A low-salt,
low-fat, low-cholesterol diet can help prevent a recurrent
stroke. People with high blood pressure should limit the
amount of salt they eat. Those with high cholesterol or
hardening of the arteries should avoid foods containing high
levels of saturated fats (i.e., animal fats). People with
diabetes need to follow their doctor's advice on diet. These
diet controls can enhance the benefits of the drugs which
may have been prescribed for control of a specific
condition. Weight control is also important. Inactive people
can easily become overweight from eating more than a
sedentary lifestyle requires. Obesity can also make it
difficult for someone with a stroke-related disability to
move around and exercise.
Some stroke survivors may have a reduced appetite.
Ill-fitting dentures or a reduced sense of taste or smell
can make food unappealing. The stroke survivor who lives
alone might even skip meals because of the effort involved
in buying groceries and preparing food. Soft foods and foods
with stronger flavors may tempt stroke survivors who are not
eating enough. Nutrition programs, such as Meals on Wheels,
or hot lunches offered through community centers have been
established to serve the elderly and the chronically ill.
Special utensils can help people with physically-impaired
arms and hands at the table. These include flatware with
built-up handles which are easier to grasp, rocker knives
for cutting food with one hand and attachable rings which
keep food from being pushed off the plate accidentally.
Stroke survivors who have trouble swallowing need to be
observed while eating so that they do not choke on their
food. The same is true of those with memory loss who may
forget to chew or to swallow. Tougher foods should be cut
into small pieces. |
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A stroke
survivor may suffer pain for many reasons. The weight of a
paralyzed arm can cause pain in the shoulder.
Improperly-fitted braces, slings or special shoes can cause
discomfort. Often the source of pain can be traced to nerve
damage, bed sores or an immobilized joint. Lying or sitting
in one position too long causes the body and joints to
stiffen and ache. |
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Sexuality |
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The quality of a
couple's sexual relationship following a stroke differs from
couple to couple. Most couples do find that their sexual
relationship has changed, but not all find this to be a
problem. The closeness that a couple shares before a stroke
is the best indicator of how their relationship will evolve
after the stroke. It is important to remember that sexual
satisfaction, both giving and receiving, can be accomplished
in many ways. Whatever is comfortable and acceptable between
partners is normal sexual activity.
Most sexual
problems after stroke are mental rather than physical.
Common concerns include:
- Fear
of further damage to the stroke survivor : There
is lack of scientific data to support this fear, however,
hemorrhagic stroke survivors should check with their
doctors
-
Paralysis & Sensory Loss : If there is sensory
loss, it is helpful to be aware of this. In the case of
paralysis, experimenting with different positions for
sexual intercourse is advisable.
-
Personality changes & impotence :Sexual function
can be affected by depression & result in impotence,
especially among men. Reassurance, warmth and time will
generally correct the problem. Impotency can also occur in
a husband who is afraid of hurting his stroke survivor
wife. He may also feel that sex is wrong under such
circumstances. Reassurance is usually all that is needed.
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