Hello. On December 11, 2008 I had a brain stem stroke which rendered me “locked in”. As of today, I have had an amazing recovery and am back to doing a lot of the everyday things I enjoy.

Read more about Wes and watch this YouTube video of his incredible recovery!

10 tips to help keep you going, from the wife of a stroke survivor.

Nancy Coulter-Parker | Oct 17, 2013

On Jan. 4, 2011, Charlene DeGroot’s husband (then 65), had a stroke, which left him with aphasia. Charlene and her husband were featured in the October 2013 issue of StrokeSmart® magazine. Here is a continuation of Charlene’s tips to surviving a stroke and what helps her keep going as she continually works with her husband to improve his health.

1. “Remember the patient is human; don’t talk like they’re not there, talk to them, they’re still alive.”
2. If you travel, take an extra set of medication—one in a purse, one in a suitcase, so that you have a backup. “I travel with an extra set so that I at least have 24 hours to get in to a pharmacy.”
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for the “handicap” parking sticker. “Intermittently, Roy’s back went out. He can walk, but he doesn’t have the stamina that he used to have. A doctor asked me what I was going to do the day his back goes out and I can’t move him from A to B. So we got the sticker. We don’t abuse it, but every once in a blue moon we have to park further away than we would like and it’s a significant help. You shouldn’t be afraid to use it.”
4. Use humor. “If we didn’t laugh, we would be crying all the time. And there are days that are really dark and you have to dig deeper. We choose joy. You have to laugh.”
5. Don’t be ashamed or hesitant to talk about what’s happened in your life. “The stroke happened and you can move on, but there’s nothing wrong with talking about it.” Joining a group is a good thing to do. “You have a lot to share. Other people have been through it too, and can share and help you. You can help each other.”
6. Consider the terms you use. “You’re a patient when you’re in the hospital. When you’re walking around after being in the hospital, you’re not a patient. You’re a person. If you keep telling someone ‘You’re a patient,’ they will act like a patient. My husband is a client now. He’s paying for services. He had a stroke and he has side effects. And yes, I give assistance and care, but I’m not a caregiver. If he looks upon me as a caregiver, then he’s unable. But he’s very capable in many areas. I’m his partner. He helps me and I help him.”
7. Use a schedule for control. “I’m a control freak. I like things in order. I live by my calendar. Whenever I feel like I’m going out of control, I like to write in my calendar and check things off. So when I’m having a bad day, I get out the calendar and put life back in order. It’s very liberating.”
8. “I like helping other people. Helping people helps me make sense of it and helps them make sense of it. That’s an important piece in every way of life. Whether you’re helping someone who has had a stroke or otherwise, help others.”
9. “Your friends that are your friends will be your friends. You soon learn who are your friends.” She adds, “If you can’t see me or talk to me while I’m alive, please don’t show up at the funeral.”
10. “The power of prayer is very important to me. Religion is a strong point that helps me get through each day.”

Source: StrokeSmart.org

One in four stroke survivors experience some form of language impairment after a stroke. This impairment is called aphasia, a disorder of communication that damages a person’s ability to use and comprehend language.

Because stroke survivors with aphasia have difficulty speaking and understanding language, they are often mistaken for having impaired cognitive functions. But aphasia does not affect intelligence.

Learn about aphasia’s symptoms, treatment, and management.

How to Talk to Children About Aphasia and Other Health Issues

Change can be confusing for a lot of people, especially children. This is often the case when the change involves the health of a loved one. Aphasia, a communication disorder that affects about 2 million Americans, is one such health issue that can leave children curious and concerned. This page highlights tips on how to talk about aphasia and other health issues with children.

What does an irregular heartbeat have to do with stroke? Atrial fibrillation (Afib) affects more than 2 million people in the U.S. And that number may be even higher, as many people with Afib have no symptoms. People with Afib have a five times greater risk for stroke. During National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month make the Afib-Stroke Connection and learn about this important and controllable condition, and how it relates to stroke.

» What you need to know about Afib

Just like a little fib can cause a big problem, so can Afib if left untreated. September is Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) Awareness Month.

