Just Ask Elizabeth - Understanding Stroke Patients

 
 

Dear Elizabeth,

I have heard many comments lately about stroke patients. Because someone experiencing a stroke was taken to the hospital ASAP, their recovery will be a good one. Why are there so many comments by people who know nothing about stroke patients?

Signed,

Fed Up with the Comments in NY

Dear Fed Up with the Comments in NY,

I COMPLETELY agree with you! Have these people ever even talked to a recovering stroke patient or been around someone recovering from a stroke? I have. A stroke patient may struggle a bit with words or coordination at first but believe it or not, your brain does “rewire” itself so that you can function, in some ways even better, than you did before the stroke. Your body adjusts and a good therapist will help with those issues. My friend’s doctor told her to do whatever she felt comfortable doing! Live your life and make a difference in the world, she said. So, offer support and encouragement to stroke patients everywhere. They can make a difference in the world if you just let them!