Stroke Survivors are Getting Younger & What You Can Do About It

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

I was 39 years old - I'm 52 now. Just get moving and keep working towards independence. Well my friends didn't understand - many left because they couldn't wrap their head around how I changed. My family distanced themselves from me and didn't know how to manage the new me. My other half has been by my side every day since.

[@BR9900-w5l]

Wow you've just explained everything that happened to me too.

[@earlthompson5420]

How come they couldn’t be happy for you?

[@grateful5668]

I was 53 when I had my stroke and was told by many I was too young. I was doing a lot and was under a lot of stress and had undiagnosed high blood pressure. I am recovering, still using a cane and walking 1-2 miles per days. Affected arm still very weak but much better than 1 year ago. I use a walker when I go walk by myself and I don't care if people stare at me. I've lost a lot of friends but also gained new acquaintances who are in similar state. I don't have a lot of family but my husband and daughter has helped me all this time.

[@JakeSanchez23]

29 and four months in recovery. I definitely feel the stigma of going out with a cane at times but more so internalized. Sure I made tremendous strides in recovery but now in the invisible side of it all. As in now people won’t see clear signs of a disability, I’ve lost my income but I still have my job. More so just scared to go back

[@jamesalles139]

can they accommodate you part-time? talk to a counselor.

[@brookes1483]

Thank you for presenting on young stroke. I couldn’t believe I was having a stroke the week before my 45th birthday 12 weeks ago. I was really healthy - going to the gym 4 times a week, watching what was eating, no smoking, minimal drinking. I like how you framed the other lifestyle factors and yes I’m super busy and stressed at times! It’s such a busy time of life as a mum of two daughters, keeping a household, working a good career. I’m doing well in recovery, reminding myself to take a deep breath and give time for me to emotionally heal 💕 Sending well wishes and love to all other young stoke survivors here 💕

[@jamesalles139]

💚

[@nicoleberger73]

So true! I felt the same way watching this video. I take every little progress as a huge success 🎉🎉🎉 all we can do is to never give up! Best wishes for you on your recovery!

[@infiniterepsstrokerehab]

27y/o M at the healthiest I've ever been. 15 months post stroke doing pretty well

[@heatherg-thatsme]

I’m so glad you made this video. I had a stroke five days after my 41st birthday. I was completely in shock, and thought I was too young to have a stroke. The more research I did the more I realized it’s not as uncommon as I thought to have a stroke in your 40s. My first night in the hospital I was talking to one of the nurses and told her I couldn’t understand how this happened to me at such a young age. She told me there was a a teenager on the same floor as me who had just had her third stroke. She was about 18 years old. It definitely gave me a new perspective. I really struggled with needing to know why my stroke happened, and unfortunately, I never got a concrete answer. In time I had to make peace with the fact that my stroke happened because it happened, and I may never know the real reason. I’m incredibly grateful for how much I’ve recovered, but definitely not a full recovery. Friends, family, and even random people on the street can’t understand why I still need the assistive devices I use. I’m trying my best to be grateful for what I can do, and other people look at me and only see what I can’t do.

[@supervelinYT]

I was 23 when I had my hemorrhagic stroke due to an AVM rupture. My life was completely derailed as someone fresh out of college and trying to pay down my loans by living at home. Luckily my parents have been very supportive but it definitely caused them strain

[@dominiclavu193]

I had a stroke in my 40s and was told many times I was still young. There are so many people, I was included, who don't understand or care to understand the reasons people have strokes. This video should be seen by all! Great job Elyse!

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@dominiclavu193 Thanks for the kind words! And yes, especially when it comes to young survivors!

[@oneill180]

So crazy to see how many young age strokes there are. Thank you all for sharing, helps. I hope you all continue getting well.