Afib is a type of irregular heartbeat, affecting about 2.7 million people in the U.S. Normally, your heart beats 60-100 times per minute but with Afib it can beat as high as 175 times per minute.

Imagine having a brain injury or a stroke and then being unable to speak, read, write or understand what is being said to you. This is aphasia.

Aphasia is an impairment of the ability to use or comprehend words. More than 100,000 Americans acquire the disorder each year and the most common cause of aphasia is stroke.

It is estimated that 25 to 40 percent of stroke survivors acquire aphasia. Although widely occurring, most people have never heard of it. There are different types of aphasia and no two individuals experience this condition in the same way. For some, aphasia will last a few days or weeks; for others, it will be a lifelong recovery.

Aphasia is being recognized as a problem that lingers long after a person’s stroke. New therapies help stroke patients regain speech functions years after their brain injury. Proof is showing that the brain’s plasticity (its ability to change and heal) may last many years after a brain injury; thus, improvements can continue years later. Read the full story here.

Read What It Really Is Like To Have Aphasia by Marion Rasmussen, Stroke Survivor.

See a list of aphasia support groups in Georgia.

See a list of aphasia support groups in Florida.

Caring for a Person With Aphasia, I will:

• Encourage the person to speak and praise all efforts. Promote and encourage independence.
• Give the person every opportunity to express him or herself.
• Speak in short, simple sentences, using a natural voice and a slow rate of speech.
• Practice speech exercises during short sessions in the home.
• Carefully place myself and all objects within the person’s visual range, if there is a cut in the person’s visual field.

I will not:

• Force the person to speak.
• Speak for the person unless absolutely necessary.
• Interrupt the person when he or she is speaking.
• Anticipate the person’s every need.
• Talk about the person in his or her presence; lack of speech does not mean lack of comprehension or lack of intelligence.

Aphasia: Tips to remember names and words: Aphasia speech therapy

Watch this two-video series to learn about memory and how those who are quite good at remembering names do it. From Moshe Mark Ittleman, M.S., CCC/SLP, Senior Speech Language Pathologist and author of The Teaching of Talking.

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke . . . totally . . . He said the trick is getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by remembering the first three letters of the word, “stroke,” and asking three simple questions:

If he/she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign Of A Stroke — Stick Out Your Tongue

Another sign of a stroke is this: Ask the person to stick out his/her tongue. If the tongue is “crooked,” if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

Could You Have a ‘Mini-Stroke’ And Not Know It?

Also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a mini-stroke can occur before a major one leads to permanent damage.

Watch out for these warning signs.

Published on Oct. 28, 2014 by the National Stroke Association.

Stroke is thought of by many as something that affects the elderly. But in REALITY, stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time. Learn about the impact of stroke and arm yourself with lifesaving information.

Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S. However, less than one-third of people in the U.S. can recognize more than one stroke warning sign. Teaching more people to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke is more urgent than ever. In honor of National Stroke Awareness Month, help us reach as many people as possible with this life-saving information.

• One-third of strokes occur in people younger than 65.
• For those younger than 45, the stroke risk has increased from 14% to 20%.
• It is also a leading cause of disability and touches approximately four out of five families in the U.S., according to the National Stroke Association.
• Neurologists usually recommend the most rigorous program a patient can handle, making acute, hospital-based rehabilitation the ultimate in rehab options for stroke patients.
• According to the National Stroke Association, by 2030, it is estimated that 4 million people will have had a stroke.

From the National Stroke Association’s 2011 Annual Report:

Are you looking for information on stroke, rehab and recovery, resources, support groups and more? National Stroke Association’s Stroke Help Line is a volunteer-staffed call center for those who have experienced stroke in their lives. Call (800) STROKES (787-6537) and choose menu option 3 to talk to their volunteers Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mountain Time.

Love Your Brain

8 Stroke Risk Factors You Can Control

Reduce your risk for stroke or recurrent stroke. Get a handle on these most common controllable risk factors:

1. High blood pressure
2. Atrial fibrillation
3. High cholesterol
4. Diabetes
5. Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries)
6. Smoking
7. Alcohol use
8. Obesity

» Learn more about these and other factors.

