Welcome to the second part of my small blog on coping, surviving and living after having a stroke – I hope this will be helpful and beneficial to all.

 Lynda Wheeler is a neurophysiotherapist working at Synergistics Wellness Centre.                 

  Balance – Excel – Harmonize Phone 5723031 for more information.

 SURVIVING                                               .2.

Nutrition is going to be your first big learning curve.

 A stroke is essentially a “brain injury”.  Our brain uses up 8% of our normal energy through metabolism for everyday functioning.  It will now need significantly more energy to begin healing itself.  This can mean 1000 kjs extra per day  -  from your average intake of men 2,500 and women 2,000 kjs.

 Do not allow people to convince you, if you are over weight that you can afford to lose this first.  Your body is much more likely to take the protein stored in your muscles (which may not be working as much – if at all) rather than go to the trouble of converting your fat stores into useful energy blocks.  After all, if you feel peckish do you open up your larder and think “what can I cook” or do you go for the easy option of a snack that requires little effort?

Mmmm…… exactly!!  So seek some good advice and get family and friends to bring in good food stuff (if you are allowed to eat).  This should include extra protein and fruits to ensure you get foodstuffs that keep muscles strong and nutrients/minerals for body functions particularly nerve regrowth and function.

 Your hospital or GP should be able to refer you on to a dietician for more specific advice tailored to suit you.

 The other part of surviving in the first few months is to not take to heart all of the negative comments passed your way, such as – “you will never be able to move your arm again” – these will only serve to lower your expectations for rehabilitation and in truth none of us know how far you will be able to push your progress.  Your determination and surrounding positive family support are much bigger factors in your recovery process.

 If you are unable to move your limbs then opt for good mental practice of the movements you used to do before your stroke.  These should be ones that you repeated a lot of, such as brushing your hair, cleaning your teeth, making dinner etc.  If you had a favourite sport then this would be an ideal opportunity to re-practice all the moves involved in this activity.  You must pay careful attention to the movements your practice and not just simply be watching yourself as if on a movie rerun.  Each time your practice the movement the motor area in your brain continues to fire and will help strengthen the pathways needed to regain activity.

 You also need to recognise that your brain needs time to heal and so sleep/rest is as important as activity in the early stages.  If you can get out of bed and sit and stand then do this but ensure you lay on the bed and rest without visitors at least twice in your waking day.  It is common to feel very tired particularly if you have lots of visitors – they need to understand the importance of rest time.