A brain stroke is the result of clogged arteries in the brain which restrict oxygen and nutrient-rich blood from reaching certain parts of the brain. These parts eventually die as a result.
The sufferer may consequently develop disabilities such as memory loss, speech or vision problems and so on after the stroke.
Fortunately, there’s a solution.
Below, we have compiled 10 ways you can add positive changes to your lifestyle following a stroke to aid you on your journey to recovery process.
1. Get Immediate Professional Help
It is absolutely essential to your wellbeing that the second you fear a stroke incoming, go to the doctors for a health checkup.
It may seem easy to brush it off as you being overly suspicious but an early diagnosis might just save your life.
There is also evidence to believe that sufferers of stroke symptoms who do get help early on experience fewer disabilities compared to those who do not.
2. Keep Your Medical History on Hand
Strokes may cause memory loss in survivors.
For your doctor to provide you with effective care, he/she must know your medical history so that the medication prescribed during treatment does not cause adverse effects as a result of any pre-existing condition.
In case you suffer memory loss, carry a note in your purse, wallet, pockets and so on listing the medical conditions you currently have and the medicines you should be taking.
3. Rehabilitation is Key to Recovery
You should consider getting admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility after a stroke. According to research, the more intensive the therapy you undergo at the facility, the better your recovery.
Since strokes affect parts of the brain that are responsible for multiple functions, you will need to be working with professionals from many disciplines to overcome the resulting disability.
Make sure to include these professionals when your prime care doctor is creating your recovery plan.
4. Get a Nutritionist
Your diet does affect the state of your body. This is especially important after a stroke.
The initial days following a stroke, muscles become weaker so swallowing gets difficult. Swallowing problems may eventually result in fluid aspiration and pneumonia. Consumption of soft foods is recommended by specialists during this time.
Go to a nutritionist and show them your medical files. Based on your doctor’s diet recommendation, your medical history and state of health, he or she can create a suitable diet plan to keep you healthy.
Checking your medical files is important as some foods can interfere with medications taken for pre-existing conditions.
Eat a diet consisting of whole foods and avoid processed, salty or fatty foods so that your weight remains healthy.
5. Always Remember to See your Doctor
The aftermath of a stroke can be hard. Some patients stay in denial out of shock and this can have an especially negative impact on their health.
It is crucial for every stroke survivor to stay in touch with their primary care doctor to get updates on their condition and for a full recovery.
Often times the stroke is a culmination of an indifference to current health conditions and to the physician’s advice.
6. Don’t forget to be Physically Active
It has been proven by research that exercise is important for a healthier body. Although strokes can be debilitating, even low levels of exercise can immensely aid the recovery process.
However, sometimes it is easy to over exercise in hopes of a faster or better recovery.
Don’t push yourself too hard! Even doing very little or as recommended by your doctor can have benefits. Otherwise, you risk injuring yourself.
7. Be Optimistic About Recovering
Some stroke survivors may fall into depression. Since strokes are sudden, the shock of their condition might make them feel all alone.
Doctors recommend joining support groups to ease the loneliness. Seeing fellow survivors and listening to their stories can help boost optimism.
With strokes, recovery is definitely possible and the lost functions that result can be restored. It is possible to get your life back together with time.
Depression can affect the recovery process and cause severe emotional pain. Going to a psychiatrist can help as well.
Seek the support of loved ones, friends and neighbors. A support network is essential to feeling positive.
8. Stick to Your Doctor’s Advice
At the rehabilitation center, you’ll be sending a lot of time learning valuable things about the recovery process. You will be going home with a lot of advice and recommendations so it is crucial that you stick to the advice.
If you don’t incorporate the things that you were taught there in your daily routine, it may prevent recovery.
Be sure to take any medication or do exercises prescribed by your doctor no matter how much of a drag it may seem.
9. Beware of a Second Stroke
Your brain shifts to overdrive as a result of the stroke by making the unaffected regions work even harder than before.
Unfortunately, first-time stroke survivors are at greater risk of having a second stroke than those who have never suffered a stroke.
This makes the second stroke far more fatal and it is extremely important that you be extra careful about stroke symptoms. If there is any suspicion seek help immediately.
10. Declutter Floors to Prevent Accidents
The after-effects of a stroke include muscle weakness. This makes the survivor more vulnerable to injuries by falling and can cause severe bruising or broken bones.
Clear out junk lying on the floors of your house and move furniture if it proves to be an obstacle. Make sure the floors aren’t slippery and rugs don’t move out from under your feet.
Additionally, you can install grab bars in the bathrooms to hold onto in case you get an episode of sudden muscle weakness and require support.
Conclusion
Going through a stroke can be emotionally and physically draining. Survivors may feel lonely or distressed. At times all hope seems to be lost.
But, don’t lose hope!
Recovery may seem slow and at times you might feel like there is no change in your condition but consistency is key.
Following your doctor’s advice, putting all the knowledge you receive in rehab into practice and consistently following the tips from this article will eventually lead to a healthy recovery.
