Communication Problems
After having a stroke, many people experience problems with speaking and understanding, as well as with reading and writing. This is called aphasia and is sometimes also known as dysphasia.
Aphasia can be caused by damage to the parts of the brain that are responsible for language, or be due to the muscles that are involved in speech being affected. You should see a speech and language therapist as soon as possible for an assessment, and to start therapy to help you with your communication skills.
Visual Problems
Stroke can sometimes damage the parts of the brain that receive, process and interpret information sent by the eyes. Some people may have double vision, or lose half of their field of vision in one eye. This means that they are able to see everything that is on one side of the eye, but are blind on the other side.
Sex after Stroke
Even if you have been left with a severe disability, it is important to experiment with different positions and find new ways of being intimate with your partner. Having sex will not put you at higher risk of having a stroke. There is no guarantee you will not have another stroke but there is no reason why it should happen while you are having sex.
Be aware that some drugs can reduce your libido (sex drive), so make sure your doctor knows if you have a problem, there may be other medicines which can help.
Bladder and Bowel Control
Some strokes damage the part of the brain that controls bladder and bowel movements. This can result in urinary incontinence and difficulty with bowel control.
Most people who have had a stroke regain control in a week or so. If there are still problems when they leave hospital after a stroke, there is help in the community available from the hospital, GP or community continence nurse.
Driving
If you have had a stroke, you cannot drive for one month. Whether you can return to driving depends on what long-term disabilities you may have and the type of vehicle that you drive.
Your GP can advise you about whether you can start driving again a month after your stroke or whether you need to have a further assessment at a mobility centre.
Caring for Someone
There are many ways that you can provide support to a friend or relative who has had a stroke in order to speed up their rehabilitation process. These include:
- helping to practice physiotherapy exercises in between their sessions with the physiotherapist
- providing emotional support and reassurance that their condition will improve with time
- helping to motivate the person to reach their long-term goals
- adapting to any needs they may have, such as speaking slowly if they have communication problems
Caring for somebody after a stroke can be a frustrating and sometimes a lonely experience. The advice outlined below may help.
Be prepared for changed behaviour
Someone who has had a stroke can often seem as though they have had a change in personality and appear to act irrationally at times. This is due to the psychological and cognitive impact of a stroke. They may become angry or resentful towards you. Upsetting as it may be, try not to take it personally. It is important to remember that a person will return to their old self as their rehabilitation progresses.
Try to remain patient and positive
Rehabilitation can be a slow and frustrating process, and there will be periods of time when it appears that little progress has been made. Encouraging and praising any progress, no matter how small it may appear, can help motivate someone who has had a stroke to achieve their long-term goals.
Make time for yourself
If you are caring for someone who has had a stroke, it is important not to neglect your own physical and psychological wellbeing. Socialising with friends or pursuing leisure interests will help you cope better with the situation.
Ask for help
There are a wide range of support services and resources available for people who are recovering from strokes, and for their families and carers. This ranges from equipment that can help with mobility, to psychological support for carers and families.
The hospital staff involved with the rehabilitation process can provide advice and relevant contact information.
