Life after stroke. What is the long-term like?: Messages to other people
Messages to others
We asked the people we interviewed what advice they would give to other people who have had a stroke. Here is what they said.
Your recovery
- Don't give up, keep working at it, it won't beat you. You'll always improve, don't let it beat you.
- You have to be determined, you have to have positive thoughts and you have to work at it. There's no other way of recovering.
- It's a shock but it does get better, it does get easier, just persevere.
- Keep going, keep trying different things and see where your new limits are.
- Recovery comes from you.
- You have to work to get better.
- Set your mind to doing something a wee bit difficult.
- Be very gentle with yourself and give yourself lots and lots of time, and rest and sleep because sleep is the best healer.
- Do what the physiotherapists tell you and what follow the advice you're given. Listen to what they're saying and do the exercises they tell you to do. You must make the effort.
Others can help
- Get in touch with other people who have had a stroke - there's a common bond and it creates good friendships.
- Communicate with other people who have had the same problem. Communication is a real help.
- There's a lot of help out there. If you want it, look for it and get it.
- Look around and get independent advice - struggle and battle for anything you need.
- Join a support group they're all really cheerful and it really helps.
Approach to life
- You're going to feel all different ways. It's just a matter of accepting it and getting better, getting stronger.
- Don't deny it, accept it, don't be bitter.
- Don't feel sorry for yourself, try and help other people. Don't be sad, don't be depressed. Lift up.
- Try and keep cheerful.
- Be positive, look ahead and you've got to have projects to do.
- Write lists of what you can do, and what you can't do, and the list of 'can do's' will be longer.
- Don't lose hope, build up strength, take an interest in life.
- Don't lose hope, build up strength, take an interest in life.
