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From Ty and his mate Max, "I was Ty’s PT and his mate before his stroke. He was four weeks out from a boxing fight. Training twice a day, most days. Fit, strong, and disciplined. Honestly, the fittest 50-year-old bloke I knew.
Then everything changed. Ty had a stroke; I got the call and couldn’t believe it. It didn’t make sense. This wasn’t someone you expected to have a stroke.
-
Ty (who has aphasia):
“I went to Fortitude Boxing.
I had my stroke there.
It was an ischemic stroke.
I woke up a week later in Royal Brisbane Hospital.
I was very sick.
A week. That’s how serious it was.”
-
Ty’s stroke was massive. He wasn’t expected to survive. His wife Carla was told he wouldn’t walk again. That he would likely be fed through a tube. People looked at his brain scans and didn’t believe it was him.
Ty lost movement on his right side, his arm and his leg just didn’t work. He also developed aphasia, which meant he couldn’t say anything. For someone who had worked in sales and could talk to anyone, that loss of communication really hit him hard.
-
Ty:
“I was a sign writer and handyman.
I worked with my son Max.
I couldn’t do that anymore.”
-
That loss isn’t always obvious at first. It’s not just about the physical side of things. It’s identity, work, confidence, all of it.
Ty spent six months in hospital, doing speech therapy, OT and physio day after day. Carla was right there beside him the whole time, pushing him and supporting him every step of the way.
She showed up every single day, making sure nothing slipped through the cracks and that Ty kept going, even outside of formal therapy sessions.
He became a bit of a favourite at STARS. The staff really took to him, and everyone wanted to be part of his recovery.
-
Ty:
“I left STARS with a guard of honour.
I was very happy to go home.”
Read the full blog - link in the bio + follow them on @thestrokeblokes
#mateship #stroke #strokesurvivor #strokeblokes #strokerecoverylife #braininjury #tbi #abi

From Ty and his mate Max, "I was Ty’s PT and his mate before his stroke. He was four weeks out from a boxing fight. Training twice a day, most days. Fit, strong, and disciplined. Honestly, the fittest 50-year-old bloke I knew.
Then everything changed. Ty had a stroke; I got the call and couldn’t believe it. It didn’t make sense. This wasn’t someone you expected to have a stroke.
-
Ty (who has aphasia):
“I went to Fortitude Boxing.
I had my stroke there.
It was an ischemic stroke.
I woke up a week later in Royal Brisbane Hospital.
I was very sick.
A week. That’s how serious it was.”
-
Ty’s stroke was massive. He wasn’t expected to survive. His wife Carla was told he wouldn’t walk again. That he would likely be fed through a tube. People looked at his brain scans and didn’t believe it was him.
Ty lost movement on his right side, his arm and his leg just didn’t work. He also developed aphasia, which meant he couldn’t say anything. For someone who had worked in sales and could talk to anyone, that loss of communication really hit him hard.
-
Ty:
“I was a sign writer and handyman.
I worked with my son Max.
I couldn’t do that anymore.”
-
That loss isn’t always obvious at first. It’s not just about the physical side of things. It’s identity, work, confidence, all of it.
Ty spent six months in hospital, doing speech therapy, OT and physio day after day. Carla was right there beside him the whole time, pushing him and supporting him every step of the way.
She showed up every single day, making sure nothing slipped through the cracks and that Ty kept going, even outside of formal therapy sessions.
He became a bit of a favourite at STARS. The staff really took to him, and everyone wanted to be part of his recovery.
-
Ty:
“I left STARS with a guard of honour.
I was very happy to go home.”
Read the full blog - link in the bio + follow them on @thestrokeblokes
#mateship #stroke #strokesurvivor #strokeblokes #strokerecoverylife #braininjury #tbi #abi

