Life after Stroke Matters

Welcome readers!

This week's topic is about Strokes. More specifically, what it's like living after a stroke.

Life after Stroke

Strokes depend person to person. They often face physical, emotional or cognitive challenges as a result. Yet some stroke survivors have experience a disability after a stroke. The level of seriousness of the disability will depend on which part of the brain has been injured and how severely it has been affected.

Common stroke disabilities

• Problems relating to paralysis or movement

• Difficulty with language

• Difficulty with speech

• Thinking and memory difficulties

• Vision problems

• Emotional problems

The most difficult aspect of stroke is for the patient having to come to terms with a new reality that may include serious deficits. In one minute, a person’s life can change in a drastic way, which can be hard to accept.

The challenges involved in such like a simple daily activities as using a toilet or rolling over in bed when half of your body won’t obey commands to move. Also regaining their confidence and independence is a challenge when going back doing regular thing such as going to work or driving to the grocery store.

Here is a video of survivors sharing their personal stories and advice of others who have been there and can relate.

Look at the bright side

Getting discouraged can occur when not to recover as fast as aspected or not able to regain their previous abilities. Stroke survivors' aim should be to concentrate on what they are able to achieve and to enjoy the best quality of life possible after stroke.

There is life and hope after stroke. With time, new routines will become second nature. Rehabilitation can build your strength, capability and confidence. It can help you continue your daily activities despite the effects of your stroke.

“ Positive thinking is the key to my recovery from stroke. I was determined to get there, even when rehabilitation seemed to be frustratingly slow. My advice to other people in the same situation is to believe you can do it and make yourself do it, but to also be patient. ”

Jennifer, aged 53 years.

How family and friends can help

The goal of rehabilitation is to help stroke patients gain back as much independence as possible, but getting support from family and friends is the most important during rehabilitation.

Here are important things they can do:

• Ensure they keep a healthy routine of sleep, diet and appropriate exercise

• Help them to stay positive

• Encourage them to look forward to what they want to achieve

• Don’t let them dwell on the past

• If they have been taught tasks, encourage them to practice them

• Reduce the risk of withdrawal and isolation by encouraging them to spend time with others

• Adapt your behaviour to their needs

  • Example: if their hearing has been affected you may need to speak more slowly, enhance the clarity of your voice and adjust its volume, as required

A Powerful Story

Every stroke experience is different. Stroke can happen to any one.

Here is Nora, a 19 year old, sharing her stroke survivor story

That was indeed emotional. Don't let the aftermath of a stroke or any health complications take away your happiness and your ability to live healthy again.

Always have hope!

That's it for this week's post. Stay tuned for more! Stay safe everyone!

References:

• heartandstroke.ca

• safestroke.eu

• stroke.org