The goal of Hospital Rehabilitation Units is not only to provide the rehabilitative services for regaining medical and functional skills, but also to provide patients with preventive information to maintain a healthy lifestyle, regardless of their medical diagnosis. We want to share this information with all of our patients and families so that you are aware of how you can help fight against stroke, the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States.

Eleven tips to improve your health, physically and emotionally, and reduce your risk of a second stroke.

Sara Palmer, PhD | Feb 06, 2014

If you made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, take a class or stop smoking, you’ve taken the first step toward wellness. Wellness is about feeling your best physically and emotionally: having more energy, getting fit, relaxing and enjoying life.

When you’re a stroke survivor, wellness is also about reducing your risk of a second stroke. Here are eleven steps you can take to reduce your future stroke risk and improve your wellness for the year ahead. But don’t try tackling all of these at once. You’ll have better success at implementing these changes if you only take on one or two steps at a time.

1. Take care of yourself.
   Medical conditions you may have had before your stroke can raise your risk for a second stroke or heart disease. These include diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Keeping these conditions under control—by changing your diet (less sugar, salt and fat), exercising, using medications as prescribed and seeing your doctor for regular checkups—is essential to taking care of yourself and feeling well.
2. Sleep tight.
   A good night’s sleep renews physical energy and improves concentration, memory and learning. Sleeping well at night and taking naps can reduce the debilitating fatigue many stroke survivors experience. Scientists’ recent discovery of a neural system that “scrubs” the brain and flushes out toxins during sleep may explain why your brain works better and you feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep. If you have difficulty falling asleep, try going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, keep TV and electronic devices out of the bedroom and create a relaxing pre-sleep routine (such as taking a warm shower).
3. Deal with depression.
   It is very common to be depressed after a stroke. This state of mind can make you feel miserable and can raise your risk for other illnesses. Treating depression with mental health counseling or antidepressant medication can be very effective. Regular sleep, exercise and social support can also help.
4. Eat right.
   Your diet can be nutritious and delicious without excessive calories. In general, diets with more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans, and less sugar, salt, red meat, butter and cheese are lower in calories, help control weight and reduce your risk of illness. Try eating smaller portions, enjoying your meal without distractions (like the TV), sampling some heart-healthy recipes, tasting new vegetables and using a sugar substitute. A dietician can customize a diet for your medical needs—to lose weight, lower your cholesterol, control blood pressure or manage digestive or swallowing problems.
5. Get moving.
   Physical activity helps you lose weight, sleep better, feel good about your body, improve your mood, and maintain the ability to do the things you enjoy. Choose an exercise you like and can do, such as walking, gardening, dancing or swimming, so you’ll stick with it.
6. Stay social.
   Research studies show that social support is a key ingredient for mental and physical health and recovery from illness, including stroke. Having a large number of social connections and a few emotionally intimate relationships (e.g., with a spouse or best friend) are linked with better recovery of abilities, including thinking and memory; less chance of becoming depressed; more accurately following medical recommendations; and better quality of life. Stroke support groups are an excellent way to find friends who know what you’re going through. Find one near you.

7. Stop smoking.
   Smoking is a scientifically proven cause of lung cancer and emphysema. Smoking also contributes to heart disease and stroke. The good news is that according to the American Lung Association, you can reverse many health risks of smoking—if you quit! In just a few months, your heart attack risk can start to drop and your lung function can begin to improve. One year after quitting, your additional risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s and five to 15 years after quitting, your risk of having a stroke is the same as a nonsmoker’s. When you stop, you may have more energy and be able to stay active longer. If you need help to quit smoking, try taking a stop-smoking class or ask your doctor about medications.
8. Drink less alcohol.
   After a stroke, alcohol can magnify problems with thinking, memory, balance and depression. Excessive alcohol use increases risk for many health problems, including stroke. While some people may benefit from a small amount of alcohol, others should not drink any. Consult your doctor for advice.
9. Do what you love.
   Participate in hobbies, sports, community, religious or civic organizations, theater, music—whatever you enjoy. These positive experiences enrich your life, strengthen your sense of purpose and make you feel good.
10. Have fun.
    Humor, laughter and seeing the funny side of situations can help you cope with difficult circumstances, have a more positive outlook and enjoy life more. Humor may reduce the experience of pain and anxiety, and while it may not cure diseases, humor and having fun contribute to wellness by helping you feel your best emotionally.
11. Relax.
    Relaxation reduces mental and physical tension, restores well-being and recharges your batteries. Resting your body and “turning off” your mind for even 10 minutes can put you in a better mood all day. Some things you can do to relax are meditate, soak in a hot bath, listen to soothing music or sit outside in nature.

