13 Truths Stroke Survivors Wish Others Understood!

i would like others to know the fear of another stroke  still hits at times. I talk to that fear and think of something happy that makes me smile. Jenny

Hi Jenny, I am like that Jenny, I show a happy face and every time the thought comes into my head I just say to myself "not today thanks" and move on. Works wonders and the thought is gone.

Given the disruption a stroke can cause, I was utterly astounded to discover there is no screening test. Apart from exortations to keep ones blood pressure within normal ranges, the medical profession has nothing to offer. The blood pressure suggestion was useless for my partner whose blood pressure has always been on the low side of normal (around 110 over 70), although she had no lasting physical disabilities apart from mild aphasia. In my opinion, stress is a much more significant factor than is commonly realized, unfortunately contemporary lifestyles are a synonym for stress. To add insult to injury, individuals and entities that ostensibly exist to resolve stress often significantly increase it, and some take advantage of a victim under stress to further their own agenda. I'm especially annoyed that due to the lack of human rights legislation in many states, the establishment can and does regard the slightest hint of disability as proof the individual is completely non compos mentis.

Number 7 is my daily battle. Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't real. Thats what I wish people would understand.

Unfortunately not knowing the cause is something I have to live . As many people  do as well.

I just try and bring my thoughts in line to the now. So when you mind starts going down the anxiety panicky path, stop what your doing (in all probability you are most likely doing nothing when these thoughts start to take hold) which could something stressful or taxing.  A minute of controlled deep breathing, then go through a check list - is my pulse racing?, am I sweating profusely , can I control my movements as usual? - no new  limping or speech dramas. Then once you understand it's not a stroke tell yourself exactly that! Do the check least again if you want, continue the controlled deep breathing. I would go and grab a beer or a  wine. Maybe a coffee but caffeine doesn't help anxiety as such. The best is go for a short  walk if you can. Then when you have your mind back in check try to slowly get bacjk to what you were doing.

I've noted as much elsewhere, but its worth mentioning again for the few who are in the same situation. In our case, at least 90% of the problems were instigated by a totally toxic sister of the victim who had the not particularly bright idea of inflicting the evil kangaroo court on the victim without seeking her opinion (which would have been a most definite 'rack off hairy legs'). Whilst there is still a bit of aphasia which is gradually resolving due to particularly good speech pathologist Catherine Hicks from Prince Charles Hospital, there are no other disabilities. What really gets my blood boiling is the likelihood that recovery would have been infinitely speedier had the utterly moronic quasi-judge observed the relevant legislation rather than following kangaroo court policy of putting every victim in the clutches of the extortion racket trading as the Public Trustee. They claimed to be a qualified speech pathologist although its blatantly obvious she was a dismal; failure in her previous profession. Hopefully the majority of stroke victims don't have toxic family members and don't get involved with a kangaroo court.

I too suffer the thoughts of another and the why it happened.

This is the third time for me hearing the no known cause, no known cure.

(it doesn't get any easier)  It never goes away and it's unanswerable.

I am convinced my stroke was brought on by years of high stress.

Now post stroke, the stress in even higher!

Im 43, got 2 kids and a wife, worrying about money and the unknown future is stress enough without dealing with everything else!