Aphasia Awareness Month: Adapting to life with aphasia

As part of Aphasia Awareness Month throughout June, we’re telling the story of Maria. Maria was just 44 when she had a major stroke in July 2016, leaving her with aphasia, a condition that affects the brain and causes problems with speech and language.


Before the stroke, Maria worked as a consultant rheumatologist at King’s Mill Hospital, helping patients with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis and other joint problems. 

“I used to go to the gym regularly, I’d play badminton in the garden. I was fit and well” explains Maria. “But the stroke has caused a major, significant disability. I am unable to go back to work. I also find it difficult to socialise with others as I used to before.”

Maria lives in Edwalton with her husband Khaled, two children Heba, 13, and Omar, 10, and her father, Rushdi. Aphasia affects 1 in 3 people who experience a stroke but, as Maria explains, its impact is felt a lot wider than that.

“Aphasia has had a negative impact on us all” admits Maria. “We are unable to do the things we used to enjoy together…going out with family and friends, attending social events. We have had to use different ways of communicating too. These aren’t always successful and it can be frustrating for everyone.

“The children were very upset at first but their resilience has prevailed. They’ve witnessed the hard side of life. But this has helped them to be more responsible and they’ve learnt not to take anything for granted."

Maria's aphasia has affected her family.
She is pictured here with her father, Rushdi, and son, Omar. 

“I feel very sad and frustrated. I miss my work. I miss my family life. I’m not able to help the kids or look after them as I used to.”

Maria is currently being supported by speech and language therapists and physiotherapists from Nottinghamshire Healthcare’s Community Stroke Service.

“Speech and language therapy has helped me to regain some of the ability to communicate” says Maria. “To me, this represents independence and quality of life.

“I really hope that my speech and ability to communicate will improve further. In the future, I hope that I will be able to work again or volunteer.”

For details about aphasia self-help groups in Nottinghamshire visit www.nottshelpyourself.org.uk or contact the Trust’s Speech and Language Service via communications@nottshc.nhs.uk