CNI Stroke Center
701 East Hampden Ave., Suite 415
Englewood, CO 80113
Phone: (303) 597-1724
Fax: (303) 788-7666
E-mail: NPyle@TheCNI.org
Swedish Medical Center, home of the CNI's Stroke Center, was the first Primary Stroke Center
in the region
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Recovery: Life After Stroke
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Also see these website pages:
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Driving after Stroke
Driving is often a major concern after a stroke. It’s not unusual
for you to want to drive, as your ability to get around is important.
And, while safety is always an issue for anyone when driving, it is particularly
important after stroke, because any injuries to your brain may change
the way you think and respond behind the wheel.
Will You Be Able to Drive?
The following steps can help you find the right answer:
Talk to your doctor and/or occupational therapist. They can tell you
about the effects of your stroke and whether they might impair your ability
to drive. It’s important to note that driving against your doctor’s
advice can be dangerous and may be illegal. In some cases, your doctor
may have the legal responsibility to notify your state that you have been
advised not to drive.
- Contact your State Department of Motor Vehicles. Ask for the Office
of Driver Safety and find out what requirements apply to people who
have had a stroke.
- Enroll in a Driver’s Training Program. For a fee, you may receive
driving assessment, classroom instruction and suggestions for modifying
your vehicle (if necessary).
- See below for a list of Colorado agencies
offering driver's assessment.
Have your driving tested by a professional, such as a driver rehabilitation
specialist.
Signs of Unsafe Driving
You may be unaware of potential driving difficulties after your stroke.
The following warning signs are indications of unsafe driving. If you
experience any of these signs, you should not drive until you can consult
with your doctor or have your driving tested by a qualified professional.
- Driving too fast or too slow for road conditions or posted speeds.
- Difficulty observing signs or signals.
- Making slow or poor distance decisions.
- Frustration or confusion.
- Getting lost often, even in familiar areas.
- Having accidents or close calls.
- Drifting across lane markings into other lanes
Adaptive Driving Programs:
Center for Neurorehabiitiaton Services
Adaptive Driving Program, with Christy Dittmar MS, OTR, CDRS (Certified
Driving Rehabilitation Specialist)
1045
Robertson St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-493-6667
www.brainrecov.com
“Behind the Wheel”
Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital
900 Potomac St.
Aurora, CO 80011
303-363-5321
www.SpaldingRehab.com
Master Drive of Colorado Springs
3280 E. Woodmen Rd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
719-260-0999
fax: 719-260-9676
www.masterdrive.com
Master Drive of Denver, Inc.
15659 E. Hinsdale Dr.
Englewood, CO 80112
303-627-4447
fax: 303-627-6474
www.masterdrive.com
Master Drive of Ft. Collins and Loveland areas
5609 Goldco Dr.
Loveland, CO 80538
970-593-6362
fax: 970-593-6369
www.masterdrive.com
Intimacy and Sex after Stroke
Sex is a sensitive subject for many patients and their partners. The
following information can help answer some key questions for those who
prefer not to discuss these issues openly. It is important to realize
that many people with varying levels of disability continue to enjoy active
and satisfying sexual relations after stroke.
Common Fears
You or your partner may have unspoken fears and may avoid intimate encounters
after your stroke. These may include:
- Fear of having another stroke during sex - The chance that
another stroke will occur during lovemaking is very unlikely. However,
it is normal for your heart to beat faster and for you to breathe faster
during intercourse. The amount of physical energy needed to make love
is similar to the energy needed to walk up or down one or two flights
of stairs. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about health risks
caused by sexual intercourse.
- Fear of partner rejection - You may wonder if your partner
is “turned off” by your appearance since your stroke. However,
it’s more likely that your partner is afraid that sexual intercourse
will cause you physical pain. Both you and your partner will need time
to adjust to the changes caused by the stroke. It’s important
to talk openly with your partner about feelings and fears; if this is
difficult, you may want to consider seeking sexual counseling.
- Fear of being unable to perform - Occasionally, men and women
experience a lack of interest in sex after stroke. This may be due to
depression, concern over physical appearance, medications, etc. Impotence
in males after a stroke may be due to medical or psychological problems.
There are, however, proven treatments available for male impotence that
you can discuss with your doctor.
- The Role of Depression - Depression can interfere with your
desire to be intimate. The symptoms of depression include difficulty
sleeping and eating, feeling tired and having little energy, sadness,
a sad outlook and loss of interest in how one looks. If you are depressed,
you may feel unattractive to your partner and not interested in giving
or receiving affection. The good news is that while depression is common,
it is treatable. Here are some options you may want to consider if you
are suffering from depression:
- Find someone to listen and understand - Counseling sessions
or discussions with your doctor or nurse can prove very effective;
participating in a local stroke support group is also beneficial.
- Anti-depressant medications - These can help in treating
certain kinds of depression, but must be prescribed by a doctor.
- Medications - Some medications such as tranquilizers, sleeping
pills, high blood pressure medicine, anti-depressants and antihistamines
can reduce sexual ability and even cause impotence. If you suspect that
a medication may be causing a change in your sexual performance, talk
to your doctor. Remember – never stop
taking a medication without consulting your physician first!
- Birth Control - Taking birth control pills can cause a potential
increase in the risk of stroke. Be sure to consult your physician before
taking any birth control medication.
- Role Changes - If a spouse or loved one is also your caretaker
and spends a lot of time helping you with your physical needs, you may
find that this interferes with feelings of intimacy and sexual attraction.
Finding someone to help provide some of the physical care can promote
a more comfortable relationship.
Helpful Guidelines for Life After Stroke
Safety First
Be careful as you try tasks and activities at home. Make sure all your
work areas are safe and well organized and that you have all the supplies
you need. If you have a weak arm or leg, be sure it is well protected
during various tasks. Most importantly, take your time. Moving too fast,
handling too many things at one time or trying to cope with distractions
can lead to accidents.
Accepting Help
Don’t forget that friends and family can help. Living after a stroke
requires teamwork, planning and hard work. Your primary caregiver, friends
and other family members are important members of your team. Like you,
they want to see your condition continually improve.
Stay Positive
Overall, your outlook and effort will affect your recovery more than
anything. Don’t quit! If a task or skill is difficult on the first
try, keep practicing and be creative in solving problems as your challenge
yourself to become more and more independent.
Exercise
Walking, bending and stretching are forms of exercise that can help strengthen
your body and keep it flexible, all of which contribute to your independence
and quality of life. If approved by your physician, mild exercise such
as a short walk or even light housekeeping should be undertaken daily.
Stretching exercises, such as extending the arms or bending the torso,
may also be recommended. Moving weakened or paralyzed parts can be done
while seated or lying down. Your physical and/or occupational therapists
may also develop a specialized exercise program for special problems (such
as spasticity, low endurance or inability to sit up from a lying position).
Be Prepared
You can maintain the skills you have gained and continue to improve
if you and your caregiver are prepared and supported in your efforts.
Work with your rehabilitation team before and after you return home to:
- Know what you can and cannot do.
- Become as independent as possible.
- Get help to maintain skills and learn new ones.
- Adapt your home to make care as easy and safe as possible.
- Observe some therapy sessions.
- Educate yourself about the effects of stroke through available resources.
- Clearly understand your doctors’ instructions, medication management
and when and who to call for help
- Seek support from others.
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