From Ty and his mate Max, "I was Ty’s PT and his mate before his stroke. He was four weeks out from a boxing fight. Training twice a day, most days. Fit, strong, and disciplined. Honestly, the fittest 50-year-old bloke I knew.
Then everything changed. Ty had a stroke; I got the call and couldn’t believe it. It didn’t make sense. This wasn’t someone you expected to have a stroke.
-
Ty (who has aphasia):
“I went to Fortitude Boxing.
I had my stroke there.
It was an ischemic stroke.
I woke up a week later in Royal Brisbane Hospital.
I was very sick.
A week. That’s how serious it was.”
-
Ty’s stroke was massive. He wasn’t expected to survive. His wife Carla was told he wouldn’t walk again. That he would likely be fed through a tube. People looked at his brain scans and didn’t believe it was him.
Ty lost movement on his right side, his arm and his leg just didn’t work. He also developed aphasia, which meant he couldn’t say anything. For someone who had worked in sales and could talk to anyone, that loss of communication really hit him hard.
-
Ty:
“I was a sign writer and handyman.
I worked with my son Max.
I couldn’t do that anymore.”
-
That loss isn’t always obvious at first. It’s not just about the physical side of things. It’s identity, work, confidence, all of it.
Ty spent six months in hospital, doing speech therapy, OT and physio day after day. Carla was right there beside him the whole time, pushing him and supporting him every step of the way.
She showed up every single day, making sure nothing slipped through the cracks and that Ty kept going, even outside of formal therapy sessions.
He became a bit of a favourite at STARS. The staff really took to him, and everyone wanted to be part of his recovery.
-
Ty:
“I left STARS with a guard of honour.
I was very happy to go home.”
Read the full blog - link in the bio + follow them on @thestrokeblokes
#mateship #stroke #strokesurvivor #strokeblokes #strokerecoverylife #braininjury #tbi #abi

From Ty and his mate Max, "I was Ty’s PT and his mate before his stroke. He was four weeks out from a boxing fight. Training twice a day, most days. Fit, strong, and disciplined. Honestly, the fittest 50-year-old bloke I knew.
Then everything changed. Ty had a stroke; I got the call and couldn’t believe it. It didn’t make sense. This wasn’t someone you expected to have a stroke.
-
Ty (who has aphasia):
“I went to Fortitude Boxing.
I had my stroke there.
It was an ischemic stroke.
I woke up a week later in Royal Brisbane Hospital.
I was very sick.
A week. That’s how serious it was.”
-
Ty’s stroke was massive. He wasn’t expected to survive. His wife Carla was told he wouldn’t walk again. That he would likely be fed through a tube. People looked at his brain scans and didn’t believe it was him.
Ty lost movement on his right side, his arm and his leg just didn’t work. He also developed aphasia, which meant he couldn’t say anything. For someone who had worked in sales and could talk to anyone, that loss of communication really hit him hard.
-
Ty:
“I was a sign writer and handyman.
I worked with my son Max.
I couldn’t do that anymore.”
-
That loss isn’t always obvious at first. It’s not just about the physical side of things. It’s identity, work, confidence, all of it.
Ty spent six months in hospital, doing speech therapy, OT and physio day after day. Carla was right there beside him the whole time, pushing him and supporting him every step of the way.
She showed up every single day, making sure nothing slipped through the cracks and that Ty kept going, even outside of formal therapy sessions.
He became a bit of a favourite at STARS. The staff really took to him, and everyone wanted to be part of his recovery.
-
Ty:
“I left STARS with a guard of honour.
I was very happy to go home.”
Read the full blog - link in the bio + follow them on @thestrokeblokes
#mateship #stroke #strokesurvivor #strokeblokes #strokerecoverylife #braininjury #tbi #abi

