In this post, we explain what you can do to help your spouse who has suffered a stroke on the road to a successful recovery.
The brain is traversed by a multitude of blood vessels that ensure blood circulation. A stroke occurs when a cerebral artery ruptures, causing a hemorrhagic stroke, or when a small clot temporarily blocks blood flow in an artery, known as an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits on the walls of blood vessels, is one of the main causes of stroke. High blood pressure is also a major risk factor.
When you realize that your spouse has survived a stroke, your first thoughts will likely be happiness and gratitude, but then uncertainty may set in. So, what does the road ahead look like after a stroke?
The road to recovery from a stroke
When someone has had a stroke and arrives at the emergency room, the hospital has one primary goal in treating them: to save their life.
Once your spouse is out of immediate danger, the investigation begins. The first thing the medical staff will want to know is the cause of the stroke.
Subsequently, the medical team will want to take measures to prevent another stroke from occurring, because depending on the type of stroke suffered, certain medications can prevent a second stroke.
The patient will undergo numerous tests in the first 48 hours; then, he/she may undergo physical therapy to help him/her regain optimal condition before returning home or to a rehabilitation center.
5 ways you can help your spouse who has had a stroke
Although you may feel helpless during your spouse's rehabilitation process, you can help them recover with these tips.
1. Be patient
To say the least, recovering from a stroke can be incredibly frustrating and aggravating at times for the stroke victim. And it is very often the victim's family and caregivers who bear the brunt of this frustration.
Therefore, both the loved ones and caregivers of stroke victims must be patient, especially when this happens.
2. Learn to let go
One of the most difficult things for a spouse is wanting to do things for the stroke victim. He or she will see their spouse struggling to use a fork, cut their food, and other simple things like that, and they will want to do it for them.
It's only natural, but it's important to let go and allow them to do things on their own as much as possible.
3. Find other ways to communicate
Aphasia is very common in people who have had a stroke. It occurs when parts of the brain that control language have been damaged. This leads to language disorders. It is probably one of the most frustrating consequences, as the victim is no longer able to speak.
Some ways to help your spouse cope with aphasia
- Give your spouse time to talk
- Ask them if you can guess their words and ideas.
- Check out voice assistance tools (iPhone & Android apps)
- Always have photos, maps, paper, and pencils on hand.
Stroke victims will be able to write what they want to say even if they cannot speak.
1. Monitor depression
Depression can affect more than a third of stroke survivors, partly because they feel hopeless or sad about the impact the stroke has on their lives and those around them, especially their spouses.
Unfortunately, depression can hinder stroke treatment and recovery. Signs of depression may include symptoms such as persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness, sleep disturbances, and increased or decreased appetite.
2. Don't forget to take care of yourself too.
We know it's easier said than done when you have a spouse or caregiver who needs constant care due to a stroke.
Often, spouses of stroke victims who require extensive care and attention neglect their own physical and emotional health and do not seek medical care for themselves.
Remember that the personal health of the spouse of a stroke victim is essential because if something were to happen to them, then the stroke victim would be in a difficult position.
In all cases of stroke, the spouse must show courage and patience and, above all, not wait until they are exhausted before asking for help.