After a stroke, you’re probably eager to return to life as you knew it, but you may also have some concerns about going home from the hospital.
Your life can change significantly as a result of a stroke. While some of these side effects are temporary, others could remain longer or even be permanent. If your doctor has given you the green light to go home, you can do plenty to stay safe and healthy as you readjust. While you recover fully, here are some things you need to remember:
1. Take it easy
It’ll take time to feel like yourself again. Although full recuperation can take up to two years, you’ll likely make the most improvement in the first three to four months.
Plan to reintegrate into your daily life slowly. You probably won’t feel as energetic as you did before your stroke, at least not immediately. You might have trouble moving, speaking, or getting dressed, and you might also notice that concentrating or remembering things requires more effort. On top of that, your emotions may also suffer if you have a stroke, and you might experience overwhelming, stress, rage, or sadness. It’s all pretty common and can be draining, so go easy on yourself.
Remember that it’s crucial also to have assistance, regardless of how independent you are. To help out around the house, enlist the help of your family, friends, or neighbours. Talk to your medical team about how to receive help if you need assistance with daily activities and don’t have a carer (such as a healthy spouse).
2. Always prioritise your health
One stroke increases the likelihood of having another. But there’s a lot you can do to minimise that risk and improve your general health.
Eating healthy is important: The best options include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy plant oils like olive oil. Watch the quantity of saturated fat, fried foods, and sugar you consume daily. Your doctor may suggest gentle exercises, too. Find out what exercises may be risk-free for you.
Take the medication exactly as directed if your doctor prescribed it to aid in your recovery or lower your risk of experiencing another stroke. This may involve taking medication to lower your blood pressure, stop blood clots from forming, or get rid of plaque buildup in your arteries. Inform your medical team if any negative effects concern you. In any case, never change your dosage or stop a medication without talking to your doctor.
3. Make your home safer
Falling down after a stroke is quite common and can be dangerous. If you fall, have pain, bruises, or bleeding or don’t feel right, contact 995 or go to the emergency room immediately.
Ask your partner, your carer, or a third party person to:
- Make sure there is a direct, clutter-free path to every location you must frequent, such as your kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
- If needed, put in handrails and other safety devices, like a raised toilet seat or tub bench. Ensure all rugs are anchored with non-stick tape.
- Your bathtub or shower should have anti-slip strips or a mat.
Additionally, keep in mind not to rush and put on non-skid shoes when walking around the house. Avoiding falls and other accidents can be accomplished by always moving slowly and cautiously.
4. Enlist the help of experts
You don’t have to be alone just because you’re living at home alone. You can seek the assistance of a few helpful experts as you heal:
- A speech and language therapist to help you communicate better and improve your memory. A speech therapist can also assist you if you have trouble swallowing and eating.
- A physical/massage therapist can help you move around safely, regain your balance, and strengthen your muscles.
- An occupational therapist can make adjustments in your home (and place of employment) and show you new techniques for performing activities of daily living like eating and cleaning.
- Your doctor or medical team will assist with physical issues brought on by a stroke, such as difficulty managing your bladder or intestines. Your doctor may also make the decision whether or not you’re fit to resume driving.
5. Have someone to talk to
Stroke recovery can occasionally be slow and frustrating. You can deal with your feelings by speaking to your medical team or a mental health expert, such as a psychologist or counsellor. Joining a stroke support group is another great method to seek advice and discover fresh approaches.
Talk about your feelings with your family and friends as well. If you don’t tell them what you’re going through, they might not comprehend if they’ve never had a stroke.
6. Get help immediately
After having one stroke, you are more likely to experience another. Call 995 immediately if you detect any of the following symptoms:
- Drooping face
- Weakness and/or numbness on one side of the body
- Slurred speech
- Sudden confusion
- Sudden blurry vision
- Sudden shooting headache or stomachache
- Blood in urine or vomit, or unexplained gum or nose bleed
- Unexplained bruising or red/purple blotches on your skin
Conclusion
If you are recovering from a stroke episode, please know you are not alone. At KJ Therapy, we provide personalised therapy and compassionate care to support our clients in achieving optimal health and wellness post-stroke.
Our team of certified massage therapists offers Emotional Support, Traditional Tui Na with Modern Sports Rehabilitation, and World Class Post Stroke Massage. Using the best tools and products available, we guarantee that our massage will be effective and enjoyable.
Interested to know more about our post-stroke therapy? Get in touch with us for more info.
