queenofhearts submitted a way to: Live with heart disease
way to be well created 12.06.10
Support Systems for Stroke
Until I came face to face with a congenital heart defect, I did not know that more than half of cardiovascular deaths were women (American Heart Association). I did not really know that timing was everything when it came to stroke, and I certainly had no idea that I would be here today writing about heart disease and stroke. Luckily, my husband knew about the signs and timing, and he and our friend got me to a hospital straight away.
The first three hours of the onset of a stroke are the most critical when it comes to receiving care. A drug called tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), which is known to be the most promising drug for ischemic strokes, is best if administered within the first three hours of the onset of an stroke. It can reduce the debilitating affects caused by stroke.
But there is so much more about stroke recovery than what the medical doctors and nurses are able to offer. There is so much that goes unsaid and is left behind once a patient leaves the hospital. What about the patient’s mental recovery? What about living every day of one’s life on the edge and wondering “what if it happens again”?
That is something that the doctors do not mention when they talk to you about your condition. Yes, support groups are discussed, and pamphlets are handed out, but in my experience, little attention is given to these documents upon hospital discharge. Emotions are running too high and often so is anxiety.
It is critical that a support system is put in place. Of course people think of a support system for the person who has just suffered a stroke – but the net needs to be cast significantly wider than that. This support system needs to be for the family of the person who suffered the event as well. The stroke “victim” has doctors and nurses. The family does not have this same team of individuals checking vital signs on a regular basis.
If a loved one has suffered a stroke, make sure that along with ensuring their well being, you also take the time to take care of yourself. There is no way that you will be able to help them if you do not take time for you.
Do you have any thoughts on support systems or have you have any experiences with family members and stroke recovery?
The first three hours of the onset of a stroke are the most critical when it comes to receiving care. A drug called tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), which is known to be the most promising drug for ischemic strokes, is best if administered within the first three hours of the onset of an stroke. It can reduce the debilitating affects caused by stroke.
But there is so much more about stroke recovery than what the medical doctors and nurses are able to offer. There is so much that goes unsaid and is left behind once a patient leaves the hospital. What about the patient’s mental recovery? What about living every day of one’s life on the edge and wondering “what if it happens again”?
That is something that the doctors do not mention when they talk to you about your condition. Yes, support groups are discussed, and pamphlets are handed out, but in my experience, little attention is given to these documents upon hospital discharge. Emotions are running too high and often so is anxiety.
It is critical that a support system is put in place. Of course people think of a support system for the person who has just suffered a stroke – but the net needs to be cast significantly wider than that. This support system needs to be for the family of the person who suffered the event as well. The stroke “victim” has doctors and nurses. The family does not have this same team of individuals checking vital signs on a regular basis.
If a loved one has suffered a stroke, make sure that along with ensuring their well being, you also take the time to take care of yourself. There is no way that you will be able to help them if you do not take time for you.
Do you have any thoughts on support systems or have you have any experiences with family members and stroke recovery?
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