weekend Conversation. Fear Of Another Stroke

Hi Jenny, 

Thank you for asking that questions. And I am also look forward to some more responses so we can develop an interesting conversation this weekend.

I will think about this one and write down my thoughts about 'the fear of another stroke.' To be honest, I haven't thought about having another because I am still trying to deal with the first one!

But, at the back of my mind, I know that the possibility of having one is there. 

Marcus

Fear of a second stroke 

Hi everyone,

I hope the weather is good where you are. For me, it is still raining, but it should open in a few hours, and then the humidity and sun will beat me back to the air-conditioner.

Jenny’s fear of a second stroke is a real one for all stroke-afflicted. Before I wrote this post, I went on the computer to check the percentage of having a second stroke is high compared to normal population. Those numbers don’t look very good. See: (check the Australian Stroke Foundation and American Stroke Association, 4 in 10 for a second stroke).

However, there are many reasons why some stroke-afflicted have a second stroke, but the most important reason is having a healthy life — good food, exercise, low cholesterol, low pressure, deal with stress, take your medication, and talk to the doctor. By check off this list every day, week or month, you will reduce the chance of a second stroke. I am very lucky to have a wife who cooks excellent and healthy food for the family and for a healthy heart and brain. No alcohol, no fatty oily food, and less salt. The Japanese diet is fantastic for the body. Finally, exercise every day if possible.

So, that could be my answer to Jenny's question this morning. But, I think Jenny is also talking about stress and worry of a stroke. Anxiety and stress are hard to deal with if you are always concerned having a stroke again. I still suffer from anxiety attacks:

Can I teach?
How do I write in front of the class without making any mistakes?
Should I go for a long bike myself in the hills?
What will have if I have an epileptic fit (twice, luckily, I was with a friend)!.
Should I stop going to the pool? (I have stopped surfing — too dangerous!)

The fear of another stroke or heart attack was facing me for a long time, but gradually I came more comfortable with my abilities. No more super hard long rides, hours in the surf, big sessions in the gym (This is where I had my heart attack.), and non-stop laps in the pool. Physically, I am strong but …

Mentally, it has been incredibly difficult. Nevertheless, I feel I am in a better place than I was a year ago.

Why?

A bit of hippie philosophy has helped me a lot.

Mindfulness.

Meditation.

Living in the moment.

Things that I can’t control, I just let it go. This is not easy, in fact, very difficult to try to control what happens in my life. But, by letting it go, smelling the coffee, and watch everyone else go by, I can find a happy place or moment.

What will happen if I have a second stroke is a question that I can’t answer. I will do as much as to protect my brain, but fate will decide whether I have a second stroke or not.

Look forward to everyone’s thoughts about this topic.

Jenny, thanks for making me think about this topic.

Marcus

Marcus you helped me with another issue.i am not a up front person.when you suggested I think of the next topic I felt moments of I can't do that,what will I say . Internal chatter.  Subject came quite easily.Many thanks Marcus

Hello everyone

Yes I certainly have lived with much fear , how I learnt to carry it and still live my life has been an ongoing experience , I too will write about that fear tomorrow. 

I need to contemplate and reflect about how to write my post.

:-)

Sue

Hello again

Great question Jenny and one where it makes sense to talk with other stroke survivors about this.

Glad you found the confidence in this group to ask your question.

Yes I thought about the possibility of a second stroke, did I feel it as a fear.  I can only think that during recovery I was so sensitive to everything in life. Everything I did  seemed such an obstacle in front of me to work out, so that the fear  I had of another stroke mingled in with everything else that I was faced with.

Around the same time I had my stroke, there were other experiences in my broader family which needed attention.  So my experience was one amongst others. The rawness of those early emotions and feelings I remember vividly.

The internal chatter you spoke of Jenny - that self talk. The more lonely and isolated I felt the worse this  self talk was for me, which is why I have so embraced the opportunity to talk on Enableme.

Stay well everyone.

Sue

Marcus Thankyou for your response. Daily meditation is part of my life to relieve general anxiety. Acceptance of the stroke was sheer hard work. Gaining some independence and more in control of my life led to acceptance. Excuse me if I am onto another subject. 

Sue Thankyou for your response. From  reading your posts I sense that you have made great advances with your recovery.  I admire you for your successes.       Jenny. 

Hi Marcus, Sue and Jenny,

Did you listen to the EnableMe podcast about fear of a second stroke? 

What did you think about it?

Diana