how should - or could - I mention my stroke?

[aclivity]

I had a stroke just over 7 months ago. I am back at work, but without showing any illness unless you know me well.

I am getting back into work and have been working with some colleagues in an overseas office - trying to get back onto some work that I started last summer. We were in (fairly) regular conversation by email, however I don't think anyone has explained why I went out of touch for so long.

I'm now emailing him ... is it OK to say "I've had a stroke"? I have told people I work with in the UK, but whilst it is an email conversation I don't know how to tell people?

[Smitters]

If I were in their position and received something along the following lines:

Hi,

Apologies for being out of action for the past few months. Unfortunately I had a stroke, but all's well and I'm firing on all cylinders again. Looking forward to getting back to it.

X

I would fire something consoling and congratulatory back, but unless I knew you well, that would be it and onwards we go.

The only reason to add any detail is if there is anything that might affect the way you work and interact - speech issues on a telecon for instance, but otherwise I'd not worry.

Also, rereading this, I signed your name X. That isn't a kiss. I don't think that's a brilliant plan in the corporate world...

HTH

[Hoofy]

I wonder - how would people who don't know what a stroke is react?

Presumably the OPer doesn't work in a hospital.

[Bolebroke]

I had a Transient Ischaemic Attack in June 2005 and had about 3 months off. It was absolutely no problem at all going back to work and facing clients again (as a salesman) and I found everyone very sympathetic as well as curious...

[Hugo a Gogo]

I would just say 'illness' or even 'health issues' if it didn't directly affect them

[JumboBeef]

A TIA resolves within 24 hours. Why did you have three months off?

[aclivity]

Thanks for the responses - I'll give it a go.

JumboBeef said:

A TIA resolves within 24 hours. Why did you have three months off?

I didn't have a TIA, I had a stroke. Left hand carotid artery is now blocked.

[Regiment]

Me personally, if I'm capable of doing the job as good after an illness as before the illness, I wouldn't say anything other than that I'd been on long term sick and leave it at that.

[lauda]

JumboBeef said:

A TIA resolves within 24 hours. Why did you have three months off?

You clearly have no idea what you're talking about. I suffered a TIA at the end of March and still couldn't walk two weeks later. Also the DVLA won't allow you to drive for a minimum of 4 weeks after a TIA so clearly someone who knows more than you thinks it takes more than 24 hours to resolve.

ETA - fk me, I've just read your profile and see that you're a paramedic. I hope I never get the benefit of your medical 'expertise'.

Edited by lauda on Wednesday 15th May 12:58

[Bolebroke]

Me ? Why did I have 3 months off..? Probably because I couldn't talk for about 4 weeks and the consultants at St Thomas's thought it was a good idea...

[KennyWF]

I'd say 3 months is pretty good. My friend had one in January and is only just starting to go back to work part time now. Everyone responds differently.
But yes, just mention it in an email.

[mu0n]

"I have a bit of a dicky heart, don't send me any unexpected e-mails or links to those maze scare games".

[aclivity]

mu0n said:

"I have a bit of a dicky heart, don't send me any unexpected e-mails or links to those maze scare games".

not long after I sent that mail we had a fire alert in the building where I work ... whilst I am usually ok with large groups, I did go into a bit of a panic attack with everyone leaving at the same time! Took me a little while to get back to normal afterwards, I have to admit.

[Tiggsy]

Regiment said:

Me personally, if I'm capable of doing the job as good after an illness as before the illness, I wouldn't say anything other than that I'd been on long term sick and leave it at that.

100% this.

Hi, I was sick...now I'm not


Done!

[pikeyboy]

Interesting thread, i've just been told by my gp he thinks i've had a tia. Currently booked in for some scans etc.

[New POD]

Wifey used to work for the Stroke association.

I think most people are unaware that a stroke can happen at any age, so I feel you should use this an opportunity to talk to people about it, and about how your life style and stress levels, may have contributed. You may actually save someone's life, by talking about it.

[JumboBeef]

lauda said:

JumboBeef said:

A TIA resolves within 24 hours. Why did you have three months off?

You clearly have no idea what you're talking about. I suffered a TIA at the end of March and still couldn't walk two weeks later. Also the DVLA won't allow you to drive for a minimum of 4 weeks after a TIA so clearly someone who knows more than you thinks it takes more than 24 hours to resolve.

ETA - fk me, I've just read your profile and see that you're a paramedic. I hope I never get the benefit of your medical 'expertise'.

Edited by lauda on Wednesday 15th May 12:58

So you had a CVA then, not a TIA. Think what the "T" stands for. Thanks for the abuse, we get enough of that at work.

Edit to add: the DVLA clearly state you do not need to inform them of TIAs.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_...

lauda, do tell me what the first line of that document says......?

Edited by JumboBeef on Monday 20th May 18:29

[lauda]

JumboBeef said:

So you had a CVA then, not a TIA. Think what the "T" stands for. Thanks for the abuse, we get enough of that at work.

Edit to add: the DVLA clearly state you do not need to inform them of TIAs.

Edited by JumboBeef on Monday 20th May 17:32

Thanks for the diagnosis. I'll be sure to tell my consultant that they got it wrong and that I've been correctly diagnosed by a man on the internet.

And where exactly did I say that you had to notify the DVLA if you suffered a TIA? I was told by both my consultant and my GP that I was unable to drive for a minimum of 4 weeks after discharge from hospital.

[JumboBeef]

lauda said:

JumboBeef said:

So you had a CVA then, not a TIA. Think what the "T" stands for. Thanks for the abuse, we get enough of that at work.

Edit to add: the DVLA clearly state you do not need to inform them of TIAs.

Edited by JumboBeef on Monday 20th May 17:32

Thanks for the diagnosis. I'll be sure to tell my consultant that they got it wrong and that I've been correctly diagnosed by a man on the internet.

I think it is more to the point that you misunderstood/got it wrong. I'm sure your consultant would know the difference between a TIA and a CVA.

lauda said:

And where exactly did I say that you had to notify the DVLA if you suffered a TIA? I was told by both my consultant and my GP that I was unable to drive for a minimum of 4 weeks after discharge from hospital.

Er, well you said....

lauda said:

the DVLA won't allow you to drive for a minimum of 4 weeks after a TIA

Have you read the link above to the DVLA website...?

[JumboBeef]

aclivity said:

Thanks for the responses - I'll give it a go.

JumboBeef said:

A TIA resolves within 24 hours. Why did you have three months off?

I didn't have a TIA, I had a stroke. Left hand carotid artery is now blocked.

Sorry, I was replying to Bolebroke.