EnableMe | enableme - stroke recovery and support

Hi everyone. I had a stroke on July 26, my husband recognized what was happening and got me to the hospital within minutes. My local hospital ran a cat scan and airlifted me to a larger hospital. I stayed there for one week. During that week I struggled to understand what was happening. had many tests ran etc. My baby is 2 months old. it was horrible to not have him with me for the first time since he was born.

Now. I've been home for a half a week. I am blessed that I was barely effected physically. But mentally I'm a mess. Everything is so overwhelming to me and I feel like I'm slower then everything around me. I've also been waking up multiple times throughout the night dreaming that doctors are standing around me discussing me, vital checks, about to take me for testing, wanting to stick tubes down my throat or nose.... i'm terrified. Last night I dreamed that my son got hurt and we gaf to go to the ER and he had to undergo the same treatments I did.

Has anyone dealt with this? I'm on anxiety meds but they make me super sleepy. I'm also on antidepressants but they haven't quite kicked in yet.

Hi Jennifer,

I'm very glad that you have found EnableMe where you can ask your question - and I'm also very sorry to hear about your stroke.

In answer to your question - yes I sure do remember having bad dreams in the early days after coming home from rehab. I recall waking up in the middle of the night with my heart racing a million miles an hour and then lying totally still trying to slow down my breathing and take the horrible images away from my mind.

Having a stroke is confusing, it's a life threatening event and now you are home with a new baby - wow, that's a lot going on for you as you begin to recover and heal.

And also - congratulation on your baby, is your first one?

Have you found the Strokeline Phone Number to call, they are available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm - 1800 787 653

To give you a bit of back ground to me - I had my stroke 25 years ago, it happened two weeks after I experienced Pre-Eclampsia and our baby girl was still born.

I found this website 2 and half years ago and knew that it would be such a valuable support to people.

Take care and many hugs to you.

Sue

Hi Jennifer,

We are so sorry to hear about your stroke, it must be so tough particularly while having such a young baby to care for at the same time. The early days after stroke can be incredibly overwhelming and some stroke survivors complain of dreams and nightmares. Having a stroke is a traumatic event and this can affect the quality of your sleep. Being separated from your little boy is also traumatic. Are you managing to get some sleep between the nightmares and caring for your baby? Do you have some additional support at home while you’re recovering? It is positive to hear you haven’t been affected physically by the stroke. Here are some resources on the more hidden or invisible challenges after stroke including thinking, emotional changes and fatigue. I’ve also included some information on sleep.

https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Thinking-and-Perception

https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Emotions

https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Personality-changes

https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Fatigue

https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Sleeping

It might be worthwhile having a chat to your GP or stroke specialist about the nightmares to make sure it isn't a potential side effect of any medication you're on. Your GP can also refer you to a psychologist (if you don’t already see one) so you have a safe space to discuss adjusting to life after stroke, any worries you may have and also learn strategies, such as mindfulness or cognitive behavioural therapy to help with overwhelm and anxiety as well as monitor your sleep.

There are a number of young mothers in our community who have had strokes. Sue who has commented above is a wonderful member of our community who understands well what you're going through, having been through it herself. We are all here to support you. If you live in Australia you can call our national helpline StrokeLine to speak to one of our health professionals for further support, advice and information. The number is 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Best wishes with your ongoing recovery,

Simone (StrokeLine)

Nightmares from stroke

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