From Ty and his mate Max, "I was Ty’s PT and his mate before his stroke. He was four weeks out from a boxing fight. Training twice a day, most days. Fit, strong, and disciplined. Honestly, the fittest 50-year-old bloke I knew.
Then everything changed. Ty had a stroke; I got the call and couldn’t believe it. It didn’t make sense. This wasn’t someone you expected to have a stroke.
-
Ty (who has aphasia):
“I went to Fortitude Boxing.
I had my stroke there.
It was an ischemic stroke.
I woke up a week later in Royal Brisbane Hospital.
I was very sick.
A week. That’s how serious it was.”
-
Ty’s stroke was massive. He wasn’t expected to survive. His wife Carla was told he wouldn’t walk again. That he would likely be fed through a tube. People looked at his brain scans and didn’t believe it was him.
Ty lost movement on his right side, his arm and his leg just didn’t work. He also developed aphasia, which meant he couldn’t say anything. For someone who had worked in sales and could talk to anyone, that loss of communication really hit him hard.
-
Ty:
“I was a sign writer and handyman.
I worked with my son Max.
I couldn’t do that anymore.”
-
That loss isn’t always obvious at first. It’s not just about the physical side of things. It’s identity, work, confidence, all of it.
Ty spent six months in hospital, doing speech therapy, OT and physio day after day. Carla was right there beside him the whole time, pushing him and supporting him every step of the way.
She showed up every single day, making sure nothing slipped through the cracks and that Ty kept going, even outside of formal therapy sessions.
He became a bit of a favourite at STARS. The staff really took to him, and everyone wanted to be part of his recovery.
-
Ty:
“I left STARS with a guard of honour.
I was very happy to go home.”
Read the full blog - link in the bio + follow them on @thestrokeblokes
#mateship #stroke #strokesurvivor #strokeblokes #strokerecoverylife #braininjury #tbi #abi

Greater Melbourne, this is your ride. 🚴

United Energy Around the Bay is back for 2026 and a new era begins.

Australia’s largest one-day bike ride returns on Sunday 18 October, bringing together families, first-timers, workplaces, charity riders and seasoned cyclists for one of Melbourne’s most iconic days on the bike.

From Lap the Track family ride at Albert Park to the 50km, 100km, 135km Geelong start and the classic 220km loop, there’s a ride for everyone.

This year, we’re excited to launch with our 6 new charity partners as we celebrate movement, community, challenge and a healthier, happier Australia.

Entries are now open. aroundthebay.com.au

Ride with your family.
Ride with your mates.
Ride for a cause.
Ride the Bay.

#AroundTheBay #MelbourneThisIsYourRide #BikeMelbourne

Devoted to making a difference, raising awareness and helping people where I can. I love this stuff.

58HOURSFORYOU June 12th - 14th 2026 ❤️

#running #fitness #fundraiser #strokeawareness #allgasnobrakes

From Narelle, "My son Hugh was in Grade 2, playing with his friends at school during recess at his small school in Eromanga, in outback Queensland. While running around, he suddenly stumbled. His right leg felt strange, his mind became foggy, and he began vomiting.
-
I was working at the school at the time, and it’s a day I’ll never forget. Hugh said it felt “a bit weird” that he couldn’t run properly, but I knew something was seriously wrong. I bundled him into the car and began the long drive east.
-
About 60 kilometres out of town, we met the ambulance, and they rushed him to Quilpie Hospital. From there, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) flew him to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. I stayed with Hugh from the moment we left the school grounds until the RFDS delivered him to Brisbane - a journey that took 13 hours.
-
Scans revealed that, at just seven years old, Hugh had experienced a stroke. It was overwhelming - going from having a healthy, active child to seeing him unable to walk, write, or even hold a pen. Until it happened to us, we had no idea a stroke could affect a child.
-
After weeks of intense rehabilitation, Hugh regained the use of his right side and learned to walk again.
-
Not only was he able to hold a pen again, but he used his writing to send a powerful message.
-
Now 11 years old, Hugh recently shared his story with fellow students in a school leadership election speech, spreading the message that living with a disability does not mean you cannot achieve your goals.
-
In his speech, he wrote:
“One of the main reasons I want to be your leader is to show everyone that even if you face challenges in life, or have a disability, you can still make a difference in the world and be a leader.”
#AdvocacyInAction #ChildhoodStroke #LittleStrokeWarrior #strokesurvivor #strokerecovery #leadership

