Urvashi Patel – Advice from a stroke survivor
Urvashi Patel had a stroke last year at age 41. Luckily, she recognized her symptoms F.A.S.T. (that’s F – face drooping, A – arm weakness, S – speech difficulty and T – time to call 911) and got the medical help she needed. After participating in post-stroke rehab, Urvashi is a powerful advocate for recognizing a stroke and taking part in a rehab program. She writes in honor of World Stroke Day on October 29.
What I’d tell someone just starting stroke rehab:
Be positive, stay motivated and soon you’ll be better than you were before. Continue to push yourself to do a variety of things. The therapy is healing of mind, body and your spirit.
Why I share my stroke story:
I want to pay it forward. I learned symptoms by hearing about another person’s stroke. Because I knew those symptoms, I was able to get to the hospital quickly.
Ways to support a family after stroke:
Make a meal, help with carpool for the kids’ activities or running errands, offer to chaperone or attend an event on behalf of the survivor...simply ask them, “What can I do to help?” Or ask how they are really doing and wait and listen to what they have to say. Many people ask but few truly listen.
What you don’t know about life after stroke:
There will be many hard days...it’s not easy —anyone who tells you this is lying. Learn to ask for help....you’re going to need a lot of help, but you will get better. Figure out who are your cheerleaders and talk to them frequently.
Want to help spread the word about resources available for life after stroke? Be sure to check out everything on offer for World Stroke Day.
