Before Andriy had a stroke, he was very physically active in his job as a painter, and loved to spend time with his family, eating, chatting and laughing.
But, as for almost 46,000 other Australians each year, Andriy’s stroke turned his life upside down.
When someone has a stroke, the immediate medical attention is focused on saving their life, but the journey to recovery often involves addressing the lingering challenges that follow. Among these, difficulties with speech and swallowing can be particularly daunting. This is where the expertise of speech pathologists is invaluable.
Speech pathologists, also known as speech therapists, are trained professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. Their role is crucial in helping stroke survivors regain their ability to speak, understand language and swallow safely.
"Half of all people who have a stroke experience dysphagia, or problems with swallowing,” says Speech Pathology Manager Susan Starr. “With tailored assessment and therapy, we can help them regain their function.”
"The patients who dedicate their time to practising exercises most, see significant improvement and ultimately have better outcomes.”
As a rehabilitation patient at Braeside Hospital, Andriy was introduced to a range of exercises to help bring back function and fitness, working with physical and occupational therapists, as well as a speech therapist who has helped him improve his ability to swallow.
‘I did exercises for swallowing,’ Andriy said, ‘and my speech therapist gave me a tool to make my swallowing muscles stronger.’
The sessions with the therapist were only the beginning – recovery required continued work from Andriy every day.
‘I practiced by myself in my room, as well as with the therapist’ he said.
‘Practice is important for improving and getting better – I wouldn’t have made as much progress if I hadn’t practiced. I’m working really hard to get better.’
Fortunately for Andriy, he has the right people around him to give him all the support he needs, whether medical, physical or emotional, thanks to our wonderful Braeside team!
Andriy knows recovery is not easy, but he believes small choices each day make a big difference.
From his own experience, he shares this advice:
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