From Narelle, "My son Hugh was in Grade 2, playing with his friends at school during recess at his small school in Eromanga, in outback Queensland. While running around, he suddenly stumbled. His right leg felt strange, his mind became foggy, and he began vomiting.
-
I was working at the school at the time, and it’s a day I’ll never forget. Hugh said it felt “a bit weird” that he couldn’t run properly, but I knew something was seriously wrong. I bundled him into the car and began the long drive east.
-
About 60 kilometres out of town, we met the ambulance, and they rushed him to Quilpie Hospital. From there, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) flew him to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. I stayed with Hugh from the moment we left the school grounds until the RFDS delivered him to Brisbane - a journey that took 13 hours.
-
Scans revealed that, at just seven years old, Hugh had experienced a stroke. It was overwhelming - going from having a healthy, active child to seeing him unable to walk, write, or even hold a pen. Until it happened to us, we had no idea a stroke could affect a child.
-
After weeks of intense rehabilitation, Hugh regained the use of his right side and learned to walk again.
-
Not only was he able to hold a pen again, but he used his writing to send a powerful message.
-
Now 11 years old, Hugh recently shared his story with fellow students in a school leadership election speech, spreading the message that living with a disability does not mean you cannot achieve your goals.
-
In his speech, he wrote:
“One of the main reasons I want to be your leader is to show everyone that even if you face challenges in life, or have a disability, you can still make a difference in the world and be a leader.”
#AdvocacyInAction #ChildhoodStroke #LittleStrokeWarrior #strokesurvivor #strokerecovery #leadership

From Narelle, "My son Hugh was in Grade 2, playing with his friends at school during recess at his small school in Eromanga, in outback Queensland. While running around, he suddenly stumbled. His right leg felt strange, his mind became foggy, and he began vomiting.
-
I was working at the school at the time, and it’s a day I’ll never forget. Hugh said it felt “a bit weird” that he couldn’t run properly, but I knew something was seriously wrong. I bundled him into the car and began the long drive east.
-
About 60 kilometres out of town, we met the ambulance, and they rushed him to Quilpie Hospital. From there, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) flew him to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. I stayed with Hugh from the moment we left the school grounds until the RFDS delivered him to Brisbane - a journey that took 13 hours.
-
Scans revealed that, at just seven years old, Hugh had experienced a stroke. It was overwhelming - going from having a healthy, active child to seeing him unable to walk, write, or even hold a pen. Until it happened to us, we had no idea a stroke could affect a child.
-
After weeks of intense rehabilitation, Hugh regained the use of his right side and learned to walk again.
-
Not only was he able to hold a pen again, but he used his writing to send a powerful message.
-
Now 11 years old, Hugh recently shared his story with fellow students in a school leadership election speech, spreading the message that living with a disability does not mean you cannot achieve your goals.
-
In his speech, he wrote:
“One of the main reasons I want to be your leader is to show everyone that even if you face challenges in life, or have a disability, you can still make a difference in the world and be a leader.”
#AdvocacyInAction #ChildhoodStroke #LittleStrokeWarrior #strokesurvivor #strokerecovery #leadership

From Narelle, "My son Hugh was in Grade 2, playing with his friends at school during recess at his small school in Eromanga, in outback Queensland. While running around, he suddenly stumbled. His right leg felt strange, his mind became foggy, and he began vomiting.
-
I was working at the school at the time, and it’s a day I’ll never forget. Hugh said it felt “a bit weird” that he couldn’t run properly, but I knew something was seriously wrong. I bundled him into the car and began the long drive east.
-
About 60 kilometres out of town, we met the ambulance, and they rushed him to Quilpie Hospital. From there, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) flew him to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. I stayed with Hugh from the moment we left the school grounds until the RFDS delivered him to Brisbane - a journey that took 13 hours.
-
Scans revealed that, at just seven years old, Hugh had experienced a stroke. It was overwhelming - going from having a healthy, active child to seeing him unable to walk, write, or even hold a pen. Until it happened to us, we had no idea a stroke could affect a child.
-
After weeks of intense rehabilitation, Hugh regained the use of his right side and learned to walk again.
-
Not only was he able to hold a pen again, but he used his writing to send a powerful message.
-
Now 11 years old, Hugh recently shared his story with fellow students in a school leadership election speech, spreading the message that living with a disability does not mean you cannot achieve your goals.
-
In his speech, he wrote:
“One of the main reasons I want to be your leader is to show everyone that even if you face challenges in life, or have a disability, you can still make a difference in the world and be a leader.”
#AdvocacyInAction #ChildhoodStroke #LittleStrokeWarrior #strokesurvivor #strokerecovery #leadership