[@theemilyelizabeth]

Thank you for acknowledging this!! I was only 44; am 45 now. I am in a nursing facility past 1.5 years, and everyone is so much older than me here. I feel overlooked and odd a lot of the time, for sure.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@theemilyelizabeth Of course! We have different needs throughout each stage of our life so when someone has a stroke younger, their needs are absolutely NOT the same as someone who is say, for example, already retired! Unfortunately, your experience doesn't surprise me, but it still makes me frustrated for you. I hope you've been able to see some progress ❤️

[@legendary8838]

I was 37 and was in the best shape of my adult life so I thought I was pretty healthy because I took care of myself. I think that’s what frustrates me

[@montax35]

I was 39, eating healthier than I ever had, working out every day, and I completely understand your frustration

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@legendary8838 100% You're not alone in that. I've heard from many survivors who didn't have any of the traditional risk factors and still had a stroke. Sometimes your risk is increased by things completely out of your control like congenital issues (PFOs or AVMs) or genetics. That doesn't make it any less frustrating though.

[@jamesalles139]

@@montax35 'eating healthy' according to whose guidelines? I don't trust the federal government.

[@montax35]

@@jamesalles139 according to my guidelines. Just no fast food and less sugar in general.

[@jamesalles139]

@@montax35 That is a great start! Now take a look at ultra-processed foods. If you do some digging, you'll find the very real risk from industrial processed seed oils - even found in soft-gel 'health' supplements. And then, research what it takes to maintain our vascular endothelial glycocalyx as our shields. 🖖Live long and prosper.

[@priscillaesquilin-hernande894]

I wish everybody the best. Keep trying and don’t give up!! My son was 38 when he had a stroke. A cranial bypass was done to avoid future strokes. It affected his right arm/hand. He’s going to OT and PT and also to a hand specialist. My son was referred to the Brain Injury Association of New York State but I’m sure they’re all over the state. Thank you so Elyse for your dedication to this issue

[@shanna9040]

I'm 47 and a massive stroke in 2020. There are too many factors! I get frustrated. I am all about hear and now. Thank you for such understanding, especially about young people who get strokes too.

[@Joy80JJ]

Great info Elyse. Keep'em coming. Your such an inspiration not only to stroke patients but to their care givers.

[@pennyliu5331]

I’m 45 and got my first stroke 4 month ago. My dad and his dad both had their stroke in their mid 50s. I would tell the staff at the hospital and rehab that my dad was treated at the same facility which makes me a “second generation survivor.” I was trying to be funny, but most looked sad and horrified when I told them the story. Because my dad lived with 2 stokes over 15 years, my family is very knowledgeable about stoke and knew how to take care of me. I went from not being able to move the entire right side of my body to walking by myself in 2 months, so I was really lucky I recover so fast. I still have a lot of health issues to deal but because I know I’m one of the lucky ones. Good luck to everyone else and belief in miracles.

[@argeliagonzalez1303]

My husband had his right when he turned 45. Several of his doctors have mentioned he is the youngest patient they have with a stroke.

[@brookes1483]

I had mine the week before I turned 45 as well. I couldn’t believe this happened at my age. It’s such a busy time of life as a busy mum of two daughters and a career. Sending well wishes to your husband and you, take care 💕

[@zitaorosz1975]

I was 43 when during brain tumor removal surgery the surgeon cut into my brain causing a hemorrhagic stroke.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@zitaorosz1975 Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry to hear this. One of my friend's mother had a very similar experience (stroke during surgery). It's already traumatic to have to get such an invasive surgery and then a stroke on top of that is frightening. I hope that things are going better for you now ❤️ Thank you for sharing

[@rtiw2509wouihbu]

My wife had hers at 32, CVST linked to birth control. First time on the pill, only because she was started on it because of PCOS. Still mostly bedridden two years later, but very very slowly starting to bounce back.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@rtiw2509wouihbu I'm so sorry to hear this. Birth control is another one of those risk factors that you can't control. While there are some non-hormonal forms, like you mentioned, your wife needed it for her PCOS! I'm glad to hear that she's starting to see some progress. I hope you're doing well, too. Caregiving is an extremely hard job ❤️

[@rtiw2509wouihbu]

@@PostStrokeOrg thank you! It's been a rough road, but the stronger she gets the more she's helping me to take care of her, so it's slowly getting better.

