Hi Grant
Thanks for reaching out to us. The fear of having another stroke once you have had one is a common question we get on Strokeline. Your certainly not alone!
Your chances of having a stroke will depend on your risk factors and prior history of stroke can be one of them. We often describe stroke risk factors as those that you cannot control (your age, gender and history of stroke), medical risk factors (medical conditions you have such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure) and lifestyle risk factors (diet and exercise.) There are many things that you can do to minimise your future risk of stroke. Have a chat with your local GP to discuss what your individual risks are, how medication can help stabilise your risks and how your lifestyle can make a positive impact.
Some people find it helpful to know their numbers. Have regular GP check-ups and know what your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels are. You might want to have an assessment with a dietician, who can guide healthy eating to support your risk factors.
I’ve included some links that can you have a read through that goes into more detail about the topics discussed so far:
Know your risk factors and lower your risk: https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Preventing-stroke/Stroke-risk-factors
Diet after stroke: https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Help-after-stroke/Stroke-resources-and-fact-sheets/Diet-after-stroke-fact-sheet
Depression and anxiety after stroke https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Help-after-stroke/Stroke-resources-and-fact-sheets/Depression-and-anxiety-after-stroke-fact-sheet
The decision to offer thrombolysis after another stroke will depend on a number of factors. This is often discussed with you and your family and largely depends on what type of stroke you have had and when your symptoms first started. Here is a great link from the UK Stroke association that explains how and when thrombolysis is used: https://www.stroke.org.uk/what-is-stroke/diagnosis-to-discharge/treatment. Currently, there are no clinical guidelines exclude you from being offered thrombolysis purely because you have had it previously.
Spreading your knowledge with family and friends can be helpful. If your friends and family can identify what a stroke looks like and they know how to respond, than you are in a good position to getting to the hospital quickly to access treatment. We have F.A.S.T magnets and information brochures that we can send out to you- just give us a call on Strokeline 1800 787 653.
Hopefully this answers your questions and can help alleviate some of your anxiety. We are also here for you on Strokeline if you have any questions at all.
Carol Pham, Physiotherapist, StrokeConnect