"Thank you for helping me see there is a life after stroke"

I have just returned home after attending the Stroke Family Education Group run by Evesham Hospital's Therapy staff along with a stroke survivor.

I was initially reluctant to attend, partly due to feeling guilty that I wasn't spending that time visiting my husband on the ward. I can honestly say I am really glad I did attend!

I learned a lot about different types of strokes and the risk factors as well as the different side effects (physical and emotional). It was very interesting to hear about all of the different therapies and how every day tasks my husband was being encouraged to complete were all part of his therapy.

They talked through the stroke pathway and the different teams we would meet along the way as we moved from being in hospital to being discharged home (or a nursing home). I especially liked how the staff talked of us all being a 'stroke family'. In the initial hours and days following his stroke I felt that I was a 'spare part' as quite rightly all the focus was on saving my husband's life, but this group showed me I would be supported as me and my husband adjust to our new life together.

I think the biggest reassurance for me was that I am not alone in my worries and concerns for our future and that all the questions I have are 'normal' and there are people who can help answer them.

Thank you for helping me see there is life after stroke for both of us.