Has anybody else had a stroke relatively young?

[CozyGrove]

I'm a bit shell shocked by it all and thought it might help to talk to others.

I'm 35 and had a stroke a few weeks ago. At first the doctors were looking for other diagnoses because a stroke seemed so unlikely but an MRI showed stroke damage. Luckily it was in a relatively 'good' area of the brain and I haven't got any terrible lasting effects.

At the moment I'm waiting for further tests on my heart to figure out where the blockage came from. I had an ultrasound of my carotid arteries and they are clear.

I'm taking it quite hard because my wonderful nan died from a stroke and I stayed with her until she died. It's bringing that all back and making me fear my own death. I don't want to die. I'm seriously trying to lose weight because that feels like the only thing within my control that I can do at the moment. I don't smoke or drink.

That must have been a terrible shock. I don't have any personal experience, but there is a charity called https://differentstrokes.co.uk/ who specifically support those who have had a stroke at a young age

Oh that's brilliant, I hadn't even thought of looking up charities. Thank you.

My husband had a stroke when he was 23....it was a complete shock to us both. Thankfully it was only a mild one but it still took months for him to gain his motor skills back. The charity linked in the other post was really helpful and helped put us in touch with the right people.

Oh bless you OP.

I had a stroke when I was 37 and it was a complete shock. I had no lasting issues from it and the only thing the doctors could put it down to was use of the contraceptive pill. I was put on statins which unfortunately a (now retired) GP decided I didn't need and took me off of them after about 10 years. I did then have some major blood clot issues (long story but nearly lost my leg) which had I still been on the statins probably wouldn't have happened. So please take whatever long term medication is advised. They may also decide to put you on blood thinners.

For ages after the stroke I did worry about having another and it certainly does make you question your mortality. I'm 53 now and all I would say is that it has made me appreciate what's important in life. I try to no longer stress about things I have no control over and take delight in my family and friends.

Please feel free to DM me if you want to.

Hi @CozyGrove , I came across your post searching for other experiences when posting a similar thing this evening. How has your recovery been. ?

My friends sister had one at 18 whilst literally sat in class in 6th form, she did lots of work for charity after it and was on all sorts on TV etc - she has recovered well but for years struggled with aphasia - it was mainly her speech that was affected