Personal Stories

Marilyn’s Story

• I had a stroke on the 25th July 2001. I was 47 years of age at the time.

• I didn’t feel well when I got out of bed.

• I ended up on the floor and I had to crawl to get to the phone.

• I rang my mother. I didn’t realise I couldn’t talk and the right arm and leg were numb.
• Mum got in touch with my brother, who phoned for the ambulance.
• I stayed at the hospital for a month. I live alone, and it was a daunting experience coming home.

• My speech and right hand are affected.

• Unfortunately I had had a few years of ill health. Then the stroke happened with the speech and the right hand problems; I got very tired, more depressed, and very irritable.

• I had rehabilitation for a couple of years.  I manage by myself at home.  I do my cooking, washing, ironing and gardening, but have some help with cleaning.

• My family – sisters and brother – help with heavy tasks and odd jobs that I have problems with.

• My boyfriend plays cards with me, goes for walks, helps with odd jobs and some gardening.
• We usually feed the ducks on Sundays when we go walking to the river.

• I regained my driving license so I can go to the shops and to rehab, but I’m not driving very much at this stage .

• Shopping is quite stressful with the crowds and noise, so I try to shop in quiet times. The fruit and vegetables are not easy to put in the bags, with a hand not quite co-operating.
• I used to take my camera out when I went out. I can’t press the shutter with my fingers.

• I have problems with bandaids, cutting my nails, and cleaning my glasses.
• I used to read a lot, but now, I have problems with the words. The words are going around my head, but, when I write or speak, they come out wrong.
• I use scripts for phoning taxis or appointments.

• I have to re-learn numbers and adding up money is difficult when I am shopping. Telling others the time is hard to do, also.
• Before the stroke, I used to make gem trees, and fantasy dolls as a hobby. I miss doing craft work, and hopefully I can get back to it eventually.

• I write poetry now and draw.  I have had a drawing and painting in an exhibition.

• I did tapestry at rehab. I want to get back to this.  I am fortunate because my writing hand is my left hand, so I can still do drawing.

• I would like to travel overseas and visit England – King Arthur country – France, New Zealand, South America, and the Flinders Ranges. I would like to fossick for gem stones and learn to how to polish them.

• I do volunteer work in a public library twice a week.  It is good to be back in a library and to use my skills.

• I go to a computer group once a week with other people with aphasia.

• It hasn’t been easy for the last few years, but I find pleasure in my garden, and hobbies.
• I like to listen to music or go out to gardens, galleries or movies, or just relax with the family and my boyfriend.

• I try to cope but some things get on top of me, but I just persevere.