“I don’t know what it was about being off work, but I was very motivated to get back as soon as possible. I guess that was a way that signaled the normalcy I craved after being in the hospital.”

How To Return To Work After A Stroke

In 2010, Jennifer Kirchen had an ischemic stroke (a vessel supplying blood to the brain was blocked). It left her paralyzed on her right side. She was unable to walk, talk, eat or take care of herself. Fortunately, she sought treatment immediately when she noticed the first symptoms – her hand went numb and she began having difficulty speaking.

“I remember lying in the ambulance becoming very emotional because I was terrified that I was never going to be able to function on my own again,” recalls Jennifer. “I am a social worker by trade and did a lot of public speaking, drove throughout the state, and often utilized a computer. These skills were essential to my job. When I initially had my stroke, I couldn’t do any of these things.”

In the ER, she was given a clot buster called Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) which aided in her recovery. Then, after a great deal of hard work, dedication, stubbornness and physical, occupational and speech therapy, she was able to return to work.

Now, she hopes her highly relatable story can help other stroke survivors allay their anxiety and ease their transition back to work. As part of Stroke Awareness Month, she shares her insights with Brain Waves.

Brain Waves:  Before returning to work, what were your expectations and fears?

Jennifer Kirchen:  I don’t know what it was about being off work, but I was very motivated to get back as soon as possible. I guess that was a way that signaled the normalcy I craved after being in the hospital.

I was 36 years old when I had my stroke. I was active and healthy. I could see in everyone’s eyes that they felt sorry for me. I wanted to prove that I wasn’t weak, that I could overcome what had happened to me, but I was so scared to return to work.

My speech wasn’t totally back and I experienced both aphasia (couldn’t recall the right word to say) and apraxia (couldn’t get the word out and pausing when speaking). It was embarrassing that, as a professional, I couldn’t communicate how I used to in the past or wanted to. I wanted to be back to “normal” and, at that point, didn’t realize that there was no going back, and I would have to embrace a new normal. I was worried I wasn’t going to be able to speak on the phone or in meetings the way I wanted to and have people understand me.

I also did a fair amount of training and wasn’t sure if I could multitask to be an effective presenter. I was still having problems with my right-hand fine motor skills. I anticipated having problems with the keyboard and mouse on the computer and feared being unproductive typing and unable to complete assignments on time.

BW:  How did these concerns compare to reality?

JK:  People were eager to have me return to work and did everything they could to accommodate my needs. They were excited to see me and welcome me back. I started out only putting in a few hours per day. I was pretty tired after just four hours and would need to go home and rest. It didn’t happen overnight but I’m now back to conducting meetings and doing presentations, both virtually and in person.

BW:  What do you wish you had known before returning?

JK:  I wish someone would have told me that noise would impact my ability to function. When I first returned, I noticed there was a lot of background noise and distractions that really made it tough for me to focus. Loud, constant noise gave me headaches. It was like my brain was constantly trying to process the noise and would become exhausted. Also, coworkers may not be sure how to interact with you after your stroke.  Let them know that you’re still you, but a little stronger for what you’ve gone through

BW: What advice would you give to other stroke survivors going back to work?

JK:  Be patient with yourself and your colleagues. Returning to work is stressful. Give yourself some grace.

Don’t be afraid to tell people what you need. Ask them to repeat instructions, speak slower or lower their volume. I asked them not to finish my sentences when I struggled to find words. I told them I just may need a little more time to find the right word and their patience would be appreciated.

Rest when you need to. You are not a superhero. Don’t overdo it.

Don’t be afraid to use job aids. I wrote myself a lot of notes those first few months.

Follow doctor’s orders. You are not going to make progress if you don’t put in the work. If you are supposed to read aloud, practice writing, or play computer brain games, do it!

BW: What recommendations would you make to employers?

JK:  Educate yourself in regard to stroke before the employee comes back to work. This will give you some insight into what they have been going through. Ask the employee if there is anything you can do to help make their transition back to work go smoothly. Refer the employee to resources that may assist them such as an employee assistance program, human resources, or parking resources, as needed. 

ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.

What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona:

• Works with Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
• Houses Arizona Brain Health Resource Center
• Hosts virtual and in-person support groups for survivors and families
• Has Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Response team with peer support, training, and family wraparound services
• Facilitates Brain Health Advisory Council
• Manages statewide Help Line: 888-500-9165