Understanding stroke survivors

Patients who have suffered a stroke, also known as "brain attack," usually succumb to depression. Some find it difficult to go on living. But there are those who adjust to their condition and brave the path to recovery.

The challenge of helping stroke survivors accept their disability and find inspiration in their new lease on life has prompted Dr. Cristina San Jose, training officer at the Institute of Neuroscience at St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC), together with neurologist Dr. Natalie Apaga, psychiatrist Dr. Maria Rocio Cabio, and Dr. Epifania Collantes to develop a program dubbed as "Life After First Stroke (LAFFS)."

LAFFS is not a patient support group, but rather an educational program for post-stroke patients and their relatives.

"The program aims to empower patients and encourage them to take an active part in their recovery through a multi-disciplinary approach," Apaga said.

A maximum of 25 participants – those who have suffered their first stroke and who have been discharged from the hospital – are taken in the program which is held four times a year. The activities are conducted in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, which encourages sharing of experiences.

"Patients and relatives can ask our specialists one-on-one," Apaga said. Resource persons during sessions include neurologists, nutritionists, rehabilitation specialists and psychiatrists.

Through lecture, group dynamics and question-and-answer sessions, compliance to maintenance medications such as aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix), and adherence to lifestyle modification – stopping smoking, exercise and diet – are impressed upon stroke survivors.

There is also the notion that after a stroke patient is discharged from the hospital, maintenance medications can be taken intermittently or altogether stopped. This could prove disastrous because it increases the chances of suffering another stroke by tenfold.

San Jose said, "We see patients coming back to the hospital after six months having another stroke."

LAFFS also helps relatives and caregivers ease their fears and frustrations about their roles. "Stroke survivors with committed caregivers and families improve faster and compensate for their deficits better," said San Jose.

Depression is common in people who have had strokes. Moreover, it interferes with their recovery. LAFFS is one venue where stroke survivors can share their experiences with others.

Cabio assured participants that "everything they went through was normal," and depression is reversible.

After the LAFFS sessions, participants still maintain contact, helping each other cope with their condition toward eventual recovery.

"We hope that the program will help make the fullest recovery a reality," San Jose said.

For more information, stroke patients may call St. Luke’s at 723-0101 local 7391.