well andill no doubt get yhere.good luck

#5

I class myself as independent and partly disabled. I have no use of my left arm, can only walk short distances, but I live alone, drive, work (part-time), cook, can change the bedding. I don’t iron, a friend mows the lawn and does any heavy carrying in the garden.
The key to independance is partly the right gadgets and partly finding ways to adapt to disability - for example I worked out a way to put up shelves one-handed.

2 Likes
#6

Fantastic, same disability as me you have given me inspiration and hop, not sure my vision will right itself anytime soon but always hopeful, great achievement :sparkling_heart:

#7

Hello @Janetb. Thank you for sharing this. Finding what works for you is the key, trial and error is often the only way, accepting there will be a significant amount of errors. Well done on the shelves and working it outđź‘Ť Julia x

#8

Good advice I am walking around the outside of the house once each day looking to increase the stamina then go stick free outside as a real bonus