This will be a long read, but I hope you take a few minutes to have a better understanding of stroke and what happens due to a loved one having a stroke.... I think its worth the read :) As most of you know and those of you that dont, PawPaw had open heart surgery on June 24th 2014. Surgery went well and his recovery was going great.... Then on July 25th 2014, Frank and I were awakened by mawmaw frantically knocking on our door.... PawPaw had a stroke!!! We ran to their house and immediately called 911.... As Frank stayed in the house with PawPaw and I waited outside for the ambulance, all I could think about was why didnt I see some signs, what did I miss.... We just went to two doctor appointments on the Wednesday and Thursday (Stroke happened on Friday) and all was well....what happened!!!! With that being said, I wanted to post about stroke.....everything that I could think of to possibly help someone who has to deal with stroke.... **Stroke Systems: stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=symp **What is a stroke: stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=stroke **Recovery: stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=recov **fter Stroke: stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=afterstroke This step is so important for everyone involved. We were not prepared or knowledgeable of what happens during recovery or after a stroke. Take time to talk to one another....what is the best place for you and your loved one.... what facility you believe would provide the best rehab for your loved one.... Can we visit as a family member.... So many questions and it can be overwhelming receiving all of this information at one time while still digesting that your loved one has had a stroke... **Types of Stroke: stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=type **Effects of a Stroke: stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=effects We are familiar with knowing that Physical effects of a stroke are very difficult for a stroke victim and for family to readjust.... but what is harder in my opinion are the cognitive/emotional effects from having a stroke... There are days that you will find yourself also becoming emotional along side your loved one because you know their mind has been damaged and you want to fix whatever is happening to their mind, but there is nothing you can do... depending on the severity of their stroke, they may experience uncontrollable bouts of anger, aggression, crying, confusion, moments that they will insist happened, but really didnt.... prepare yourself for anything.... but keep in mind that they do not mean anything, they really have no control....research mental health after stroke, it is truly worth hours of reading to have a better understanding of what happens to the mind after different types of stroke...Here are a few fantastic articles... **Behavior Changed after Stroke: strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/LifeAfterStroke/RegainingIndependence/EmotionalBehavioralChallenges/Behavior-Changes-After-Stroke_UCM_309752_Article.jsp ** Emotional Changes After Stroke: stroke.org.uk/sites/default/files/Emotional%20changes%20after%20stroke.pdf **Psychiatric Times: psychiatrictimes/news/post-stroke-psychiatric-syndromes-diagnosis-and-pharmacologic-intervention **Caregivers and Family: stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=care When your loved one comes home....A huge step... For us, MawMaw is usually with PawPaw 24/7.... I highly encourage her to get out of the house every day for a few hours....to get some fresh air.... to visit with friends or family.... just some time away.... Frank and I have committed to 24/7 care giving.... Our everyday lives have changed completely, and some may not be able to provide that time and/or commitment for a loved one.... Keep in mind that what you take for granted you do daily, now depends on how your loved one is doing that day.... everyday house chores may have to be put on hold.... your trips to the grocery store may not happen as usual.... your morning coffee may have to be at 10am instead of 8am... You now have to make sure you have arrangements to attend your kids school activities and you may not be able to stay the whole time like you normally would stay...Frank works daily, but when he gets home from work he tends to pawpaws needs and there are times that at 2am , he is needed at pawpaws house for whatever is happening.... I usually stay there all day, I do walk home to tend to daily house chores and I still have to do office work for our fire protection business, but as soon as mawmaw calls, I run over to tend to whatever pawpaw needs done.... Care giving is 24/7.....Take the time to talk it over with family, ask questions now so if/when it should happen, you already have some type of plan in the motion.... would you prefer family, would an outsider be better for your family....all very good questions to ask now.... what about physical, speech, and/or occupational therapy at home.....who provides it, will my insurance company cover it and if they do, for how long....The rehab facilities that pawpaw was in helped us tremendously with companies to chose from in our area! And finally with caregiving.... it is so important to still make time for yourself.... make out some type of schedule that you can follow to the best of your ability.....everyone needs a break, care giving for someone who has had a stroke is stressful for the stroke victim and the ones caring for him/her.... you both needs breaks from one another.... following a schedule is not always easy for one never knows what will happen in a day.... but it is a healthy route to take.... even if its taking a walk outside.... driving around the block.... calling a family member and talking about other things going on in their lives.... anything to have a break.... **Get Involved: stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=getinvolved
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 14:43:39 +0000
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