Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Stroke Patients & Recovery

Recovering from a Stroke


The American Heart Association notes that there are approximately 6,500,000 stroke survivors alive today. Stroke patients undergo significant changes after suffering a stroke; recovery is necessary for them regain a normal life. During recovery, stroke patients must modify, relearn and redefine their lives.


Changes








St. John's Hospital states that the effects of a stroke depends on the patient's injury. Some of these common noticeable changes may include pain, numbness, bowel or bladder problems, rapid mood changes, loss of sensory stimulation and fatigue.


Tasks


The patient's tasks in rehab may include self-care skills such as grooming and bathing, communication skills and cognitive skills such as problem solving or memory, and social skills.


Setting


The patient begins rehabitabilitation when his doctor deems him medically stable and able to benefit from it. Stroke patients receive care in long-term care facilities, acute-care and rehabilitation hospitals, at home, or in outpatient facilities.


Support


Stroke support groups give stroke survivors the chance to share ideas, feelings and resources. Often, they provide critical educational information for stroke survivors and caregivers.








Recurrence


According to St. John's Hospital, within 5 years after suffering a stroke, survivors face a 40 percent chance of having another stroke.

Tags: stroke survivors, after suffering, after suffering stroke, from Stroke, John Hospital