Stroke Recovery: You are not
alone
When a stroke suddenly
occurs, affecting you or someone you love, it feels like your world is in
pieces. Even after a hospital stay and rehabilitation, there are often
unanswered questions and concerns, such as "How can I reclaim my life and be as
active and independent as possible?" While a stroke can bring many challenges,
taking the right approach to managing life in the new circumstances is key to
achieving maximum recovery and successful reintegration into the community. A
full productive life after stroke is possible!
Kim Dowds, National Peer Support Services Manager at Stroke Recovery Canada,
answers some commonly asked questions.
Q: How
significant are the implications of a stroke?
When a stroke suddenly occurs, affecting you or someone you
love, it can feel as though your world is in pieces. After a hospital stay and
rehabilitation there are often unanswered questions and concerns. "How can I
reclaim my life and be as active and independent as possible?" Fortunately, you
are not alone. There are over 300,000 Canadians living today who have survived
a stroke and there are hundreds of stroke survivors in support groups and
associations across Canada ready to help answer your questions and ease your
concerns.
I asked a few
survivors who are surviving and thriving after stroke what tips they would give
to someone who has recently had a stroke. Many said that talking with other
stroke survivors greatly helped them in their recovery. From other stroke
survivors you can get not only emotional support, but also tips and ideas on
how to cope day to day. The most common response was to take an active role in
your recovery - it is YOUR recovery! The motto of the Stroke Recovery
Association of Manitoba says it all "If it is to be, it's up to me!"
Q: How can a person take an active role in their recovery?
An active role really means getting informed and getting in touch with the
available resources. This applies to both the survivor and their caregivers.
While a caregiver may not have had a stroke, the impact on a caregiver's life
can be just as great. If you don't understand the reason for the treatments or
medications you are receiving, ask a member of your health care team. You can
also call Stroke Recovery Canada and we will send you information about
different treatment options and information about medications commonly
prescribed to stroke survivors.
Start a diary or keep a note-pad with you to write down symptoms you are
experiencing or questions you may have so that you have everything in one place
when you go to talk to your doctor.
Join a stroke recovery program in your area. All across Canada there are many
fantastic programs for survivors and caregivers - from social clubs to exercise
classes, day programs to support groups.
Remember that recovery is ongoing. In the first two years after your stroke
most stroke survivors make significant improvements. However, after two years
they may find that their recovery slows down. For most survivors, while
recovery may slow down - improvements can still be made. As one stroke survivor
told me "20 years after my stroke I'm still getting better and doing more -
Never, never give up!".
It is important to remember that stroke survivors are like a snowflake -
everyone is affected by their stroke a little differently. In looking at
different treatment options or when discussing medications with your doctor, it
is important to keep this in mind.
Having had a stroke can be emotionally stressful both for the survivor and
their family. Remember to take care of both your physical AND emotional needs.
Support groups can help greatly in dealing with the emotional stress.
Depression is common among both stroke survivors and stroke caregivers. Talk
with your doctor about your feelings.
Most importantly don't give up! Take one day at a time, set goals, make
yourself a schedule and develop a daily routine.
Q: How can Stroke Recovery Canada help?
At Stroke Recovery Canada, we offer post-recovery support,
information, resources, education and programs for stroke survivors and their
families. We connect local peer support groups across the country and provide
Canadians with the information and resources needed to reconnect their lives.
In a local group, you can share personal experiences, exchange valuable
information and get mutual support. Through participation in local meetings,
activities and seminars, you can develop new skills, make new friends, and gain
an understanding of what you are going through and what you can expect.
Stroke Recovery Canada has a database of programs and services for stroke
survivors. We also distribute a free newsletter with up-to-date information on
stroke recovery.
Call us at
1-888-540-6666. Also, visit
www.strokerecoverycanada.com
Remember, you are not
alone, we are here to help.
