1. 12 Things To Think About And Ask At Your
Clinical Follow Up?
*
philipcollis@gmail.com
2. *
*Following a Stroke the first 3 – 6 Months still
put you at high risk of a secondary stroke.
*You are probably still coming to terms with
your stroke and how it has affected you.
*It is important that you cancel out your risk
factors, check your blood pressure regularly,
e.g. Quit smoking & alcohol, ensure you have a
good healthy diet etc.
*Adhere to the medical advice you have been
given.
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3. *
*Are you having difficulties washing, dressing,
cooking, eating independently?
*Would further therapy help you to carry out
these activities?
*Could assistive devices help to carry out some
tasks – single hand knife/fork, magnetic tin
opener, cup grip? Whatever the difficulty ask
your occupational therapist about alternative
devices.
philipcollis@gmail.com
4. *
*Are you safe? Positioning is important, use of
cushions can help support arms, legs that may be
neglected, ensure furniture is safe to use i.e. not
likely to tilt or allow you to slide etc.
*Are you steady on your feet, are you at risk of
falling? Ensure areas are clear of obstacles or
uneven surfaces? Have you had training on how to
get up safely should you have a fall? Get advice
from ‘stop falls’ teams.
*Are you using walking aids? ensure you know how to
use them safely
philipcollis@gmail.com
5. *
*This is when involuntary movement occurs in
upper or lower limbs, it occurs in a number of
ways i.e. a leg may ‘kick out’ or uncontrollable
shaking or spasm to (groups) muscles etc.
*Would further concentrated therapy help?
*Is there medication that could help?
*Are there strategies that can be used? i.e.
frame to raise blankets at the end of the bed
to reduce weight on feet etc.
philipcollis@gmail.com
6. *
*Where do you get pain?
*Would medication help?
*Could exercise help reduce pain?
*Could relaxation techniques help?
*Would referral to a pain management specialist
be appropriate?
philipcollis@gmail.com
7. *
*Are you in control?
*Do you need assistance?
*Are you able to communicate when you have a
need?
*Are toileting facilities accessible to you?
*Would adjustments help – raised toilet seat,
grip bar, toilet frame?
*Controlling the amount of fluid intake?
philipcollis@gmail.com
8. *
*It’s a two way thing – are you having any
difficulties exchanging your thoughts, feelings,
opinions, information or experiences to others?
*Would more Speech & Language therapy help?
*Could access to community based specialist
organisations help i.e. Connect UK,
Speakability etc.?
*Could access to communication aids, tools or
devices be beneficial?
philipcollis@gmail.com
9. *
* We all have good and bad days but have you noticed that you
become aggravated easily?
* Do your frustrations make you angry?
* Do you find sometimes that you become upset on occasions
with little or no reason?
* Are you excessively reactive to certain things or situations?
* Would coping strategies help or therapeutic input help?
* Do you often feel lonely or isolated?
* Do thoughts comparing the past with the present upset you?
* Would talking to peers and learning how they deal with these
issues help?
philipcollis@gmail.com
10. *
* Are you having problems remembering things?
* Are you having difficulty seeing things?
* Are you having difficulty listening or understanding?
* Are you having problems with perception or gauging
distances i.e. when crossing a road?
* Do you have difficulty paying attention?
* Do problems occur when you plan things like getting dressed?
* When things like this happen are they usually short or long
term?
* Do these kind of things tend to happen when you are tired or
maybe in a low mood?
philipcollis@gmail.com
11. *
* What are your hopes, fears or inspirations?
* Do you feel isolated?
* Are you able to return to work? ( Disabled Employment
Advisors can advise individuals and employers about support
to return to work/education)
* Are you part of a community group?
* Would re training be of benefit?
* What hobbies do you have?
* Would access to peer support be beneficial?
There are many things to think about and try during your
recovery some will work some may not ? Importantly is to
remain positive and never say never ;-)
philipcollis@gmail.com
12. *
*Has/how has your role changed.
*If you have children do they understand/know
about what has happened.
*If you have a partner how and in what ways has
your relationship been affected?
*Has your families social life been affected?
*Are you able to discuss your predicament with
your family?
philipcollis@gmail.com
13. *
*Are you being cared for in a safe environment
and being treated with dignity and respect?
*Are those that care for you receiving any
support with your care?
*Could they benefit from access to respite care
for you or them?
*Would a health/social care assessment assist
them with their support for you?
philipcollis@gmail.com
14. *
These thoughts and ideas are not an exhaustive
list just some of the things that you might like to
discuss at the various clinical follow up meetings
you attend during your recovery?
As the saying goes – ‘Falling down is life, it’s the
getting back up that’s LIVING’!
philipcollis@gmail.com
