My wheelchairs are fantastic as they give me the freedom to be out and about. But it is not always easy because of poor access or small areas where it is difficult to manoeuvre without getting into embarrassing but also very fun situations. Or should I say funny for me at least if not for Read More …
Author: Helen
Life Enriched by friends
Stroke Survivor’s Blog Helen McIntosh Some days just seem too difficult until a friend drops in It is May and I haven’t written a blog since March. There is a lot I could have written about. The joy of Easter and the wonderful message that brings; I had a birthday and shared the celebration with Read More …
Odd Encounters
Stroke Survivor being mistaken for an inmate at retirement home when visiting. As I passed a lift the doors opened, a smiling woman exited, flung her arms around me and
Worrying about the ‘what if’s ‘
The first time I went into the city alone after my discharge from hospital wasn’t an easy day but I had made a start at regaining my independence. I had worried about the ‘what ifs’ for nothing. To my surprise it turned out to be a happy experience.
Tempest and Calm
I wrote this poem, Tempest and Calm, as I watched weather changes but it also reflects what my life was like and still is at times. My power of observation has been greatly heightened since the stroke and I get a great deal of pleasure from ‘taking in the ambience’ wherever I might be. I Read More …
Living with the residual effects of stroke
Living with the residual effects of stroke is part of my life. The stroke changed my life and I live daily with the residual effects of it. It is hard to believe that it is over 28 years since I had the CVA (Cerebral Vascular Accident), which caused the stroke in 1987. The good thing Read More …
Do I use a wheelchair or not?
The question ‘Do I use a wheelchair or not?’ was not answered easily. This was not only because of the expectations I put on myself but because the therapist initially wanted me to walk without any aids. The goal was to walk again and without aids. I did achieve this?
Fear and anxiety about going out alone
My stomach was churning, I was fearful and anxious . The cause fear and anxiety was because I was going into the city by myself. Although I was to be met at my destination it was a very emotional experience for me. It was the first time of doing anything by myself since my discharge Read More …
I am a stroke survivor not a stroke victim
I am a stroke survivor not a stroke victim. People who have suffered stroke are often referred to as ‘stroke victim‘. I don’t like labels but if one is to be used I see myself as a stoke survivor not a stroke victim. But better still a person who happened to have a stroke like Read More …