What does Alan say?
As your local pharmacist, his message is simple - Know your numbers.
One in three Australians have high blood pressure, and it is a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease and dementia.
The good news is a blood pressure check is easy, painless and free at most pharmacies.
Make the time this May to get checked - It could save your life.
Please share this important message onto your page. You may know your numbers, but there are millions of people who don't - Thanks in advance!
ABBPC 2026 is proudly supported by:
Major Sponsors:@kieseraustralia @servier_group and @AstraZeneca and Supporting Sponsor: Pure Australia

Move a Little, Feel a Lot Better
Movement after stroke doesn’t have to mean intense workouts like Tommy's @4pointsaustralia
, but it is essential for good mental and physical health and wellbeing.
-
Sometimes it’s as simple as:
A short walk
Functional activities targeting mobility, balance, and coordination
Standing up and moving every hour
Muscle-strengthening activities
Small, regular movement helps your heart and supports healthy blood pressure.
-
The goal isn’t perfection - it’s finding movement that works for your body.
-
New Movement Guidelines focus on:
Replacing sedentary behaviour with physical activity of any intensity
Breaking up prolonged periods of sedentary behaviour as often as possible.
Getting sufficient, good quality sleep, with consistent bed and wake-up times.
Start slowly and build up if possible
Professional help may be needed
Trade sedentary time (e.g. recreational screen time) for movement.
-
Need support join the Living Well After Stroke crew - link in the bio....
#LivingWellAfterStroke#strokerecovery #strokerecoverylife #getsupport #meetcommunity

POV: Surviving the escalator with a walker after stroke deserves some major-level recognition.
Because it’s not just 'getting on an escalator.'
It’s timing, balance, bravery… and the all important dismount at the end.
Everyday things can become massive challenges after stroke - the stuff most people never even think about.
-
Absolutely nailed it.
#strokerecoverylife
#strokesurvivor
#strokerecovery
#braininjury

When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked? Come along with Heidi, a survivor of stroke, as she shows just how simple it can be. When she arrives at Kieser, she checks in, takes a few minutes to rest so the reading is accurate, then the cuff goes on. A few quiet moments, a couple of readings, a quick chat about the results… and that’s it. Quick. Easy. Really important. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, and many people don’t know they have it. It’s one of the biggest risk factors for stroke. Heidi says it best. "Make sure you know your numbers. It could save your life." If you’re not already having your blood pressure checked, you can visit your local pharmacy or your doctor. Please don’t wait. Knowing your numbers could save your life. Thank you @Kieser Australia for supporting Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check. #AustraliasBiggestBloodPressureCheck #ABBPC #MMM

Anna’s guardian angel saved her life - For her, Mother’s Day carries a deeper meaning than ever before, it’s a celebration of the daughter she believes saved her life.
A fit and healthy mum of two, 50-year-old Anna was balancing work and family life when everything changed during an ordinary day out with her 10-year-old daughter, Rosa.
-
“I was at the beautician, and was laying down, when I went to stand up, my leg felt numb, I was having trouble walking and couldn’t focus,”
-
“When we got to the car, I couldn’t remember to how to unlock or start it. At this point, Rosa knew something wasn’t right. I managed to drive the six minutes home, not realising what had happened.
-
“Rosa was getting increasingly concerned and asked me to call an ambulance. It dawned on me that I may be having a stroke. I emailed my boss telling him about our concerns, and he called an ambulance.”
-
At hospital, Anna was initially misdiagnosed with an anxiety attack and sent home. She continued to have the same symptoms and saw a GP who sent her to a different hospital. They found she had a small hole in her heart, called patent foramen ovale (PFO), which had caused a stroke. Once diagnosed, the hole was closed surgically to prevent future strokes.
-
“Although I had to fight for a diagnosis, I couldn’t have done it without the help of Rosa. I always call her my guardian angel as she has such empathy – not only with me but with everyone.”
-
“If Rosa hadn’t alerted me to my stroke, I would have pushed through as most mums do. She quite simply saved my life and my life as I know it to be. She allowed me to continue to live a full life – she is my angel.”
-
Anna’s story highlights the fact that strokes can happen to anyone, but they can present differently in women. Research shows that in emergency departments, women have a 25 per cent higher chance of being told their stroke is something else. Women can experience stroke differently to men. As well as the classic F.A.S.T. stroke signs, women may also have symptoms like severe headache, confusion, loss of balance, or extreme fatigue - which can be mistaken for stress or a migraine.
#MothersDay #WomenandStroke #strokesurvivor

