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Amy's Story
Amy (34) called the Advice Line 6 months after having a stroke. She said she felt very stressed and although her family and friends told her she had made a good recovery, she didn't feel that way herself.
Amy told the nurse that she often got muddled and couldn't remember things. She said she felt tired all the time but couldn't sleep because she was terrified she would have another stroke.
She wanted to prevent another stroke but didn't know how. Amy became tearful, saying she didn't know anyone else her age who has had a stroke. She said she had had to give up her job as a driving instructor and was feeling isolated being at home all day on her own. Now that she was unable to work, her husband was having to work overtime and they were really worried about money.
How CHSS helped Amy
The Advice Line nurse listened and supported Amy on the phone. She explained about stroke, discussed Amy's medicines, and gave her advice on a healthy lifestyle, how to reduce her risk factors and take charge of her recovery.
She sent Amy some CHSS health information resources: 'Thinking and behaviour issues after stroke', 'Stroke in younger people', 'Coming to terms with a stroke', 'Reducing the risk of stroke', 'Coping with tiredness' and 'Living with stress and anxiety'.
The nurse explained that, although more common in older people, Amy is not alone in having a stroke at a young age, and she referred Amy to a CHSS Young Stroke support group. She also told Amy about 'Stroke Chat Scotland', a virtual stroke group community which she could join online.
The nurse gave Amy the numbers of out–of–hours helplines, which could support her if she was anxious during the night, and a number for a local counselling service. Amy was signposted to other organisations for financial help, advice about alternative employment options and training.
The nurse also sent Amy a leaflet about a CHSS personal support grant for a holiday. This could give her and her husband a much needed break.
The Advice Line nurse encouraged Amy to call back if she had any questions or needed a listening ear any time in the future.
Contact the nurse
If you have any questions about chest, heart or stroke illness, need a listening ear or want to find out how CHSS can support you and your family, contact one of our Advice Line nurses by:
- Calling 0845 077 6000 (local call rate) or 0131 225 6963
- Emailing adviceline@chss.org.uk
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