So, You were hospitalized because you were diagnosed with stroke. You now know that during a stroke, blood stops flowing to part of your brain. This can damage areas in the brain that control other parts of the body. Symptoms after a stroke depend on which part of the brain has been affected.
Stroke risk factors
Your doctor may have told you that once you’ve had a stroke, you’re at greater risk for another one. Listed below are some other factors that can increase your risk for another stroke:
Changes in daily living
Doing your regular tasks may be difficult after you’ve had a stroke, but you can learn new ways to manage your daily activities. In fact, doing daily activities may help you to regain muscle strength and bring back function to affected limbs. Be patient, give yourself time to adjust, and appreciate the progress you make.
Daily activities
You may be at risk of falling. Make changes to your home to help you walk more easily. A therapist will decide if you need an assistive device to walk safely.
You may need to see an occupational or physical therapist to learn new ways of doing things. For example, you may need to make adjustments when bathing or dressing:
When to seek medical care
Call 119 right away if you have any of the following symptoms of stroke:
· Weakness, tingling, or loss of feeling on one side of your face or body
· Sudden double vision or trouble seeing in one or both eyes
· Sudden trouble talking or slurred speech
· Trouble understanding others
· Sudden, severe headache
· Dizziness, loss of balance, or a sense of falling
· Blackouts or seizures
F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the signs of stroke. When you see these signs, you know that you need to call 119 fast.
F.A.S.T. stands for:
· F is for face drooping - One side of the face is drooping or numb. When the person smiles, the smile is uneven.
· A is for arm weakness - One arm is weak or numb. When the person lifts both arms at the same time, one arm may drift downward.
· S is for speech difficulty - You may notice slurred speech or difficulty speaking. The person can't repeat a simple sentence correctly when asked.
· T is for time to call 119 - If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call 119 immediately. Make note of the time the symptoms first appeared.
In Jamaica you may not have all the medical support or rehabilitation support that you need after leaving the hospital. This section of the website is designed for individuals like you. PLEASE use the info to help you as you heal. Stroke is a serious, debilitating illness so go slowly and be proactive in your care.
The important thing is to have a positive mindset regardless of what the doctor's report said. Trust in God knowing that he has the power to heal you. Have faith that according to his will and purpose He will bring you through this, and on the other side, He may have something new and rewarding in store for you.
Stroke risk factors
Your doctor may have told you that once you’ve had a stroke, you’re at greater risk for another one. Listed below are some other factors that can increase your risk for another stroke:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Cigarette or cigar smoking
- Diabetes
- Carotid or other artery disease
- Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or other heart disease
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Certain blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia)
- Excessive alcohol use
- Abuse of illegal drugs
- Your Race
- Your Gender
- Family history of stroke
- Diet high in salty, fried, or greasy foods
Changes in daily living
Doing your regular tasks may be difficult after you’ve had a stroke, but you can learn new ways to manage your daily activities. In fact, doing daily activities may help you to regain muscle strength and bring back function to affected limbs. Be patient, give yourself time to adjust, and appreciate the progress you make.
Daily activities
You may be at risk of falling. Make changes to your home to help you walk more easily. A therapist will decide if you need an assistive device to walk safely.
You may need to see an occupational or physical therapist to learn new ways of doing things. For example, you may need to make adjustments when bathing or dressing:
- Try the following tips for showering or bathing:
- Test the water temperature with a hand or foot that was not affected by the stroke.
- Use grab bars, a shower seat, a hand-held showerhead, and a long-handled brush.
- Try the following tips for dressing:
- Dress while sitting, starting with the affected side or limb.
- Wear shirts that pull easily over your head and pants or skirts with elastic waistbands.
- Use zippers with loops attached to the pull tabs.
- Take your medications exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses.
- Your health care provider will give you information on dietary changes that you may need to make, based on your situation. Your provider may recommend that you see a registered dietitian for help with diet changes. Changes may include:
- Reducing fat and cholesterol intake
- Reducing sodium (salt) intake, especially if you have high blood pressure
- Increasing your intake of fresh vegetables and fruits
- Eating lean proteins, such as fish, poultry, and legumes (beans and peas) and eating less red meat and processed meats
- Using low-fat dairy products
- Using vegetable and nut oils in limited amounts
- Limiting sweets and processed foods such as chips, cookies, and baked goods.
- Begin an exercise program. Ask your doctor how to get started and how much activity you should try to get on a daily or weekly basis . You can benefit from simple activities such as walking or gardening.
- Limit alcohol intake. Men should have no more than 2 alcoholic drinks a day. Women should limit themselves to 1 alcoholic drink per day.
- Know your cholesterol level. Follow your doctor’s recommendations about how to keep cholesterol under control.
- If you are a smoker, it is time to quit now. Enroll in a stop-smoking program to improve your chances of success. Ask your doctor about medications or other methods to help you quit.
- Learn stress management techniques to help you deal with stress in your home and work life.
- Keep your medical appointments. Close follow-up is important to stroke rehabilitation and recovery.
- Some medications require blood tests to check for progress or problems. Keep follow-up appointments for any blood tests ordered by your doctors.
When to seek medical care
Call 119 right away if you have any of the following symptoms of stroke:
· Weakness, tingling, or loss of feeling on one side of your face or body
· Sudden double vision or trouble seeing in one or both eyes
· Sudden trouble talking or slurred speech
· Trouble understanding others
· Sudden, severe headache
· Dizziness, loss of balance, or a sense of falling
· Blackouts or seizures
F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the signs of stroke. When you see these signs, you know that you need to call 119 fast.
F.A.S.T. stands for:
· F is for face drooping - One side of the face is drooping or numb. When the person smiles, the smile is uneven.
· A is for arm weakness - One arm is weak or numb. When the person lifts both arms at the same time, one arm may drift downward.
· S is for speech difficulty - You may notice slurred speech or difficulty speaking. The person can't repeat a simple sentence correctly when asked.
· T is for time to call 119 - If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call 119 immediately. Make note of the time the symptoms first appeared.
In Jamaica you may not have all the medical support or rehabilitation support that you need after leaving the hospital. This section of the website is designed for individuals like you. PLEASE use the info to help you as you heal. Stroke is a serious, debilitating illness so go slowly and be proactive in your care.
The important thing is to have a positive mindset regardless of what the doctor's report said. Trust in God knowing that he has the power to heal you. Have faith that according to his will and purpose He will bring you through this, and on the other side, He may have something new and rewarding in store for you.
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