Anna’s guardian angel saved her life - For her, Mother’s Day carries a deeper meaning than ever before, it’s a celebration of the daughter she believes saved her life.
A fit and healthy mum of two, 50-year-old Anna was balancing work and family life when everything changed during an ordinary day out with her 10-year-old daughter, Rosa.
-
“I was at the beautician, and was laying down, when I went to stand up, my leg felt numb, I was having trouble walking and couldn’t focus,”
-
“When we got to the car, I couldn’t remember to how to unlock or start it. At this point, Rosa knew something wasn’t right. I managed to drive the six minutes home, not realising what had happened.
-
“Rosa was getting increasingly concerned and asked me to call an ambulance. It dawned on me that I may be having a stroke. I emailed my boss telling him about our concerns, and he called an ambulance.”
-
At hospital, Anna was initially misdiagnosed with an anxiety attack and sent home. She continued to have the same symptoms and saw a GP who sent her to a different hospital. They found she had a small hole in her heart, called patent foramen ovale (PFO), which had caused a stroke. Once diagnosed, the hole was closed surgically to prevent future strokes.
-
“Although I had to fight for a diagnosis, I couldn’t have done it without the help of Rosa. I always call her my guardian angel as she has such empathy – not only with me but with everyone.”
-
“If Rosa hadn’t alerted me to my stroke, I would have pushed through as most mums do. She quite simply saved my life and my life as I know it to be. She allowed me to continue to live a full life – she is my angel.”
-
Anna’s story highlights the fact that strokes can happen to anyone, but they can present differently in women. Research shows that in emergency departments, women have a 25 per cent higher chance of being told their stroke is something else. Women can experience stroke differently to men. As well as the classic F.A.S.T. stroke signs, women may also have symptoms like severe headache, confusion, loss of balance, or extreme fatigue - which can be mistaken for stress or a migraine.
#MothersDay #WomenandStroke #strokesurvivor

Living well after stroke can feel overwhelming at times. You’re not expected to figure it all out on your own.
-
Our Living Well After Stroke program is here to support you. It’s a free, small group program where you can connect with others who understand, learn practical ways to reduce your risk of another stroke, and take steps that feel right for you.
-
You’ll work with our StrokeLine team to set one goal that matters to you and build from there. Because recovery is personal, and small steps really do add up.
-
One participant shared:
“I found the program very helpful. It motivated me with my goal… I know it will help me with my recovery.” -
If you’re ready to take that next step, we’re here for you. Register - link in the bio.
#LivingWellAfterStroke #StrokeLine 1800 787 653 #strokerecovery #secondarystrokeprevention #strokeprevention #strokerecoverylife

