Montana Survivor

Hi Craig, I'm an almost 3 year survivor. On May 5 it will be 3 years since my stroke. I had many visits with a Psycologist (not sure of the spelling here) while I was in rehab after my stroke. He warned me that my emotions would be all messed up. I stll cry at the drop of a hat. Something I never did before. I also laugh at times when there is nothing laughable happening. My anger comes to the forefront quite often too. I and my wife were well counciled about this before I went home. So it makes it easier to understand and control these unexpected outbursts. My wife, now my caregiver, is an angel of understanding. I owe her a lot. Also I joined three stroke support groups in my local area. It get me out and about at least 3 times a week, and heelps greatly. We talk about problems such as anger management or depression. We all have similar problems and what someone else tries to aleviate them may help me. Thats why the interaction of support groups and our peers helps us cope. Also now that I can drive myself again, it gives my wife freedom away from me for a few hours three times a week. Sometimes she does attend the groups with me, and sometimes she does things for her. I strongly suggest you avail yourself of the support of your peers. Join a support group in your area. If there aren't any the heavily use this online group. We do help one another. It's good to have friends that face the same problems we do. Im sure everyone in here is willing to talk with anyone at any time.

Welcome Waterbabe. i'm sure you will find this and any other stroke groups invaluable with information. Yes i'm a survivor of almost 3 years now. It will be three years , May 5, since my stroke. Mood swings and depression are a result of stroke. I have always been a mild mannered person, but post stroke found myself flying off the handle regularly. The meds my Doctor prescribed for that helped. Im glad to report it lessens with time. So just hang in there. Things do get lots better. Humor helps a whole lot, don't ever lose your sense of humor. Talk to us anytime. we all seem to experience the same problems, and some things that worked for us, may be worth a try for you. Don't be afraid to ask.

Wesley H , I love your sense of humor. Your comment to go out and smell the air instead of the dog poop is priceless. Humor s one of the best things us stroke survivors have going for us. Yes our personalities all change when we suffer a stroke. My wife tells me I have become much more considerate and appreciative, and not as ornery. And yes it feels very good to know we have a second chance at life. We need to use that second life to help others.

Yes , I too became a stay at home hermit after coming home from the hospital. I felt inferior to others. I am right handed, and my stroke paralized my right side. I was forced to use my left hand for everything. As such I always made a mess when I ate. So eating out became a non event. Whenever I was forced to eat out I always tried to get a table near the restrooms so I could immediately clean up. Then I went to a stroke support group breakfast and learned there were others like me. From then on I no longer felt so selfconsious. I began forcing myself to go out more and more. Now you can't keep me home. I learned we need the interactions of others to help us improve faster. I also learned that most people just want to help you.You know it even makes me feel pampered when I let them, and I always say thank you. So please don't become a home body get out and get into life. I even volunteer at our local hospital and visit with new stroke survivors and their caregivers. You too could do this. Its good to be active and on the go. Don't give up.