We all need to know the 5 signs of stroke for many of us will have a stroke or will witness a family member or friend/anyone having one.
I have a family member, my husband who had a stroke on a business trip in Russia. None of his colleagues knew what to look for or how to help him out. He was even left alone for awhile and when he was taken to the hospital, the hospital staff were unware of what had happened. We are somewhat fortune in Canada to have equipment, hospital staff, doctors who are well trained to help stroke victoms but in my case we were less fortune. I was told he wasn't going to survive and to be prepared.
We were lucky for my husband's company has offices in London, England and we took a chance to move my husband to London, England from Russia. I flew to London while he was flown from Russia. Fortunately, he was sent to one of the best hospitals in London. While there he had a couple operations, was in a coma for 2 weeks and hooked up to every type of machine possible to help him. The doctors suggested my children come over to see their father for he might not survive. It certainly was tough going. Eventually he came out of the coma and started to recognize me,had to learn to talk again,eat on his own,walk on his own,wash himself etc. This took him many,many months--probably more then 6 months. We brought him back to Canada 3 months after his stroke. He could not come home for another 3 months. I experienced how poor, understaffed our hospitals are, not able to handle very ill patients. I was expected to spend most of the day at the hospital but of course I would be. However when I did go home for a sleep or other responsibles, I was called saying what should we do with my husband for he was restless etc.I never had to deal with this issue in London for they knew how to handle things. He eventually went downtown to the Toronto Rehab for a month. The Toronto Rehab had many issues, it was overcrowded, not enough staff and family members had to be there alot of the time. I was even appauled what was fed to the patients. One Friday night, they gave chicken nuggets to the patients. I couldn't believe it. I also discovered that not many family members came to visit. This is just awful. What is wrong with our society?
It has been 8 years since my husband had his stroke. I hope no one ever has to deal with what I went through--emotionally;stressful, abusive etc. My husband has never been able to go back to work(which he wanted too so much-couldn't understand it and never will); he has short term memory problems, cognitive issues, no reasoning, His past memory is better than most of us. Unfortunately, he dosen't do much, we have to suggest things. He loves music listens to BNN, uses his computer to read Economist, sometimes goes for walks. Though, the family is so glad to have him still with us. However it can be trying at times. I know it bothers the family that he isn't doing much but in my husband's mind life stands still.
I would love for no one to have a stroke but maybe if we all know the symptoms we can save a life.
Please let me know your thoughts, experiences that you have dealt with. There really isn't much help out there. I have gone to many support groups and even paid for support.
Please take care.
Jane
What are the five signs of stroke?
Stroke can be treated. That's why it is so important to recognize and respond to the warning signs.
If you experience any of these symptoms call 911 immediately or you witness this, please call. You might save a life.