Author: Erin Incarnati
Experiencing a stroke can be an overwhelming life event for not only the patient, but for their loved ones, too.
Daniel and Sherl Kah know that all too well, after Daniel suffered from a first stroke in 2011, followed by another in 2015. After his second stroke, Daniel was put on medication and sent to a nursing home for physical and speech therapy. But, Sherl began looking for something more, something that would help once Daniel was released. She discovered McLaren Flint’s Stroke Support Group.
The McLaren Stroke Network offers a free education and support program series for stroke patients and their families, people at high risk for stroke, and the community. The first half of each meeting is reserved for education to improve attendees’ knowledge of stroke, therapies and treatment, and prevention. The second half of the meeting is set aside for sharing and support for survivors, their friends and family, and caregivers.
“The different leaders and speakers focused on nutrition and speech and physical therapy have all been helpful,” said Sherl. “We’ve found the most help through other support group members and their loved ones. When everyone shares what helped them and what didn’t, it’s of immense benefit. We learned of therapy programs and Tai Chi through this group. Dan, not only got help from others, he was able to offer help to those experiencing the same things he did. Every stroke is different, but every group member has similar experiences, and they encourage you to keep going and seek the proper treatments.”
Stephanie Flynn also found the support group helpful after suffering a stroke in April 2021.
“I did not know what was happening when the stroke happened,” said Stephanie. “My mom suggested I seek treatment after having what I thought was just a bad sinus headache. but being as strong willed as I am, I refused to go to the hospital. When my mom checked in on me, and I wasn’t answering my door, she used her own key to get in. She found me unresponsive and called 911.”
By the time Stephanie came to, she was in an ambulance with an EMT who believed, because of her symptoms, she was suffering from a stroke. He described the different levels of care available, and she chose to be taken to McLaren Flint.
McLaren Flint is the region’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center. The distinction is achieved by demonstrating compliance with stroke-related standards as a Primary Stroke Center and meeting additional requirements, including those related to advanced imaging capabilities, 24/7 availability of specialized treatments, and providing staff with the unique education and competencies to care for complex stroke patients.
Once at McLaren Flint, Stephanie’s doctors discovered she was suffering from a brain bleed that was causing blood clots. They were able to control the bleeding with medication and decided against surgery.
“At first I couldn’t walk or talk,” said Stephanie. “But through physical and speech therapy I was able to get back to walking and talking again. The nurses and doctors and therapy staff were very understanding and compassionate, which meant a lot to me. They were so caring and passionate when it came to helping me through this.”
Eventually, Stephanie became antsy at home and started looking for something more to support her healing journey.
“I was frustrated because I was getting tired so easily, and I just wanted to know what I could do to get better more quickly,” said Stephanie. “Recognizing that I needed additional help was what lead me to seek the stroke support group. Through the group, I realized I needed socialization, so I started volunteering at the Hospitality House at McLaren Flint which I found out about through the support group."
Stephanie says the support group has also helped her get to know others and made her feel less alone as she is among people who know what she is going through.
“It is so nice to be with other people who understand what you are going through and point you in the right direction for helpful resources,” she said.
Neuroscience program coordinator, Connie LaPoint, says the support group is a great way to help each patient and their loved ones find the path to recovery that works for them.
“No matter how small the stroke is, it changes the lives of the patient and their families in a big way,” said Connie. “The support group helps by bringing in experts in areas of stroke recovery to help provide a variety of avenues to helping them on that path.”
Connie says even with the experts providing great information, the best support often comes from fellow support group members.
“Though every story is a little different, the same theme comes back around of the patient not feeling the same as they once were and needing to find a different way of doing things to get there,” said Connie. “The group helps members realize they are not alone, and that others are going through the same things.”
Connie can relate to patients in a very personal way.
“This support group is a great resource to treatment, therapy and equipment options, as well as emotional support for the patient and caregivers that I wish had been available to me years ago when my mother had her stroke,” said Connie.
Visit Mclaren.org/flintstroke to learn more about McLaren Flint’s comprehensive stroke program and support services.