Take it easy v exercise

[Chinkoflight]

How do people make sense or find the line between the advice to take it easy and the advice to exercise and get moving? Having had a stroke out of the blue with no other conditions my family are anxious about me being away from home, on a walk on country footpaths for example. Does anyone carry/use a fall detector with automatic alarms by phone?

[RufusScamp]

For my condition, I was told exercise is important. Enough to make you breathe hard, but still able to converse. For a couple of months I just walked around home, making sure I had details of ID and my condition on me. Rehab was useful until lockdown started. The fall detector sounds a very good idea. It's probably a good idea also to go with someone for a few weeks.I hope all goes well.

[Hidden]

Perhaps talk to these people for some guidance?

stroke.org.uk/finding-suppo...

or

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Chinkoflight in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I have looked at a lot of information, I think I'm trying to get a 'been there' feel for decision making. Unfortunately no groups where I am, nearest 40 miles away, and because I wasn't admitted to the local hospital, the stroke team have yet to make contact with a telephone appt made for 3 weeks time. I did call them but was turned away because the formal referral hadn't reached them!! I worry about how to manage the mornings, especially for the next three months when risk of a second stroke is high.

[Hidden in reply to Chinkoflight]

That's why talking to the Help Lines at the Stroke Association and/or the BHF (as I suggested) might help you sort through any conflicting ideas you have and give you and your family confidence in your path going forward. If you don't want to do it, why not ask one of those close to you to do it on your behalf.

[Chinkoflight in reply to Hidden]

Ah right, I see. I will call the Stroke helpline. Thanks.

[Wellington19]

I always carry my mobile with me, 72 still volunteering at local museum and immigrant aid shop

[Chinkoflight in reply to Wellington19]

Thank you for a helpful positive reply.

[RufusScamp in reply to Wellington19]

I keep details in my mobile phone case, plus emergency contact numbers.

[Chinkoflight in reply to RufusScamp]

Thanks for the info. Yes, I've checked my phone and realise I can set an emergency front screen which if found on me can be pressed to contact people without unlocking the phone. So that is done together with my name now on the front screen. That's a good idea to put a note in the case, I've also found the analogue solution with wearable bands, used by people often with specific health problems but also produced by sporting brands for people who go off piste or have an element of danger in their hobby!

[Heather1957]

I had a mild stroke after my first angiogram in 2017, I was put on a general ward for 3 days then transferred to a different hospital but on a specific stroke ward for a further 4.I was also told that your odds increase for further strokes after having a first. I had a few balance problems and my eyes couldn't focus but everything (nearly) returned to normal but an MRI showed I had a full stroke.

I had the stroke 4 days after the angiogram so was told they wouldn't associate the 2, personally I do believe the stroke was caused by the angiogram dislodging some fragments, it is to much of a coincidence.

I have given you the full story to show our stories are slightly different.

That said, I am single and live alone but have never allowed the stroke have any effect on how I live my life, I have even taken solo holidays.

After my bypass (about 4 months after the stroke) my niece accompanied me on my walks for the first month but that was more because of the bypass not the stroke.

I don't take any further precautions because I feel confident enough not to, but it is a personal choice.

If you would feel better adding some further aids to make you feel confident then do it, you need to feel happier doing things like going out for a walk it doesn't matter what anyone else would do, you do what works for you.

[Chinkoflight in reply to Heather1957]

That's such a tonic and really helpful. I was acutely aware of how things were individually different. I went in with an awful prognosis and came out 'cured'. Others admitted at the same time were far less afflicted but were not recovering when I left. It's cruel. FAST is the key but I'm aware if I do have a second stroke in the next 90 days I am unlikely to have a second thrombolysing treatment. But, I did decide to get out again straight away as I was a reasonably fit person walking and cycling regularly. It was the cycling that has me anxious because my stroke was sudden, too quick to stop a bike and get off!!! Everything you have said is spot on and makes sense. Thank you.

[Silvasava]

My stroke was thrombolised too, luckily no after effects but I was put on an anti-coagulant while in hospital. Further investigations have found I have AF and heart failure. On a cocktail of meds but still go out on my own and I still drive. It is such a shock, not just physically but mentally too. I am still coming to terms with it in some ways. Good Luck, you are among friends here.

[Chinkoflight in reply to Silvasava]

Hi, that's so helpful. I'm having the heart checks now and awaiting results this week as no other explanation for the clot. I do get the feeling that cotton wool is not a cure or helpful which is my instinct. Need to find ways of helping those around me adjust. Thank you so much for replying.

[LaceyLady]

Apple Watch has a fall detector and can phone a contact etc. I’m not sure all the models have this, you’d need to check.

[Chinkoflight in reply to LaceyLady]

Thanks for your reply. I have been looking at smart watches and fall detectors with call alerts. I think it is probably the way to go. I'm using a Motorola android phone (for years) so am invested in this set up but I think there will be compatible watches and I'm looking at a Ticwatch which is linked with the Google platform for maps etc. It's good to know others might be look in Ng at this type of option. Thanks again.