After a stroke, you will have many questions about navigating life afterward. You probably have concerns about what lies ahead in the weeks and months following a stroke. To get all the stroke recovery information you need, you may have limited time with your doctor. As Best Stroke Treatment Doctors in India, Dr. Rohit Gupta says, “We always try to find out what caused the stroke, but I am not sure patients understand everything their doctors are saying in the hospital.”
Dr. Rohit Gupta recommends that you ask questions until you understand what happened during your stroke and how to take care of yourself. Using a tape recorder or bringing a trusted friend or family member with you can help you remember key bits of information when you speak with your doctor.
Here is a list of questions to guide your conversation with your doctor:
Questions to Ask About Stroke Recovery
- What caused my stroke? It is likely that your doctor will explain to you why you had a stroke, but you should also find out if there were any preventable factors involved. When you have this information, you can take steps to lower your risk of having another stroke. Smoking, high blood pressure, heart disease, being overweight, stress, drinking too much alcohol, and being inactive all increase your stroke risk.
- What can I do to reduce my risk? You can take a number of steps after your first stroke to reduce your risk of a second stroke, including changing your diet, taking your stroke medication, and getting more exercise. Set some clear goals with your health care provider so you can see whether you are succeeding.
- Am I getting the rehabilitation services I will need to achieve my goals? You can talk to your doctor about referring you to the appropriate specialist if you feel you need specific assistance following your stroke but haven’t received help with individualized concerns related to diet or speech.
- What are my treatment options? Depending on the cause of your stroke, you may benefit from taking certain medications or even undergoing special surgical procedures to reduce your risk of strokes in the future. Talk with your doctor about your specific stroke treatment options.
- What kinds of health doctors are going to be a part of my stroke recovery team? Your stroke recovery team may include a neurologist, a speech pathologist, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a social worker, a psychologist, a nutritionist, and other health care providers. Obtain a list of names and contact information that you can refer to later.
- Should I be getting treatment for depression? Despite the fact that depression is very common after stroke, many stroke survivors do not receive treatment for it. Depression can make it difficult to return to work and to engage in daily activities that you used to enjoy. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor if you feel depressed. Depression can hinder your stroke recovery.
- How can I compensate for the effects of my stroke? Everyone experiences different challenges after a stroke. Your stroke recovery will entail finding creative ways to compensate for the skills you’re trying to relearn. If you have trouble speaking clearly, you might want to carry a notebook of commonly used phrases and pictures that you can point to in order to help others understand you.
- What role does my family play in my stroke recovery? Your family and friends play an important role in helping your medical team understand your strengths and limitations. Learn how to involve them more actively in your stroke recovery.
- Should I get help from a stroke recovery center or a stroke support program? Recovery from a stroke is a lifelong process.Following a stroke treatment program, you can work on stroke recovery at community-based stroke recovery centers and support groups.
- When should I call my doctor? It’s normal to worry about possible stroke complications or your risk of another stroke – speak to your doctor if you notice any changes.
As soon as you gather information about your stroke recovery plan, you’ll feel more confident and better able to move forward.
