Why did I have a stroke when I lead an apparently healthy life?

Stroke can happen ‘out of the blue’ – even to people who don’t appear to be high risk. Some people are born with an ‘aneurysm’ or a weakness in a brain artery, that can leak causing a bleed.

Will I lead a normal life again?

The extent to which people recover from strokes and the rate at which they recover varies greatly. Your doctor is unlikely, in the period immediately following your stroke, to predict the extent or the speed of recovery.

Will I be on medication for the rest of my life?

Your medical practitioner may recommend long terms medication that can help reduce your chance of having another stroke. Certain drugs such as aspirin or warfarin can reduce the likelihood of further strokes in some people. It is important to take your medicine regularly and as prescribed by your doctor.

Can I prevent a second stroke?

By positively managing your risk factors, you can reduce the risk of having another stroke.

Can I exercise?

Regular physical activity reduces your risk of stroke. Your doctor or physiotherapist should recommend the most suitable exercise for your following your stroke.

Can I make love to my partner?

There is no reason why you cannot resume sexual activity after a stroke. You will, however, require time, patience and the loving support of your partner. The chance of having another stroke during lovemaking is very unlikely. The amount of physical energy needed to make love is similar to that required to walk up or down one or two flights of stairs.

Counseling should be sought to help you cope with fear of rejection, or fear of failure to perform.

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