EMMA'S STORY

[emma]

Hi my name's Em and I'm a stroke survivor and will be moderating this forum for NSF. I previously worked full-time as an Occupational Therapist, was renting and was an avid long distance runner.

I stroked at 24 years age during surgery to remove an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in my brainstem. After years of full-time rehab, I now have commenced work here at NSF, am studying my OT Masters and have started my own speaking business.As a Stroke Survivor and Therapist I am passionate to educate our community about patient focused care and disability. Throughout my own recovery support has been (and still is) so important. I am therefore so determined to ensure that others feel heard and supported. I believe that this online forum at StrokeConnect will help do this!!!!!!!!!!

[SarahB]

Hi Em,
The site Looks really great, how cute your puppy sounds mine are bishion frise
chole and clem Brother and sister, they are great company to you in all kinds of ways, this is a bit spooky cause i was just talking to a friend today and she has a new pup as well and her name is daisy she is a cross between cavalier king charles and something else (i think not sure!)

Hope you have great joy with your new pup for many years to come

Talk soon
SarahB

[emma]

Thanks Sarah, my puppy's so cute! I never heard of a 'cavoodle' but now see them everywhere! (I guess like buying a car and suddenly seeing a 1000nd of that model)

[loulouangel79]

hey Emma,
how long ago was your stroke? and what problems have you been left with?
I think it's kinda strange that there is an OT a Physio and a Nurse all here on the forum.
Do you think that your experience has made you a better more compassionate OT, i really feels that when i return to work i will have a new perspective on what it is like to be the patient.
Elisha

[emma]

Hey Elisha, my stroke was four years ago now. It left me with an inability to move or speak or swallow. Double vision, nystagamus, a right facial palsy. left sided sensation problem and pain and ataxia. Oh, yep I also couldn't walk for a while but have good use of all limbs, just shocking balance! So I'm now on a walking frame.

Being an OT that worked in stroke previously, has been a huge learning curve but definitely has given me a different perspective!

Where were u working Elisha?

Em
NSF Moderator

[loulouangel79]

hey Em,

not working at the moment, hoping to rehab back into work around June next year, fingers crossed. When i go back to work it will hopfully be to the paediatric unit at the local general hospital. I am also scheduled to finish my midwifery degree in 2011, which would have me working in obstertrics for a year. So i'll keep plugging away and we'll see how it all go's. In the mean time i'll try to make the most of my forced leave.
Elisha

[emma]

Wow Elisha, you sound like you've got a great plan. I guess how you go about it might differ now (especially when your babies born!!!!) but definitely go 4 it! Sounds like you'll be one experienced mum with all your work! When is your baby born again? My new nephew was just born so now I have four- Holly, Lucy, Ellen & Jack! A baby influx, I'm quite used to talking about nappies and breast feeding now - even baby monitors have replaced flowers on the table! I love them all though!

Em
NSF Moderator