From Stroke Survivor to Stroke Thriver - What We All Need to Know

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LONDON, October 29, 2016 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

     - With good care and rehabilitation, there is life after stroke

    As you read this, today on World Stroke Day, around the world and in all

walks of life, stroke survivors are leaving hospitals feeling like they have

little or no support. They feel scared and alone as they face a long road to

recovery and don't know where to turn for help and guidance. It is

life-changing stuff - not just for the survivor, but for their family and

friends as well. Everything changes in that moment and each year millions of us

are affected in some way or another. But for the countless survivors who are

facing this challenge right now, help is at hand.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161024/432371 )

    Stroke can strike even those you might think are 'too young', just ask the

author of Two Strokes Not Out, Sas Freeman, who has experienced not one but two

strokes in her forties. Sas Freeman's advice, released freely on audiobook

today, reveals crucial first-hand experience on how to not just survive but to

potentially thrive following a stroke.

    "Shortly after my stroke I hit rock bottom. Overnight, I lost all my

independence, my identity as I'd known it. Stroke left me feeling I had no one

to turn to, no one to ask how to come out of this - it really was a daunting,

scary experience," said Sas Freeman.

    Today is World Stroke Day and there's few people better placed than Sas to

give practical advice to people who've experienced a stroke, as well as their

families and carers, on how to cope and recover. Her audiobook, beautifully

narrated by Sas herself, includes heartfelt counsel and practical advice from

someone who knows. She shares her own experiences as well as much-needed

information and guidance with tips like:

    For the family: Bring photographs of happy occasions and places to the

hospital to have at the bedside. Ask staff to take any children aside

separately and explain what is happening and encourage them to ask questions.

Make sure you have all the questions answered before the survivor comes home

For the carer: Your well-being is important, for you as well as for the person

you care for, so look after yourself. Try to organise the day so that you have

at least a little time to yourself. Ask family or friends for help with

specific tasks

    For the survivor: Make home videos of your recovery so you can witness your

own progress. Celebrate any and all achievements - it doesn't matter how big or

small, everything that you achieve is a testament to your hard work

With this audiobook, Sas hopes to reach even more people through her gently

spoken words, like those who are in a coma but able to hear or those who are

unable to read because they have lost the ability, may not be able to turn the

pages or can't see the text.

    Two Strokes Not Out is available to download now free of charge at

https://en.signagainststroke.com/life-after-a-stroke/two-strokes-not-out.

    Please note that the information included in Two Strokes Not Out is not

intended to replace medical advice offered by healthcare professionals.

    Notes to editors:

    About Sas Freeman  

    Sas Freeman is a stroke survivor, author of her personal biography Two

Strokes Not Out, artist, mentor and motivational speaker. After experiencing

two strokes during her mid-40s, Sas became passionate about increasing stroke

awareness and supporting fellow survivors. In her own words "Ifeel very

strongly about raising awareness of stroke thus helping survivors and their

loved ones. My experience of having two strokes, combined with my positive

attitude and practical steps to recovery are, people say, eloquently portrayed

in my book, where I write about my own emotions and the passionate belief and

promise to help others." For more information about Sas Freeman's experience,

please visit her website: http://www.sasfreeman.com.  

    About the Sign Against Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation Website   

    The content and tools found on https://en.signagainststroke.com have been

developed by the authors of the Global AF Patient Charter - a resource designed

to bring a worldwide, unified voice to improve the care and treatment of

individuals living with atrial fibrillation (AF) and those at risk for

AF-related stroke. The Sign Against Stroke Task Force has been coordinated by a

secretariat funded by Bayer. This website is administrated by Fundacja Udaru

Mozgu (The Polish Stroke Foundation), on behalf of the Sign Against Stroke Task

Force.

    The Two Strokes Not Out audiobook is the sole property of Sas Freeman and

is strictly not for adaption or commercial use. The audiobook was made possible

with funding from Bayer to support all those who have experienced a stroke, and

their families and carers. Please note that the information included in Two

Strokes Not Out is not intended to replace medical advice offered by healthcare

professionals.

    Bayer is proud to support the Global AF Patient Charter and Sign Against

Stroke Campaign.

    Media Contact:

    Maren Thurow    

    Email: maren.thurow@fhflondon.co.uk

    Tel: +44(0)7921-743-247

    SOURCE: Signs Against Stroke