Jenny Answers Questions about her Stroke

Is non-fluent aphasia still one of your biggest challenges?

Yes. When I’m tired I can’t think – for instance, speaking on the phone to someone new. If I’m having to explain something complicated, I get stuck.

Do you find yourself using simple language because using more complex language takes longer, and requires more patience from listeners?

Yes. I make it simple so I can get it out to the listener.

I sort of go ‘blank’. After the stroke I knew what I wanted to say but I couldn’t say it, couldn’t express the words. It was frustrating and scary. Before my stroke, I was a great conversationalist – I was quick and funny. I didn’t have a care in the world. I just got on with things. And I was in plays.

Did you see yourself as a highly articulate speaker?

Yes. I read Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Lucy Maude Montgomery – and many other authors. I was a dreamer wanting to be an actor someday. I liked the stimulus of new ideas. I loved it!!

Did the stroke impact your unspoken vocabulary?

No.