[@David-dz6dv]

I'm 18 and i Got a Brian hemorrhage and my dominant side which is my right side don't work and also got aphasia.

[@nicoleberger73]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 don't give up. I had paralysis on my left side. I couldn't do anything although my dominant side is my right side. Keep up with your therapy🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@hemasookram4655]

I had just turned 41 when I had mine

[@MichaelNosek]

Slightly off topic, but I saw my name at end of the show thanking Patreon users and wanted to say thank you to Elise. If you can afford it, please give a little to Post Stroke to thank them for all that they do.

[@rajkamble-fr6dm]

I'm 17 I had a stroke a month ago I'm from India, Ive got it due to Bradycardia Edit : I do not have any addictions other than my smartphone

[@nicoleberger73]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Samm.christine]

Yes! This is such a huge myth. I have had six strokes total and I am 29. The first stroke I had was when I was 22.

[@earlthompson5420]

Sorry to hear that Man hope you’re doing better

[@Samm.christine]

@@earlthompson5420 I am, thank you 🙏🏾

[@earlthompson5420]

Do they know what’s the cause??

[@Samm.christine]

@@earlthompson5420 neurologist said it is more than likely due to an unknown blood clotting disorder. They tested me for all the known ones, but I tested negative.

[@ba8yluvs]

Thank you for posting this video. I just turned 36 years old at that time when I had my stroke due to my fall (NOT for health reasons) and now I'm 39. Before I had my stroke I was healthy and exercise often. After my stroke I eat even cleaner. Thank goodness I was saving up for my car while I had the stroke because it made a huge difference financially. I'm about to learn how to drive with the car adaptive equipment. It's a lot of paperwork from the DMV Driver Safety Office, and the Neurologist has to sign off on "DMV Medical Evaluation" and THEN to send the forms back to the DMV's Office. I recently got my DMV "Special Instruction Permit" that allows me being able to drive again ONLY WITH the Rehabilitation Specialist before I take the DMV Behind the Wheel. I'm motivated to drive again!!

[@berttroubleyn3475]

I had my first stroke when I was 40 (in 2021) and then 3 more at 42 (2023). Never smoked, about one glass of alcohol per month (apart from some more drinking in my late teens), never used drugs, no diabetic symptoms, very stabel blood pressure etc etc. At first, neurologists just gave up on finding a cause because I wast just too atypical. And then one radiologist found a tiny scar in one of the arteries in my neck, a leftover from a dissection (the inner arterial wall ripped). The scar had formed some sort of parachute in which blood accumulates, hardens out and then suddenly escapes in the form of a carpet bombardment in my head. It's a big mental hurdle to get over the idea of living with a time bomb in your body (there is no fix for the scar because there are no stents usable to bridge the injury in my neck). But every day now feels like a gift!

[@earlthompson5420]

I will Pray for you 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@kaileymcreynolds1430]

I was 23 when I had my stroke, was not even on my radar. Had a declining mental status and my mom rushed me to the er, doctors thought I was overdosing on drugs at first. But once blood tests came back and got my CT scan they put me in the ICU for five days. I don't remember very much other than feeling eerily nonchalant, even with the limb paralysis/numbness and lack of balance, which haunts me to think about. Thankfully after a few months of therapy I'm 98% back to who I was before physically, but fatigue still hits me hard almost 9 months later. No one believes me now if I tell them I had a stroke, saying I'm too young or it doesn't look like I had one. Strokes look different for everybody, and the age stigma needs to be broken.

[@conradkelly8101]

I am 35 and was in the best shape of my life. Went in for routine shoulder surgery and woke up mostly unable to move my right hand, and general weakness in my right leg. I had a mild ischemic stroke during the procedure. This was 8 weeks ago 6/3/24. I have since regained some function of my hand. Leg is getting there (dealing with flexible toe curl). Trying to stay positive. God is good.

