The amount of damage caused by a stroke may not be clear for weeks. This can be a frustrating time for both the patient and the family. 

Ones ability to swallow, speak, walk and accomplish daily living tasks will be checked by a variety of healthcare professionals. During the first phase of recovery, the goal is to stabilize a patient's condition and identify any functions or skills that were lost.

The following are general priorities for the rehabilitation phase of recovery. Rehab may be inpatient or outpatient depending on the doctor's orders:

• Regain movement
• Improve positioning and body posture
• Work muscles
• Enhance ability to stand or stand for longer lengths of time
• Regain ability to walk
• Improve language and speech skills
• Improve swallowing
• Regain the ability to care for oneself

Stroke Care at Home

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed as having a stroke, it is important to follow the doctor’s advice exactly. Following the specific treatment plan can help the patient feel better, stay out of the hospital and live longer.

Remaining Active After A Stroke

It's important to remain active after a stroke. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on exercise and activity.

Other tips include:

• Plan rest periods during the day. Rest as long as you need to feel refreshed.
• Keep your feet and legs elevated while sitting. Do not dangle them.
• Learn to relax. You may become tense, anxious and frustrated. Being relaxed lets you use your energy more wisely.

Taking Medication

Proper medication is very important when recovering from a stroke. Be sure all medications are taken exactly as prescribed. Do not make any changes without a doctor's approval and keep the following in mind:

• Skipping doses or not refilling a prescription could cause serious problems. Do not stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor.
• Medicines sometimes cause side effects. If you have side effects or questions or believe the medicine is not helping, call your doctor.

Stroke Recovery Tips

Once you've had a stroke, you are at a higher risk for a second stroke. Alleviating some risk factors, such as the ones listed below, may help reduce your chances of a second stroke.

Tobacco Use: The use of tobacco, in any form, is probably the single most dangerous thing you can do to your health. Nicotine robs your heart of oxygen and narrows your blood vessels. This raises your heart rate and blood pressure. If you smoke or use tobacco products, discuss cessation options with your doctor. The most important thing is that you continue to try to quit until you are successful.

Diet: Follow any diet instructions given to you by your doctor or the dietitian, including how much fat, cholesterol and sodium (salt) you are allowed each day. Avoid fried foods; instead bake, broil, roast or grill and limit added fat (such as cooking oil, margarine, mayo, salad dressing) to three (3) to four (4) teaspoons per day. Lastly, decrease the amount of caffeine in your diet such as cola, coffee, tea and chocolate.

Lifestyle: Take steps to avoid people with colds and the flu. To get the most benefit from your healthcare, take an active role. This includes making doctors appointments a priority, talking to your healthcare provider about any problems or successes you are experiencing, taking notes and asking questions. Saint Francis and Warren Clinic patients can sign up for MyChart and manage personal health from any internet connected device.

Additional Stroke Information

To learn more about strokes, view the links below. Have questions about the Saint Francis stroke program? Contact Cameron Richardson, MSN, RN, ASC-BC, stroke program manager, via email or by calling 918-501-0494.

Stroke Care at Saint Francis Hospital 
BEFAST - Warning Signs of a Stroke 
Coping after a Stroke - Help for Caregivers and Patients

Contact a Neurology Specialist

Warren Clinic Interventional Neurology - Tulsa Area
Warren Clinic Neurology - Tulsa Area

Learn More About Healthcare Services Provided Through Saint Francis

The physicians, staff and volunteers of Saint Francis Health System are dedicated to the healthcare of our communities in eastern Oklahoma. To learn more about services provided through Saint Francis, please call Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.