I met Leigh Kost online and think she is full of great advice, humor and plain good sense. She does an online advice column for strokesmart.org. Her address is below in bold.  Check it out. Send her questions. Send me questions and follow the blog. We’re really getting this thing going! — Maureen

 

Ask Leigh: Staying Positive After a Stroke
Posted by Leigh Kost Jul 17 2015

Dear Leigh: I had a massive stroke. Everyone tells me I need to be positive. I’m devastated, and really can’t see how I’m supposed to be positive. -James

Leigh Kost: No one would deny that you’ve been through something tragic. I am now 6 years post-stroke. I spent most of the first 2 years asking, “Why me?” People would also tell me I needed to be positive, but I resisted strongly. I want to share something with you that I hope will help you keep a positive mind and attitude. My progress improved exponentially when I stopped asking the why me question, and starting asking myself how can I conquer this. I still have a long road ahead of me, but after 6 years of having my stroke, I have far exceeded what the doctors predicted. You wouldn’t recognize the person I am today from the person I was back then. The turn-around round really started when I changed my perspective of my situation.

Dear Leigh: I have children, and since I can’t play with them the way I want, I’m afraid this will affect how they are as adults. -Lisa

LK: I guarantee this will affect them as adults, but not in the way you are thinking. My children were young when I had my stroke, so I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this topic. I’ve come to realize that there are many things my children will learn from this that will make them stronger and more compassionate adults. They are my ultimate inspiration. Everything becomes worth it when I hear “Mom, we are proud of you.” Given that they are teenagers, I do not hear that often. I am confident that will change as they grow older.

Dear Leigh: I would like to attend a support group, but I don’t know how to find one. -Susan

LK: National Stroke Association has a website with several, helpful resources. There is a Find a Support Group link which will list support groups in your area. There is also information regarding how to start your own.
Leigh Kost is a stroke survivor who wants to help people within the stroke community cope with the emotional and lifestyle changes that can occur following a stroke. She gives advice based on her own personal experience. She is not a healthcare professional and cannot give medical advice. You can submit questions for Leigh at AskASurvivor@strokesmart.org.

The material provided in this column is designed for entertainment purposes only. The views expressed reflect those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of National Stroke Association. You should not rely on any information on this page to replace consultations with qualified healthcare professionals to meet your individual medical needs.