[@oneill180]

I was 30 when I had a hemhargic stroke. Been dealing with it for 26 yrs and not getting any easier. Trying to catch up for all the years of learned non use. We know much more now than we did in '98. It was all heart health, never heard the signs of stroke or I would have went in for my TIA's.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@oneill180 We definitely know so much more now than we even did 10 years ago! I hope that you're doing well and still continuing to see progress ❤️

[@rgseven6557]

Sorry to hear about what you went through. My mother had stroke when she was 62 despite being healthy and fit. Dont know why she ended up with TIA.

[@oneill180]

@@PostStrokeOrg I think I will thanks to your channel🙂 Thanks!

[@oneill180]

@@rgseven6557 I hope she's doing well and continues that way.

[@Jennifer_63165]

I was 37 years old when i almost died from multiple strokes! I had NONE of the stroke risk factors! Mine was from a left dissected carotid artery, or tearing in the 3 layers of the arterial wall, not the typical stroke preventable stroke! I read an peer reviewed article where that is the main culprit in young stroke survivors. ...and you can do nothing to prevent a stroke in that case! But after effects is devastating like any strokes.... intensive Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy!!! It was so traumatizing to have the stroke ALONE! and yes, the strokes stole my identity! Im still working on that too amongst all of my disabilities! I used to be an independent person, go on business trips by myself...and now i cant even think about traveling alone! Im working on getting the word out and think that a life coach or therapist could be included at the Rehab center where you get ST, OT, PT. Bc stroke recovery changes your life in split second!!! And im still trying my best to recover!!! Im part of Project BRIDGE trying to change things for bettering the lives affected by this horrible life changing event! June is Aphasia Awareness month! Stroke is the leading cause of it! Where after, i woke up not being able to understand or talk, global Aphasia. I went thru every stage of Aphasia now i relearned how to talk, fluent Aphasia! i always have Aphasia! Living with Aphasia sucks, for a lack of better word! It is so isolating bc you talk slower, read slower, write slower, listen slower....and very few people have the patience to deal with it. I lost all my friends....bc they think that this is all there is . .global Aphasia so i was discounted! I was still ME, but i couldn't tell them so they dont know about neuroplasticity. So as i got improvements...slow improvements....they were already gone😢. They showed their true colors and they really were not my friends, just friends of convenience. So please take the time to educate yourself about Aphasia, how to communicate with a person with Aphasia, etc. look up National Aphasia Association, Aphasia Recovery Connection, Lingraphica etc. to end this isolation!!!!

[@lebronsdaughter246]

I had my stroke at 50 I’m 52 now I’m so so scared I’ve having another one 🙏🏽❤️

[@nicoleberger73]

It's scary. I had mine at 49, two weeks before my 50th. That's constantly on my mind. My grandmother passed away at 32 and we just buried my older brother who passed away at 55. They both died from heart disease and hypertension. I thought I was good when I passed 32 now 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 for several more years passed 55

[@lebronsdaughter246]

@@nicoleberger73 my father passed at 58 my grandmother at 58 my cousin had his stroke at 54 all we can do is pray and take care of ourselves and pray 🙏🏽

[@earlthompson5420]

@@lebronsdaughter246❤🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@SW_Fyborg]

Hi Elise!! Thanks for making this channel! Great content!! I’m a young stroke survivor at 36 now, I had my stroke 4 years ago in the height of COVID. I didn’t have COVID at the time but my stroke significantly lowered my immune system and I had issues with long COVID when I did finally get it in 2022. I’ve struggled with all of the issues you mentioned in your video but definitely appreciate hearing things from you. It is very affirming and I am grateful that you do this work. Thank you!! -Sagan

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@SW_Fyborg Hi Sagan, thank you so much for sharing and for the kind words ❤️ Ugh, I'm so sorry to hear this. Having a stroke is hard enough, but people who had it during COVID had such a difficult time. How are you doing now? Please keep me posted! 😊

[@SW_Fyborg]

@@PostStrokeOrg thanks for your reply!! I’ll try to email you today so our conversation doesn’t take over your entire comment section on this awesome video:) Thanks again for your work 🙏🏼🤘🏼💗

[@jamesalles139]

don't neglect trauma injury as a risk factor / cause

[@ChristopherHarle41048]

wisdom and encouragement. Thank you.

