Stroke recovery can be slow and difficult. What helps?

There's a great sense of relief when someone survives a stroke -- but often, the long work of recovery is just beginning. We talk about this in our latest episode: Hope for the long road of stroke recovery. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts!

Episode summary:

Stroke is an often sudden and scary experience — and it can be followed by months of uncertainty about recovery. Tracey Lange depicts the aftermath of stroke, including the disruption of daily life and changing relationship dynamics, in her new novel “What Happened to the McCrays?” Mayo Clinic neurologist Dr. Courtney Hrdlicka joins to lend her stroke expertise.

In this episode, Dr. Millstine and her guests discussed:

• No formula for stroke. Tracey says when she started researching stroke, she expected there to be an expected pattern or "formula" as to how stroke happens and how recovery progresses. But it’s different for everybody. 
• Don’t wait! There are various stroke symptoms, but essentially: if something is not functioning how it normally functions (such as vision, speech or movement), seek medical help immediately, Dr. Hrdlicka says. A stroke is a medical emergency; it's crucial to get medical help right away and call 911 or your local emergency number. Getting emergency medical help quickly can reduce brain damage and other stroke complications.
• Flipping of caregiver roles. After someone has a stroke, they may be cared for by their child or children. This reversal of roles can be difficult for all parties. People typically want to recover the ability to be independent, Dr. Hrdlicka says, but many also want to resume the roles that they had — such as leader and caregiving roles. 
• Recovery is often slow. Again, every stroke is different, but therapy and time can make a big difference in recovery after stroke. Community connection is important throughout this process. Being able to participate in the activities you enjoy — even if at a different level of function — is important in maintaining sense of self and quality of life. 

Questions for discussion:

•  Have you ever had a stroke or given care to someone after a stroke? Were there aspects that were unexpectedly challenging? What helped?

Share your thoughts, questions and opinions below!