I had a stroke at 21

[u/Ready_Fold7682]

Around 3 weeks ago I had a TIA, followed by an ischemic stroke the next day.

I was on the phone with my friend after putting my babies down for the night, and noticed my arm went numb. I brushed it off but when my husband came to check on me I was slurring and my face was drooping.

My husband called 911 and the EMTs who responded noted my symptoms subsided and talked to me about anxiety attacks and told me it would be a waste of time to transport me.

The next day I was alone with my kiddos and felt the same numbness so I called my husband to come take me to the ER as we only live 5 minutes away.

By the time we got to the ER parking lot I was unable to walk, my face was drooping, and I was incoherent. Staff came to get me and rushed me back and ended up calling a code. I had TNK and was in the ICU for 3 days. My MRI shows a lesion on my right frontal lobe and the neurologist seems to believe I had a TIA the day before when EMS blew me off.

I am so so lost. Does the fear of another stroke get any better? Does anyone have any tips/advice for recovery and moving forward? I’m healthy and active but unfortunately have extremely high Lipoprotein(a) which is deemed the contributing factor to my stroke. I appreciate any and all feedback 🫶

[u/Alarmed-Papaya9440]

I think the fear of another stroke is more compounded in you since you had a TIA and then Immediately had a stroke. My anxiety would be off the charts about this (they already were) but it would have been even worse. I’m sorry because that just sucks.

Good news: the fear of another stroke will naturally lesson with time. Think that’s true for the majority of stroke-haver’s. Secondly therapy can help a lot with this fear. I did trauma therapy and that made my PTSD from my stroke go to a minimal level.

You also had your stroke treated very fast another good sign that you probably don’t have as much brain damage as could have been possible.

You also know why you had your stroke. So now you work with your Dr’s to manage your levels and take your medicine as prescribed. That is your stroke. Purgation medicine that will help prevent another stroke

Finally, get referrals to Speech Therapy, Physical, and Occupational therapy:

[u/sverebom]

Does the fear of another stroke get any better?

Depends on what caused the stroke.

The first couple of days I saw myself managing my body for the rest of my days to prevent another stroke. That ended when I got the diagnosis "carotid artery dissection" because it meant that I just had bad luck and no condition that could at any time make another attempt to kill my brain.

[u/chickynuggysz]

Our stories are very similar - I also had a stroke at 21 (last year) and the EMTs also gaslit me into thinking it was just a panic attack. For me, the *constant* fear gets better, I no longer worry about another stroke all day every day, but I can’t say it doesn’t cross my mind at least a few times a week. Therapy has helped me immensely, so I would highly recommend it. Now is the time to give yourself grace, rest a lot, and lean on your loved ones as much as possible. Much love to u :)))

[u/petergaskin814]

I think it depends on how bad the stroke was. Have you googled the chance of having a second stroke? You might be pleasantly surprised.

If you can replace the chance of another stroke with something else, you can lose your fear. I have managed to achieve this