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Is dread and fear of second stroke normal?

Roson November 15, 2017

5 Responses

Since my stroke, which was seven and a half weeks ago, I have found that I have not so much a fear but a dread of being alone. I know this is due to the fact that the stroke was literally out of the blue - sudden and, to me, devastating - and if my husband had not been home at the time I don't know what would have happened. Although this dread is a bit less than in the early days after the stroke it seems to have settled in. I have not gone back to driving yet mainly because I have to have the RMS medical form filled out so the RMS can give the okay. But I am also not keen to drive, once again due to the unknown factor regarding my stroke and a recurrence. What I want to ask is whether this is a normal reaction and does it lessen in time? Am I being silly? I have a few more doctor appointments over the next few weeks to try and determine why or what caused the stroke; but I have been told that a cause or why may never be found. Prior to my stroke I suffered from mild agoraphobia (if that is the right term - basically, I prefer to stay at home) and am now quite concerned that it become full blown.

5 Responses

StrokeLine

28/11/2017 03:21

Hi Ros,

Thanks for your question. I’m sorry to hear about your stroke and wish you all the best on your recovery journey.

Everyone’s experience of stroke is different however one thing that is universal is its sudden and serious nature. It’s very normal to experience strong emotions after stroke, however these emotional reactions usually get better with time. Your stroke is very recent so how you’re feeling is very common and normal.

You’re in the very early stages so remember to be kind to yourself, do what you need to do and make sure you feel comfortable and safe.

If these feelings do go on for too long or are too distressing, your doctor can talk through service options and make a referral. Options may include Medicare subsidised services through a Chronic Disease Management Plan or Mental Health Care Plan. There can be a gap payment in these schemes, so check when you make the appointment.

It also helps to manage your stroke risk factors and looking at whether these are being controlled. This is a really positive step to reduce the risk of having another stroke and may assist you reduce those feelings of fear you are expressing. My Stroke Journey has the best advice, please find link here; https://strokefoundation.org.au/What-we-do/Support-programs/My-Stroke-Journey

Here are some other resources which you may find useful;

Have you seen our blog on fear of a second stroke? https://strokefoundation.org.au/blog/2015/05/19/the-fear-factor

We also have a podcast: https://enableme.org.au/Community/Podcasts/Fear-of-second-stroke

If you require any further assistance please don’t hesitate to contact StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEST) or strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.

Best wishes,

Shari (StrokeLine)

Ros

30/11/2017 06:28

Thank you Shari for your words of support. It is about two weeks since I asked my question and I am finding that some things are calming down. I am not quite as scared to be alone at home but I do still prefer company when I am out, I am also not that panicked about not driving yet. That will come in good time. I know I have to let time heal - it can just be frustrating at times, especially as I was very independent prior to my stroke.

Leesa

03/12/2017 06:58

Hi Roz, I saw post and so relate to how you are feeling at present. I had a stroke just over 3 months ago and like you it was totally out of the blue and shocking , with still no explanation as to why it occurred. I am 53 and it has been a struggle coming to terms with that fact I may never know the cause of this stroke but extremely grateful I have physically come out of it well and know how fortunate I am in that regard. I completely understand your concern about it occurring again when we have no answers why it happened in the first place, the anxiousness and fear associated with that can at times be consuming. I am still working through this process, doing everything I can to help myself but it is overwhelming and I desperately want to find my confidence again as no doubt you do to. I just wanted you to know I understand how you are feeling and as you can see on this site it is common and understandable to feel this anxiousness post stroke. Take care Leesa

Ros

03/12/2017 21:35

Leesa, thank you for your comment. It is comforting to know that my feelings are 'normal' in the scheme of things. Each day I am beginning to feel a bit less anxious - although, I do have the occasional relapse but it is becoming less frequent. I agree that it is not knowing 'why' the stroke happened in the first place that fuels these feelings; after all, how can one lessen the likelihood of a recurrence if one doesn't know what triggered the initial stroke? I hope you continue your healing and find your confidence again, take care too, Ros.

Leesa

05/12/2017 02:34

Thanks Roz, yes it gives me great comfort too knowing I am not alone in how I am feeling given the situation we both have found ourselves in. All the best and take care, Leesa

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Is dread and fear of second stroke normal?

Roson November 15, 2017

5 Responses

StrokeLine

28/11/2017 03:21

Hi Ros,

Thanks for your question. I’m sorry to hear about your stroke and wish you all the best on your recovery journey.

You’re in the very early stages so remember to be kind to yourself, do what you need to do and make sure you feel comfortable and safe.

Here are some other resources which you may find useful;

Have you seen our blog on fear of a second stroke? https://strokefoundation.org.au/blog/2015/05/19/the-fear-factor

We also have a podcast: https://enableme.org.au/Community/Podcasts/Fear-of-second-stroke

If you require any further assistance please don’t hesitate to contact StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEST) or strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.

Best wishes,

Shari (StrokeLine)

30/11/2017 06:28

03/12/2017 06:58

03/12/2017 21:35

05/12/2017 02:34

Thanks Roz, yes it gives me great comfort too knowing I am not alone in how I am feeling given the situation we both have found ourselves in. All the best and take care, Leesa

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Is dread and fear of second stroke normal?

Is dread and fear of second stroke normal?

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