[@ahmad1987soct]

I am 36 years old with no risk factors who suffered ischemic stroke 1 year ago and still in rehab

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@ahmad1987soct I'm so sorry to hear this. It's hard enough having a stroke, but also not having any traditional risk factors to explain it can be doubly frustrating. I hope that you're seeing some progress in your rehab! ❤️

[@ahmad1987soct]

@@PostStrokeOrg it is going ok with some issues caused by spasticity and to some extent bad health system as no one is experienced enough to to deal with stroke in young also everyone try to push me to the easy route of Botox with no explanation the good thing is that I am a pharmacist so I can read about everything ambiguous also now I know the importance of OT specialists . Thank you for the great videos and the lengthy explanation they help alot you are making a difference

[@vaishalivishwakarma5484]

I had stroke at the age of 29. The entire left side of my body is paralyzed. I'm doing much better now.

[@earlthompson5420]

❤❤❤

[@cutielovely6080]

My stroke occurred during an emergency heart surgery- I was 37. At first my right side was completely paralyzed, and the doctors said I'd be a wheelchair user. After a lot of PT I'm recovering well and alternate between a walker and a cane. Because I have a fairly low-key foot brace, I definitely notice looks when I'm parked in a disabled spot or using a walker or electric cart in public. I don't mind those much, but one very frustrating thing is able-bodied people taking up the disabled bathroom stalls in my office! But I've had a lot of support from my family, and my workplace put in accommodations to help me open doors. So I'm very lucky to be working full time and able to live on my own. It's a struggle I didn't anticipate, but it's just my reality now so I have to take each day as it comes.

[@jamesm2577]

I had mine at like 32 & they jokingly called me the pediatric patient at the stroke rehab hospital :D. Massive bleed caused by high blood pressure. Wish I had tried CBD (much) earlier, shakes made the early learn2walk stuff harder. Only trouble I ever had with a cane was one time TSA squinted at it & asked me if it was a weapon but everyone was generally pretty understanding. The worst was friends who wanted to invite me over to play xbox/ps3/etc or whatever because it's just not an option for me & stuff like microsoft's XAC that might help... I worry it would just be depressing, d&d did a pretty good job of covering for my nerdy gaming with friends need & I can use a laptop with fillable PDF sheet+digital rulebooks to cover for things that would be tough one handed with that.

[@mlmoulton1]

I was 39 when I had mine and my neurologist thinks it was PFO related. I couldn’t move my entire right side & had two young kids to care for. Nobody understands the neuro fatigue.

[@BR9900-w5l]

Same I was 38 and they said it was a pfo.I had the hole closed and still recovering to this day 7 years on. It's awful.

[@earlthompson5420]

Whats PFO?

[@2ubester2]

I was 47 and no one in the hospital knew anything about stroke. I guess they are not used to having anyone survive.

[@sunilbose5448]

Do exercise s everyday .running stretching meditation.then you will get fast recovery. Proper check upnessesary also eat good.

[@akardehterwase5408]

I was 32 when it happened on my right side,I still walk with a drop foot

[@stepheenaorem4175]

I had stroke before turning 31 in this year February 12

[@LuciannaMwale-mk4qh]

At 38 last year I had my ischemic stroke.no blood pressure history I was fit very active but i had to accep😢t

[@infiniterepsstrokerehab]

Crushing it with the evidence based content.

[@paine21]

had mine at 18 due to birth control. im 41 now

[@ianmiciano]

Thanks!

[@JessN254]

Hello, i have had 2 strokes,22 and 29 and from Nairobi, Kenya. I have not found any support groups on this topic either physical or online. Please help me with affordable / free resources, Thank you

[@thombatty1950]

Two weeks prior to my 60 birthday. I got lucky, am recovering well but it still scares the hell out of me. When is the next one, and will I survive another one?

