Stroke Booklet 1 | Page 15

Stairs and Curbs • Stand and lift at the same time • Pivot toward the chair toward the strongest side • Lower into the wheelchair • If there is a railing, hold onto it with your free hand • Step UP with your strongest leg first • Move the cane and weakest leg together • Step DOWN with your weakest leg and cane first • Then follow with your stronger leg Tips for using a walker Transfer: Wheelchair to Toilet Your caregivers should follow these steps for safety. • Lock the wheelchair • Place feet directly under body • Grasp the back of a belt or pants and lift • Keep weaker knee between legs • Pivot toward the strongest leg • Adjust clothing and gently sit down using the grab bar for additional support • Never pull on weak arm or by the armpit After Your Echo • Lift or roll the walker forward about 12 inches • Step forward with your weaker side first • Use the walker to help keep your balance • Bring your other foot forward to the center of the walker Improved Positioning Correct body posture helps reduce slumping and stiff joints. Weak arms and legs need to be supported and positioned properly. The therapist will start gently moving your legs and arms. The stretches help relax muscles that tighten up without use. Bathing and Dressing Performing your routine tasks may be difficult after a stroke. Many patients can learn ways to manage their daily activities. Doing so strengthens muscles and helps you regain your functioning. Walking Again Many patients walk after a stroke. You might start on a set of parallel bars. Most patients will graduate to an assistive device such as a walker or a cane. Your therapist will help you learn to use these devices correctly. Some patients use a special treadmill to regain walking skills. Tips: • Test water temperature with a hand or foot that was not affected by the stroke. • Use grab bars, a shower seat, a hand-held shower, and long-handled brush. • Dress while sitting, starting with the affected side. • Put on shirts that pull over the head and pants with elastic waistbands Tips for Using a Cane • Hold the cane on your stronger side • Get your balance • Move the cane and your weaker leg forward • If using a quad cane, make sure all four tips touch the ground • Support your weight on both the cane and your weaker side • Step with the stronger leg vessel wall. • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs. • Varicose veins, swollen, twisted veins that can be seen under the skin’s surface. a Doppler study. This test measures the direction and speed of blood flowing through the heart. During the test, you may hear a “whooshing” sound. This is the sound of blood flowing through the heart. • The images of your heart are stored on a computer or recorded on video. This is so your doctor can review them later. Duplex ultrasound can also help your healthcare provider: • Decide whether further testing is needed. • Determine the best treatment plan for you. • Get more information about your blood vessels before surgery is done. • Return to normal activity unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. • Be sure to keep follow-up appointments. Laboratory Testing Your Test Results The lab technicians will obtain blood samples initially and throughout your stay to help the physicians determine your liver and kidney functions. They will also check your complete blood count and bleeding times. Your doctor will discuss your test results with you during a future office visit. The test results help the doctor plan your treatment and any other tests that are needed. Cardiac Monitoring What is Duplex Ultrasound? 12 lead Electrocardiogram The nursing and or cardio-graphic technician will perform an initial electrocardiogram to determine your heart rate and pattern. It may need to be performed more than once depending on findings. Ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Duplex ultrasound is a type of ultrasound that makes two kinds of images. First, it creates pictures of your blood vessels. Then, it makes graphs that show how quickly blood flows through the vessels. These images are viewed on a computer screen. No radiation or contrast fluid (dye) is used during the test. Unlike x-rays and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasound tests are safe to use during all stages of pregnancy. Continuous monitoring While you are in the hospital, your heart rhythm and rate will be continuously monitored. This can be done in any area of the hospital. What is Duplex Ultrasound Used For? Duplex ultrasound can help your hea ?????)????????????????????????????????)Q????????????????????+??$?9??????????????????????????????????)??????????????????????????????+??$???????????????????????????????????)?????????+??$?????????????????????????????????????((??((??((