stroke survivors' guide take 2, 11 years of recovery
Introduction to this guide
What many do not realize is that a stroke is an acquired brain injury (ABI) that often results in Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The life that you knew has been ripped apart, often leaving survivors with little or no independence and in some cases little control over their body and its movements.
It is extreme stress for the stroke survivors well as their family.
Stroke can create a huge void in your life, you may no longer be able to work or take part in your usual pastimes or hobbies.
Introduction to the author:
My name is Kris Tucker and at the age of 43, I had a brain aneurysm that ruptured, requiring surgery to clip it. The surgery led to a rupture of the basilar artery and a hemorrhagic stroke. I lost feeling and control of the left-hand side of my body. This includes my peripheral vision and control of my left leg meaning I cannot drive or walk with no way to activate my ankle or calf.
I am a completely different person to the “able” man I was pre-stroke.
My recommendations for your stroke recovery should be approached through focus on the following 3 areas
- Brain
The brain should be your first point of focus in your recovery
- Stimulate your brain to remember its former glory through games, reading and writing. Every waking hour this should be your focus, The quicker your brain starts to recover, the quicker your body will follow and the quicker you should adjust to your new life.
- Body
If your mobility has been affected by your stroke, along with your mood, there might be a propensity to eat more of the wrong food and watch more TV to pass the time, especially where your usual activities are no longer possible.
Of critical importance is your diet- lots of fruit and vegetables, along with at least 1litre of water daily. Pacing yourself when you eat to allow your body the chance to recognize it is getting full, even if it is necessary to count to 10 between mouthfuls or chewing a certain number of times before the next mouthful.
If you feel puckish, try snacking on plain cereal-possibly 2-3 mall bowls per day but remember to eat slowly, never be in a rush ever to shovel food into your mouth. You do not want to feel uncomfortable while your body tries to digest everything.
- Mind /Soul
If the stroke has created a void in your life you need to develop new routines, possibly reviving old hobbies and pastimes: writing, reading, listening to classical music, painting or similar
If stress was a factor for the stroke, these activities might divert your focus from your circumstances along with introducing calm and serenity into your life.