[@knowledgeberakah1728]

38 n had one! I was so stressed during that time.They told me I was too young also

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@knowledgeberakah1728 I'm so sorry. Chronic stress can do more damage than we think. And it's one of those things we think we just have to "live with." I hope that you're doing well ❤️

[@knowledgeberakah1728]

@@PostStrokeOrg I use to be a people pleaser.Although I didn't wanna do things I'll do it just to get people to shut up.Im actually happy a stroke happened because it made me strict with everybody.I got so strict that I stop talking to my mom( adopted) because of her comment she made

[@kunalpatil109]

Hello madam 4year ago I had hammorragic stroke my doctor saidto memyuwill nevrgaain u r left hand is it true pls reply.

[@Daiyodo]

im 15, i was 14 when i had stroke.

[@thechazspot]

In January 2024 I had a small ischemic stroke, 1 cm in diameter in my front parietal cortex. My right (dominant) side was severely affected. I’m 6 months post stroke and walk again. Barely writing again. I feel like a worthless POs.

[@charityjones6858]

I had my stroke at 35 it's been a little over a year for me now

[@adhityanugroho]

I'm one of them 😂 but i'm getting better 🎉🎉

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@adhityanugroho I'm to hear you're still making progress!! ❤️

[@adhityanugroho]

Thank you. Wish me luck! 😊😊

[@user-mv5bu2kk8b]

Stay positive and be good to yourself

[@adhityanugroho]

Thank you! Means a lot. ❤

[@user-mv5bu2kk8b]

I was very stressed just before ny stroke I personally think that had a big part to do with it

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@user-mv5bu2kk8b Chronic stress can do more damage than we think. And it's one of those things we think we just have to "live with." Finding ways to cope with our stress is so, so important!

[@user-mv5bu2kk8b]

I tried to get help but I was ignored

[@brookes1483]

I also identify with this stress factor just before my stroke. Busy time of our lives, take care

[@lgmmn0]

I was 19 😁

[@JulioOrtiz-z8s]

I was 44 years old, it's been a year my right hand it's dead

[@pngnp]

What can you say about Intermitent Fasting? I'm doing 4 hours of eating.

[@scottwhite2583]

Being sent home, not even 48 hours after I had my stroke and I was still having it because I had what they call a progressive stroke. I was still having when they sent me home the day after they sent me home I started falling down and I called my insurance company at the time and they told me not to go back to the hospital. I was hurt by the sixth day. I’m falling every day I was paralyzed on my left side.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@scottwhite2583 Wow. I'm so sorry to hear this. I've heard stories like this too many times. It seems that young stroke survivors aren't always taken seriously! I hope you're doing better now ❤️

[@scottwhite2583]

@@PostStrokeOrg as compared to a lot of stroke survivors after I have nothing to complain about I’ve lost the use of my left arm for the most part and I can’t bend my leg like I used to can’t ride a motorcycle yet, but I can drive now I go to the gym every day. I have no pain so in the grand scheme of things I have nothing to complain about, I do everything for myself

[@abdullahskyline]

My mom also was having just wrist was not workin. And she was having motion but Dr sent us home...she became worst and next day her left side completely stopped working...leg and hand ..now after two months her leg have little movement and hand still nothing

[@poison5369]

I was 17 when i had mine grrrrr a medical misadventure

[@DaddyMyk]

😔🙏🏻

[@waderidsdale402]

While watching this posting right below it KZbin's algorithm had an ad for Taco Bell 's Beefy 5 Layer Burrito as a free "reward" for joining Taco Bell Rewards 🤷🏼‍♂️ Go Figure ?

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

💖

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power ❤️ Always good to see you here! Thanks for always stopping by the comments 😊

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

@@PostStrokeOrg Always a Joy to see you 😍 and you always have important information to give to the people. I'm glad you're doing what you do, Love. I'll always support you when I can, how I can.