Stroke Webinar
Last year, I got an invitation for Stroke Webinar. I was so excited but also nervous!
I began preparing what I would talk about and I was asked by the producers to focus mainly on my rehab after my stroke. We planned to talk about the rehab I received after my stroke particularly the community rehab I received straight after being discharge from the hospital. This as many of you will be aware reduces over time.
I spoke with the producer a few days before and again on the morning of the webinar. We went through the topics of discussion and I planned with my husband what we would talk about. So many medical and other professionals were going to be watching and I practiced what I would talk about before the webinar over and over.
On the day of the webinar I got up early to prepare. I spoke with the producer and she reassured me not to be nervous. When the webinar began I listened intently to the other speakers, a physiotherapist and a rehab consultant, whilst I waited my turn. As soon as the camera turned to me and my husband my nerves got the better of me and I froze. I felt so frustrated due to my aphasia that I couldn’t speak, before my stroke I was so talkative. However at the same time I was very happy that I was able to take part and deliver an important message to all the listeners. My husband supported me talking about my journey and seemed to know exactly what I wanted to say.
The producer asked me at the end of the Q & A what message I would give to other stroke survivors and I said: “don’t give up! Life is hard but carry on!”. I also talked about the fact I am driving now and how big an achievement that is for me. Needless to say this message goes out to all my fellow stroke survivors, no matter how hard life is keep going and you can achieve so much more than you can imagine.
At the end of the presentation the other presenters were asked about the ultimate time for rehabilitation and my take away from this is their response regarding the misuse of the word plateau and how ones rehab should not be limited. You should always keep setting yourself further goals to achieve, to better yourself.
Another goal I have set myself after the webinar is an aim to build my confidence to allow myself to feel more comfortable talking in front of more people.
