Supporting Stroke is a website dedicated to those who suffer from, or care for those affected by stroke

This website contains information and support for those who are just embarking on a similar journey that Chris and I had at the start of his stroke and also, for those who are travelling the same road but may find some comfort here within. I intend to show that there is life after stroke and invite you to join me. Janet Ling

Dedicated to my husband Chris

On the 21st October 2007 my husband (Chris) suffered a major stroke it was a tragically quick occurrence. He has been left right-side paralised and with receptive and expressive aphasia (lack of speech and word recognition).

Not all stroke survivors with aphasia receive adequate support to regain some or all of their speech. The general attitude is that if the person has not spoken in the first three months after their stroke then it is unlikely that they will. I strongly disagree and created an education package for Chris. It has taken a long time and a lot of patience on both our parts but I can say that Chris now says some words and has started to speak in short sentences both with and sometimes without prompts.

We started to work on his speech through the process of singing. Chris's brain damage is on his left side, most people have their creative side on the lower right side of the brain, so, Chris can sing but not speak, ( I know- strange! but true). After a year of working with him I placed my resources into a book that has now been published 'All For Chris', you can take a look at the contents on this website and purchase it here as well. My book also contains a lot of Art & Design work that was created by a young student whose name is Caroline, you can see more of her work on this website and purchase some here as well.

Chris was in hospital for over three months and I was unable to use his own bank account. I was aware that he would not be able to manage his own finances when he came home and would be unable to continue his life as before. I was placed in a position where I had to contact the Office of the Public Guardian (where The Court of Protection is based) to start the process of being appointed his deputy. Whilst in hospital Chris received Physiotherapy as part of his rehabilitation. However, on returning home I had to fight for this facility, now he has private weekly Physiotherapy. Community care is very poor for stroke survivors and I have been lobbying Government to ask for a change. I have also been asking the Government to review how stroke survivors with aphasia are rehabilitated as I strongly believe that they should be provided with an education package that encompasses all disciplines tailored to their individual needs. Clearly, the current processes do not offer to those left with aphasia an opportunity to re-learn. I believe that stoke survivors with aphasia should be provided with teaching NOT just therapy. I am working to change and challenge the current views and stance on rehabilitation and have included on this website a form where you can add your name to a list should you wish to join me.

Let me know what you think of this website and if it has helped you.

Keep smiling!

Janet

Supporting Stroke is a UK based independent help and resource website for stroke