Source: StrokeSmart.org

It is a common misconception that stroke only affects the elderly. However, approximately one-third of all strokes occur in people between the ages of 18 and 65. Young stroke survivors face a unique set of challenges as they begin their recovery journey after a stroke. Here are the top 10 ways that recovery is different for young adult stroke survivors.

1. Career
   Having a stroke at a young age can cause a severe disruption in employment. Most young people who have a stroke will need some amount time off from work, and some will be unable to return to work at all. Those who do return often find that they can no longer work in the same capacity as before—fatigue, memory problems, and concentration issues hinder performance and cause a great deal of frustration.
2. Finances
   When a stroke occurs decades before the age of retirement, most people don’t have the savings to sufficiently support themselves and their families during a time of crisis. Not only does the survivor need time off from work, their spouse may also need to take a leave of absence to provide the necessary care. While Social Security Disability Insurance is an option for some, it can take months to be approved. In the meantime, young survivors face the fear of bankruptcy and ballooning debt.
3. Young people are unaware of the risk of stroke.
   They typically hold a belief that they are too young to have a stroke, even if they have risk factors such as smoking or high blood pressure. Strokes among young people, however, are on the rise —15% of ischemic strokes occur in young people and adolescents.
4. Misdiagnosis
   One alarming fact about stroke in young adults is that it is sometimes misdiagnosed or not recognized as a stroke by family, friends, and medical providers due to the belief that stroke only happens to the elderly. Unfortunately, this can cause delays in treatment for hours or even days. This is a major concern when considering that tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the lifesaving clot buster, is most effective if given within three hours of stroke onset. Missing this window can have devastating effects on the recovery prognosis.
5. Hidden symptoms
   In young people, the lasting effects of a stroke can hide below the surface where they are felt but not seen. Survivors may experience effects that include post-stroke fatigue, emotional outbursts, and an inability to focus. There is a disconnect between how they look and how they feel. Educating employers, co-workers, friends, and family about the hidden effects of a stroke can help the survivor feel more understood.
6. Life expectancy
   Young stroke survivors have a long life ahead of them, and this means that a large portion of their life will be spent dealing with the effects of their stroke. Financial and caregiving arrangements may need to be made for many years or decades.
7. Faster recovery
   Young people tend to recover faster and more completely than older adults. A young person’s brain has more plasticity and more easily “rewires” than an elderly person’s brain. They may also be in better physical shape than an older person and are therefore more able to complete physical therapy tasks.
8. Insurance
   Typically, adults do not qualify for Medicare until they are 65, and some young stroke survivors are either uninsured to begin with or lose their insurance when they can no longer work after a stroke. While individuals can qualify for Medicare before the age of 65 if they are approved for SSDI, and they may qualify for Medicaid if they can no longer work, insurance issues can be very stressful for young survivors.
9. Family
   Family looks different for a young survivor than an older person. A young survivor may have children whom they are raising, or, they may be thinking about plans to start a family. Parenting is stressful, and the effects of stroke can greatly increase this stress. It is also a very difficult time for the loved ones of the survivor who now have added responsibilities and changing roles.
10. Lower co-morbidity
    Young stroke survivors typically have fewer co-morbidities — health problems occurring at the same time as other health problems — than older people. This means that there are less health conditions such as diabetes, dementia, and heart disease that can complicate the recovery process. This can lead to better outcomes in younger survivors.

Source: StrokeSmart.org