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Stroke - the poor relative 😢

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Fallingstar Wed 07-Oct-26 09:46:11

My DH had a massive stroke 2 years ago, his journey has been extremely difficult and there has unfortunately been little help or support from any professional agency, indeed even when in hospital the level of care was lamentable. And in talking to others this is not unusual.
The fact is that the two giants when it comes to awareness, campaigning, and professional expertise, are cancer and heart disease. Rightfully so. But stroke is every bit as common, every bit as fatal, and if you survive can be totally life changing. It also affects younger people as well as old, yet still we tend to think of this as an older person’s issue.
There is so little information out there about awareness, the fact that if you suffer from atrial fibrillation your chances of stroke are greatly multiplied, and some of us can have AF without realising it, not all have symptoms, my DH didn’t, and could have had it for years. Simply wearing a smart watch can alert you to a racing heartbeat which if occurring whilst resting is probably AF and should be checked up on. And there are other ways to reduce the chance of stroke, not just cutting down on salt. And far as I know there are no campaigns to inform the public.
The British Heart Foundation do some research into stroke but there are no dedicated high street charities that are as high profile or publicise the need for funding for better staffed specialist wards as well as aftercare for stroke victims and their families.

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fancythat Wed 07-Oct-26 09:51:36

I totally agree.

I had hoped that things were changing, but appear not.

I know several people who have had strokes. And had various degrees of care and progress.
One person in particular, like your DH, had lamentable care. Didnt help that she wasnt found by anyone for 7 hours or so.

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GrannyGravy13 Wed 07-Oct-26 09:54:01

A stroke can happen at any age, lest not forget that also.

We know a young lady who had a severe stroke in her mid 20’s. Two young children and a partner who couldn’t cope so walked out.

Learning to walk, (somewhat wonky and with aids) talk and then relearning how to read at the same time as her children.

Care and support is somewhat sketchy

I am so sorry you have no support Fallingstar you need to take care of yourself, which I know from your posts is difficult for you 🌺🌺🌺

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Fallingstar Wed 07-Oct-26 10:08:19

GrannyGravy13

A stroke can happen at any age, lest not forget that also.

We know a young lady who had a severe stroke in her mid 20’s. Two young children and a partner who couldn’t cope so walked out.

Learning to walk, (somewhat wonky and with aids) talk and then relearning how to read at the same time as her children.

Care and support is somewhat sketchy

I am so sorry you have no support Fallingstar you need to take care of yourself, which I know from your posts is difficult for you 🌺🌺🌺

There were younger people on the stroke ward when my DH was there, one a young man paralysed down one side and unable to speak with a young wife and child. Is tragic. Is definitely not just older people.

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Luckygirl3 Wed 07-Oct-26 10:16:17

You are right that stroke gets little publicity.

I am sorry that you have not had the support that you need. It is a disgrace.

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FriedGreenTomatoes2 Wed 07-Oct-26 10:24:34

A living hell for both of you Fallingstar and my heart truly goes out to you. Not that that’s much use to you.

I think many of us can identify with your back story. Knowing of someone.

I hate the fact that it’s called a stroke. That sounds so gentle a word for something so catastrophic doesn’t it?

I used to think a stroke was some kind of a heart attack until I realised it was actually brain trauma, a bleed on the brain.

The wife of a friend died this year. She had survived her stroke four years ago and was in a nursing home. Needing a hoist and to be fed. Because the first stroke took her mobility and a month later, a second one robbed her of all speech.

Beyond cruel. No QoL. Her husband visited every single day to assist with feeding. Just horrendous.

Words are pretty useless for you. Help is what is needed. I hope you have good friends or family who can offer respite. x

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kittylester Wed 07-Oct-26 10:27:18

Our eldest son suffered a severe stroke aged 35. He was living in Japan at the time and his care in hospital was great. The after care almost non existent despite insurance.

The care he received when he arrived home about 6 months later was phenomenal with medically and practically.

But that was 18 years ago.

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Fallingstar Wed 07-Oct-26 10:29:08

Thanks for replies.
xx

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