Hi,
My husband had a stroke 2 weeks ago and thanks to the speed of the paramedics and the actions of the doctors and nurses in the HSU at our local hospital he is now back home,talking and walking He has some weakness in his arm and hand but is making good progress.He is taking beta blockers and blood thinners and statins,but has aches and pains in his right arm( the side affected) and I don’t know what he can take or use to help relieve it.
My problem just now is the constant fear of it happening again,I worry about leaving him out of sight and am not sleeping much.Does the fear lessen?
4 Likes
Hello Grannyanni,
My idea is to dig deep, to really find out what’s bothering you. At the moment the trauma / stroke is fresh in your mind. You’re both feeling vulnerable, mortal, unpredictable. The future is not clear. But why? Do you have reasons to fear another stroke? What caused his stroke in the first place? You don’t mention this. Was it high blood pressure? Can this be addressed? Can he get more exercise? more sleep? Can he improve his diet? If you’re both doing your best at rehab and not falling for the same pitfalls that caused the stroke in the first place, then you’re doing all you can (unless you feel like there is something you can improve upon with health / lifestyle). You can research things, and optimize, but there’s nothing better than settling down, and taking it easy. That’s what his body is begging for; a nice safe homely comfort. Once you’ve achieved emotional homeostasis, sit back and rejoice that you still have each other. You’re already doing your best, and bear in mind that expectation is the worst emotional disturbance. After all, what will happen will happen, what won’t happen, won’t.
Good luck, and hope you both settle down soon, Roland
3 Likes
@Grannyanni Hi & welcome to the community. Sorry your husband has had a stroke but sounds like he is doing ok.
Fear & anxiety of it happening again are very normal emotions after a stroke or any major life event. This will settle in time. 2 weeks is no time at all yet.
Depending on the cause of his pain will depend on what he can take for it. He shoukd avoid things like ibuprofen as he’s on blood thinners. Speak to the GP & get their advice. Statins can sometimes cause muscle aches too but if it is one sided pain it’s probably unlikely to be that causing it.
As long as you’re doing all you can to minimise the risks - taking meds, good diet, exercise, stop smoking, reduce alcohol then there is no more you can do.
Try gradually increasing the time you leave him for & that might help with the fear too. Start with 5 mins…go to another room. Increase it up slowly then try going out for half hour etc. You can always give him a bell to ring if he needs you …although you might live to regret that 
Best wishes
Ann
2 Likes
The stroke seems to have been caused by irregular heartbeat,which we were totally unaware of !
Hence the beta blockers now to slow down his heart and keep it steady.We were told blood had pooled in the chamber and formed a clot ,which the travelled to the brain.
Since coming home he has reduced the alcohol,and we are working on changes to his diet.But it’s hard to get an 82 year old to change,in a way the enforced no driving rule is helping me to get more walking into his routine.
3 Likes
Alcohol is a neurotoxin, so keep an eye on it. More walking in the routine is excellent, of course. Here’s a list of nutrients for the heart
For a healthy heart, certain nutrients are essential as they help maintain cardiovascular function, reduce inflammation, and manage cholesterol levels. Here are some key nutrients that support heart health:
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Benefits: Reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, and decreases triglyceride levels.
- Sources: Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, trout), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
2. Fiber
- Benefits: Lowers cholesterol levels, reduces blood pressure, and promotes a healthy weight.
- Sources: Whole grains (oats, barley), fruits (berries, apples), vegetables, legumes, and nuts.
3. Antioxidants (Vitamins C and E)
- Benefits: Protects cells from oxidative stress and helps reduce inflammation.
- Sources: Fruits (oranges, berries, kiwis), vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli), nuts, and seeds.
4. Magnesium
- Benefits: Helps regulate blood pressure, improves blood flow, and supports muscle function (including the heart).
- Sources: Leafy greens (spinach, kale), nuts (almonds, cashews), seeds, whole grains, and avocados.
5. Potassium
- Benefits: Balances sodium levels to control blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Sources: Bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and leafy greens.
6. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- Benefits: Supports energy production in cells and may reduce blood pressure and improve heart function.
- Sources: Meat, fish, nuts, and oils, and available in supplement form.
7. B Vitamins (Especially B6, B12, and Folate)
- Benefits: Lowers homocysteine levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Sources: Leafy greens, beans, whole grains, eggs, and lean meats.
8. Vitamin D
- Benefits: Supports blood vessel health, may reduce inflammation, and can help prevent high blood pressure.
- Sources: Sunlight, fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and supplements if needed.
9. Polyphenols
- Benefits: Has antioxidant effects that improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation.
- Sources: Dark chocolate, berries, green tea, and red wine (in moderation).
10. L-Carnitine and Taurine
- Benefits: Support heart muscle function and energy production in heart cells.
- Sources: Meat, fish, dairy products, and supplements if needed.
Including a variety of these nutrients through a balanced diet rich in whole foods can promote heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Reducing processed foods, excess sugar, and unhealthy fats is also essential for a healthy heart.
1 Like
Hi @Grannyanni
Welcome to the community, I’m sorry to hear about your husbands stroke. It sounds like he’s doing really well with his recovery.
I hope some of the responses here already have been of help to you and maybe put your mind at rest a little.
If you need anything whilst using the Online Community please don’t hesitate to tag me using the @ symbol.
Anna
Hello there
Im Sue and experienced my stroke in April possible caused by irregular heartbeat. I am quite a stressful person who constantly frets over things of absolutely no importance and like yourself in constant fear of another stroke Stress itself is a killer
Ive spent a couple of nights in A and E with false alarms and am now settling down a bit and realise I will have good and bad days
Medication may have to be tweaked for your husband in time as there are horrible side effects for some of us that can be changed for the better.
I wish you both well and that you find peace
and the determination to explore all the self help options that are available to you
BYE FOR NOW SUE x
3 Likes
Thank you
I have come to realise that this is a slow process and I need to take one day at a time.Yes I will still be fearful, but today I went out with my daughter in law and left my son at home with my husband. The break did me good and I think my husband benefited from the break too.
4 Likes
Hello and welcome @Grannyanni
I hope your husband continues to make a good recovery.
Its a big shock for the both of you. Please be sure to be kind and look after yourself aswell.
2 Likes