From Bev, "When I had my stroke at 81, it didn’t feel dramatic. I didn’t have the big, obvious signs people talk about. But it still turned my life upside down in ways I didn’t expect.
-
Yes, there are the physical things. The fatigue that just won’t quit. The strange temperature swings where I’m boiling hot and freezing cold at the same time. The odd vision issues, and the big one for me… not being able to drive.
-
That loss of independence is enormous. You lose your spontaneity. You can’t just hop in the car and go. Everything has to be planned. You find yourself asking for lifts and thinking, “Am I being a pain in the neck?”
-
What I’ve learned is that recovery isn’t just about the physical side of things, it’s about how you live your life. For me, that’s where joy, imagination, play and connection come in.
-
A friend suggested improv. Perfect. No lines. Just play. It has given me freedom, it fires my brain and body up and gives me things that I can do with my kids and grandkids. It helps me in my recovery and helps to explain the new me to my family.
-
Word at a Time
You build a story together, one word at a time, going around the group. It can be just two people or more. If someone feels the story has come to a natural end, they say “full stop” and you start again. It’s surprisingly fun and can get quite silly.
-
Mind Meld
This is one of my favourites. Someone gives you a starting word, like “sausage.” Two people each say a word they associate with it. For example, “breakfast” and “barbecue.” Then you keep going, each time saying a word linked to the previous two, trying to land on the same word at the same time. When you do, that’s a Mind Meld. It can take a while, but that’s half the fun.
-
I’m a Tree
This one is a bit more physical. One person starts by saying, “I’m a tree,” and holds a pose. The next person joins in as something related, maybe a bird in the tree. The next might be someone chopping it down. It builds from there. You just do your best and have a laugh.
#stroke #strokerecovery #strokerecoverylife #improv #mindset #emotionsafterstroke #braininjury #tbi #abi

From Bev, "When I had my stroke at 81, it didn’t feel dramatic. I didn’t have the big, obvious signs people talk about. But it still turned my life upside down in ways I didn’t expect.
-
Yes, there are the physical things. The fatigue that just won’t quit. The strange temperature swings where I’m boiling hot and freezing cold at the same time. The odd vision issues, and the big one for me… not being able to drive.
-
That loss of independence is enormous. You lose your spontaneity. You can’t just hop in the car and go. Everything has to be planned. You find yourself asking for lifts and thinking, “Am I being a pain in the neck?”
-
What I’ve learned is that recovery isn’t just about the physical side of things, it’s about how you live your life. For me, that’s where joy, imagination, play and connection come in.
-
A friend suggested improv. Perfect. No lines. Just play. It has given me freedom, it fires my brain and body up and gives me things that I can do with my kids and grandkids. It helps me in my recovery and helps to explain the new me to my family.
-
Word at a Time
You build a story together, one word at a time, going around the group. It can be just two people or more. If someone feels the story has come to a natural end, they say “full stop” and you start again. It’s surprisingly fun and can get quite silly.
-
Mind Meld
This is one of my favourites. Someone gives you a starting word, like “sausage.” Two people each say a word they associate with it. For example, “breakfast” and “barbecue.” Then you keep going, each time saying a word linked to the previous two, trying to land on the same word at the same time. When you do, that’s a Mind Meld. It can take a while, but that’s half the fun.
-
I’m a Tree
This one is a bit more physical. One person starts by saying, “I’m a tree,” and holds a pose. The next person joins in as something related, maybe a bird in the tree. The next might be someone chopping it down. It builds from there. You just do your best and have a laugh.
#stroke #strokerecovery #strokerecoverylife #improv #mindset #emotionsafterstroke #braininjury #tbi #abi

Small Swaps for Eating Well
Eating well after stroke doesn’t mean giving up everything you enjoy.
For some people, stroke can change how food feels and tastes. Swallowing might be different, and flavours might not be the same as before. That can take time to adjust.
-
It’s important to make changes that work for you, whether that’s modifying the texture of your food or slowly finding your way back to flavours you enjoy.
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There’s no one right way to do this. It’s about what feels safe, manageable, and enjoyable for you.
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Sometimes it’s just small swaps:
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Add an extra serve of vegetables
Choose wholegrain bread instead of white
Have a glass of water with your morning coffee or tea
Swap your afternoon biscuit for a piece of fruit
Swap your favourite foods for low salt or low sugar options at the supermarket. (read the labels)
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These small changes can help support healthy blood pressure and heart health. Think of it as building meals that fuel your recovery, one step at a time.
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