TALK ABOUT HOW YOU FEEL REALLY FEEL

Hi Sharon,

Welcome to EnableMe, it's great you have found somewhere to put your question, to look for answers.

I'm sorry that your much needed sleep has been interrupted by thoughts of another stroke.

My stroke was 25 years ago. There was not much info available which was accessible to me.

Did I feel fearful about having another stroke?

I had lots of fears.

My main one was that I would be all too easily dismissed now that I didn't have a voice.

Over many years and many fears I have not pushed away my fears. Gaining knowledge as I lived post stroke as to how I needed to manage.

It is a very real fear. And a lot of people experience the same fear.  

There is a pod cast on EnableMe which talks about this very thing, fear of another stroke.

How are you feeling today in the light of day ?

I hope that as you look around this site you find comfort and company.

Sleep well and we are all thinking of you.

Sue xo

Hi Sharon,

I am sorry to hear about your recent stroke, and feeling concerned that it could happen again is a natural response.  If you find these worries becoming overwhelming/ causing panic attacks, are having difficulty sleeping, or coping from day to day, it is important to speak to you doctor about possible anxiety and depression. This is fairly common after stroke and there is further information on the anxiety and depression fact sheet. 

It can also help to find out more information about stroke prevention and what supports are available. There are a number of stroke survivor support groups where you can talk about how you feel and share experiences of life after stroke.

If you would like to talk to a health professional, call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653. 

Best wishes,

Kirsty

I know how you feel Sharon have the same feelings. It’s almost 16 weeks since my stroke  For me the longer the time goes the less I feel so panicky about having a repeat episode. I hope this happens to you, and you get on living your life again. Good luck.

Hi Sharon. WOW!!! Youre only three weeks post stroke, youve registered for Enableme and you are already typing? I think that's truly awesome. 

My name is Shelagh and I had my stroke just gone 5 years ago now when I was 49. Freaky and yes, suffered lots of worries about how my life would go but you know what? I am here, still standing, no more strokes, attacks or anything at all. I suffered depression as was sad my life changed and could not get my brain back to the level it was. Now, all these years on, I have had my ups and downs but the Stroke Foundation like us on Enableme are like a family and we are here to support you so use them/us. They supported me immensely and now I am a Stroke Safe Ambassador and delivering motivational presentations to those in Queensland. 

I got better eventually because I wanted to but what's important is that you take your time to get better. Three weeks is very soon, and clearly just getting to terms with whats happened. It takes some people a short time and some longer. Its OK. Just take as much time as you need.

Why do you think you will have another stroke? Has your physician told you that or are you just frightened? Please let us know where you are and which hospital if you wish to do so and any of your carers need to chat with the Stroke Foundation/Strokeline as they may have lots of questions too.

Just remember you are NOT alone, so many have been through this and will continue to help you get through this.

Much love.

Shelagh

(Hop onto my A Stroke of Poetry FB site if you wish. I opened this following my own stroke and post things about stroke, what I do with stroke and the Stroke Foundation and there are other groups I can introduce you to when you feel up to it).

Hi I had a stroke 18 months ago and truthfully I never think about another stroke. Worrying about it for me is just using life pointlessly. Live like there is no tomorrow and for me I continue to enjoy family and friends while my time gives me that freedom.

They give me the freedom to love and live.

Yes easily said but like most things its a state of mind. Do hope others can find this freedom.

Hello everyone I am new to this website, My name is Marie my husband had a stroke in Jan 2018 was in hospital for 4 months & now doing rehab, I am scared everyday that he will have another stroke his stroke was a Major one he still can not walk on his own or toilet etc & needs alot of care still, I do everything for him because he wont allow anyone else to help him, Im just wondering how you all felt he has moods that change all the time its either up or down no in between, I understand he is frustrated but its also very hard for me to see all this with him as he was such a independent man. He is 58yrs old Im hoping there will be goals he will reach or maybe Im hoping for it all to quick. Did anyone else have these mood swings? 

Hi Marie,

I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s recent stroke and how this has impacted your lives.

A stroke can certainly affect mood and emotions.

There is support available through your general practitioner and psychologists that can help to manage these changes. If your husband is already linked in with a rehabilitation team, speaking with them about his mood, frustration and how you are coping with everything is really important.  

I encourage you to take regular breaks from your caring role, where possible. Taking care of yourself is key, to avoid becoming exhausted, stressed and isolated. Carers Victoria is a service that can provide counselling support and assist with linking you to respite services. For further information about carer resources and services, click here.

There is also podcast you may find interesting, that talks about coping with fear of second stroke, and some of the things that can be done to reduce stroke risk.

Please call us on StrokeLine (1800 787 653) for further information and advice about stroke prevention, treatment, recovery and support.

Regards,

Kirsty

StrokeLine

PS. Click the underlined text for links to resources with further information.