someone to relate to

[jilliancairns]

Hi,im a 19 year old female and I suffered from a brain hemorrhage&a stroke while driving 6 months ago. I am really lucky to be alive. Im getting my life back on track as much as i can. I was wondering if there is anyone round about my age group who has suffered the same thing or just a stroke i could chat to? Would like to talk to someone who has went through something similar and who will understand.

[arandomhero]

Hi Jillian,

When I was 18 I had a stroke while I was at a concert. Luckily I had my friend and girlfriend with me. I knew exactly what it was when it happened. My vision blurred, my right arm hurt and my lower back hurt (Although the back pain was probably a result of standing for too long and not stroke related. The reason I mention it is because of the psychological effects it still has on me). I had my friend and gf help me to the back of the room where we called 911 and I was transported to the hospital. I was able to speak and think clearly the entire time, I just couldn't move the left side of my body for 2 days.

I was hospitalized for 4 or 5 days. for 2 of which i could not move my left side at all. They ran a series of tests on me (Angiogram, endoscopy). After that I made a very quick recovery and since then I have had no re-occurrences. I am 29 now and take low doses of aspirin every day as suggested by my doctor.

I think about my stroke every single day. It's the first thing I think of in the morning and the last thing on my mind at night. Every little pain in my back, arm and chest reminds me of it. Every time I get a headache or a slight pain in my head, I worry about having another stroke. Sometimes I have mini panic attacks, but over time I have gotten good at calming myself down. Being able to identify real stroke symptoms and psychological ones has been very important to me. My stroke changed my personality and mind set of every day life, which has been one of the hardest things to overcome, but it can be done.

A positive attitude is absolutely vital for recovery. Constantly worrying about another stroke can crush your motivation and every day life. That's not to say that you shouldnt be prepared if it ever happens again, but learning to live your life while having a plan has been very important for me. I don't go anywhere without a cell phone, even in my own house. I try to exercise regularly, I dont eat fast food and I dont smoke cigarettes (occasionally marijuana though, this sometimes has caused panic attacks).

Sorry for the long post, but I just thought I would let you know that you are not alone. I haven't met many young people in person or on these boards who have suffered strokes but we are out there.

Stay positive and be confident that you will make a full recovery.

Andrew

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, you are too young to have suffered a stroke. What was the cause for the bleed? this is important, as the risk for another bleed is high. It can sometimes be due to bleeding disorders, due to which spontaneous bleeds are a probability. Please follow up with your doctor and continue with your rehabilitation program. Good luck with your recovery. Regards.