Hi, my name is Wanni!

Wanni

I have had right sided hemiplegia since birth which has never impacted on my life however following a hip replacement in 2013 (I am now 58) my brain seems to have rejected my right leg and I am finder it harder and harder to manage my mobility.

I now struggle to walk any distance without a walking stick and am suffering severe anxiety whenever I am in a social situation or in an enviroment that I don't feel comfotable with.

I have a very supportive husband but am struggling with my mental health on a daily basis.

Today I have referred myself to my local rehab centre for neuro physio which I had several years ago and they have said that they will come out and assess me in the home in a couple off weeks.

This has made me feel so sad that it seems my whole life has now changed and I wondered if anyone has been in a similar situation and has any advice.

Thanks

Rachel_Scope

Hi @Wanni. I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling. Is the anxiety something that's started since your hip replacement? Do you have any mental health support other than your lovely husband?

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis 6 years ago and it completely changed my life. I couldn't do everything that I wanted to anymore and my friends had to consider my disability when planning things. I felt a period of grief for the life I'd lost and it was difficult to accept that things were now different. It took time and I still have days where I struggle but what helped me was understanding my limitations and making adjustments to things I used to love to do so they were more accessible. For example, my favourite place is Alton Towers and I grew up going there multiple times a year. This is obviously much more difficult now so I take a folding stool with me so wherever I am in the park, I can sit down. It's especially good for long queues!

I have always struggled with anxiety and found that forcing myself to do things and go places I was scared of really helped. It's incredibly difficult to do that first push, but I'm hopeful that having your husband there will help. Things will get better, it will just take time. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.

Rachel_Scope

Just to add, here's some information on finding support for your mental health

https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/manage-mental-health