HealthInfo Canterbury

Self-care after a stroke

Oranga i muri i te roro ikura

If you've had a stroke, you have a higher risk of having another stroke or a heart attack so it's important that you know what to look out for. Learn the FAST check so you can recognise stroke symptoms.

You can reduce your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices. This means:

• if you smoke, stop smoking
• eat healthy food
• avoid too much alcohol
• keep active
• maintain a healthy weight.

Take your medicine

You'll also need to take preventive medication for the rest of your life. This may include medication to stop clots forming (antiplatelet medication), medication to control blood pressure, statin medication to lower cholesterol and blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) if you have atrial fibrillation.

Driving

Don't drive until your doctor tells you that this is OK. The Total Mobility scheme provides half-price taxi fares with approved taxi companies for people with permanent disabilities that stop them using public transport.

Depression, anxiety and fatigue

It's common and understandable that you may feel down or anxious after a stroke. It's important to let people know how you're feeling and get help. The Stroke foundation has advice about depression and anxiety after a stroke.

Fatigue is common after a stroke as your brain takes time to recover and you need to adjust to a new life situation. The Stroke foundation has advice about fatigue.

Support

The Stroke Foundation represents the interests of stroke survivors and their families. It works with them to improve the quality of life of those affected by stroke. It has Community Stroke Advisers who can help with any stroke-related problems. They make hospital and home visits, and provide support and information. They can also provide information about stroke clubs, groups and carer support.

You may be interested in joining a stroke club or other community support group. If you have communication or speech difficulties, you may want to join the Cantabrainers Choir.

Carer support

Those looking after you may also need help. The Stroke Foundation has information about carer wellbeing.

Carers of people who have had strokes may be eligible for Respite Care Services and Carer Support.

You can also contact your general practice team for advice and support.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Stroke Foundation NZ – Life after a stroke

  Information about what is likely to happen after you've had a stroke. It includes useful videos about how to tackle everyday tasks after a stroke, as well as some inspiring stories.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed September 2022.

Sources

Page reference: 54498

Review key: HISTK-21790