Yep, I hear that quite a bit and it irritates me too (especially when doctors / nurses are the ones saying it). I actually had a stroke clinic nurse tell me once "you're so young, what are you doing in here?" to which I said "I don't know, you're supposed to tell me that" lol.
I think what bothers me the most about it is that it feels very dismissive. That and people tend to think "stroke + young age = something you did wrong" which is wildly inappropriate, and just not true.
I get that from like peers but not health care professionals. Like how can I over explain that I don't have high cholesterol but i still have to take meds to make it lower for stroke standards?
Yeah it happened with me when I needed hospital transport and they couldn't believe I had a stroke and thought it was a mistake on their system. They aren't medics so probably based on stroke stereotypes. Bit strange since it's affected my sight/perception
When did you get your stroke? I have been in physiotherapy , for the last 1.5 years since my stroke in September 2022. I feel I'm just there, but can't do anything with my right hand. I can't hold anything. Was wondering what you did to regain the paralyzed side. Is it working like before?
Sorry to hear. I had hoped this sub would be that. This sub is great but I need more help. Physically I’m pretty lucky and can walk and stuff. It’s the mental part and depression that’s tough. My brain is just not what it was before.
100% this, and sometimes this hits with the dumbest catalysts. When I cleaned out all (literally ALL) my old pants that don't fit and I can't wear anymore. I FELT like crying all day
That really is so hard. I struggle with an eating disorder in my 20s and it’s com back a little bit after I had the stroke because I’ve gained some weight. I was a little underweight when I had a stroke but it’s alarming that I’ve gained 20 pounds in a year, mostly because I can’t exercise because my left side doesn’t work.
It’s dependent on your location. I lived in SD and LA, I was able to join groups at the hospitals I would do therapy in. PM me your city and I can help you find something.
Check out Life After Stroke…it’s very small but it’s for young people and we meet once a month on zoom. Last month we had an OT speak and there was some discussion too.
The receptionist at my outpatient rehab said “you couldn’t have had stroke you’re too young!” I just said “well I did.” She said “girl you’ve got 2 young kids and you’re trying to do all this therapy?” ….. I said “I’m not trying to do all this therapy for fun. I had a stroke and have to do all this therapy.”
She literally again goes “but you’re so young!” ….. yep. 🤣 like fuck man. I was 34.
I'm sorry, I'd have to have a talk with her manager (no, my name's not Karen🤭). This is not something you say to a patient, you ask the therapists to educate you. 🤦🏻♀️
I was really shocked. Like, I know most of the people in here are old but surely I’m not the only younger person in a situation of a brain injury.
Funnily enough I didn’t report this situation but at the same place later I had a really horrible experience with an OT who said some really horrendous shit to me and I did report her bc she was mean and scary.
Ooh! I also had a speech therapist there who told me “you’re doing better than 80% of people your age even with your stroke … 🤣 I was like “mam what kind of data are you using to back up that statement?” People are wild.
I had my stroke last year at 23. When I was hospitalized at a children’s hospital in 2021, however, there were multiple stroke survivors in their teens and younger. The idea that only “old” people have strokes is a myth that needs dispelled ASAP.
In the ICU, they gave me a bunch of pamphlets and every single one had 80 year olds looking over a cliff at sunset like it was a Viagra commercial. I had to give the "How old do you think I am?" look.
Good to hear they helped. I had an overall rather negative experience there. I was able to walk while still in the hospital. The PT was pretty much useless and OT was basically playing games and board games. Some of the sessions made me feel very infantilized. And some of the cognitive and executive fun too. Sessions were interesting if not maybe helpful. I felt like I had no advocate or voice. I told who I thought might listen but unfortunately nothing mattered to anyone
I eventually just stopped showing up.
Honestly. I just ignore it. I don't expect people to know anything about the condition. If I'm close to them I'll explain stuff but otherwise keep it moving.im not the first or the last unfortunately. We all want a nice pretty explanation but I was literally one of the fittest guys in my med school class 🤷🏾♂️
Same, but I was 28, people saying I'm young doesn't bother me but what does is that the vast majority of care is done for older people so some health care professionals didn't really know how to deal with me.
I had an avm at 10. Fortunately I don't think no one said this to me. I don't really mention it a lot tho. They just think I'm a girl with special needs. I think most ppl think I'm born like this. I only tell ppl if it's necessary or anyone becoming close to
I was 31 when I had my strokes, and I hear it more often than I like 🙄. It feels dismissive, almost. I know most people who have said it to me don't mean it that way, but it almost feels like they're trying to say, "You're too young to have had a stroke!" I wish that were the case, believe me.
Oh I remember I got up to pee one night and then I felt an electrocuting shock in my body, slammed into my bookcase and hit the floor. I was so scared I just got back in bed and thought I’d be okay in the morning. NEWSFLASH! I was not ok! lol!
I was 39 when I had stroke. I had a hip replacement the year before. I’m angry and frustrated because I think my stroke could have been prevented. I had to get hip replacement because I had like a blood flow going to the joint. My surgeon just said it was from alcohol use, which was very bad for a few years, but when I had the stroke, it was found out I had the genetic blood clotting factor, I think if my surgeon actually spent a little more time, considering why there a lack of a blood flow causing a hip joint to not get enough oxygen then it could have been discovered I had a cardiovascular issue. I was thin and I have been an athlete my entire life but I developed pretty bad alcoholism in my early 30s. But with both things, the hip and the stroke, I was always told you’re young you’ll be fine. I still can’t use my left arm at all.
It is common knowledge that stroke under 50 is rare. I think younger people are more prone to seeking help and being vocal since social media wasn't around in older generations. So that's who we see more of. Doesn't mean there aren't people suffering on their own.
Mine were 2 days after I turned 31. I had felt old and depressed about it so being told I was so young like 3x the first day was an ego booster lol I still hear it from Dr's and will for the rest of my life. I feel like I am now a learning experience for them. Because it is in fact rare and the next time a younger person shows signs of a stroke they may know to suspect it. I notice my local hospital has a lot more info about strokes since I had mine there.
What really bothered me was when they would answer…well every stroke is different. I wanted to know specifically about my stroke, obviously. It also made me feel super singled out. I was already the only young person at most of my appointments and with doctors saying “but you’re so young and have they figured out how it happened” it’s so isolating.
Do you have any suggestions about support groups or have you found your “new normal”?
I was the youngest in my acute rehab. I was 5 days from my 45th birthday. I spent my 45th in an ICU getting ready for a loop recorder. I’m going to be a year out on 6/24. I just want my old life back.
I’m in my mid 30s (and have a bit of a baby face) and it’s mildly annoying hearing the gasp and “you’re so young”. What really grinds my gears is when I get the “you don’t look like you had a stroke (how ever many months ago)”. I kind of want to put on a snarky tone and be like “well I’m still struggling to get back to, what is now, my life.” I know that’s mostly me being frustrated with my own struggles with movement and getting my speech back but I hear it from doctors, nurses, techs, and non- medical staff. Kinda makes me want to pull my hair out.
I’m 54 and hear it all the time!! Yes, I’m a young-ish 54. I dress and look a lot younger, that you Botox and good skincare… lol. I find it super annoying also. Doctors that should know better say it! Ugh, I just fake smile and nod my head…
I get it all the time 🙄 along with the dismissive comments about how I look fine. Yes I look okay, but I am not. 7 months later and I am still in so much pain. 💔
Mine was discovered when I was 22. When I told my GP a few days later, he actively didn't believe me until I showed him the discharge letter.
It's almost like I have to convince people I've had one, like it's something I want to have had
Pretty often... Probably why I didn't get quick treatment or much follow up, or maybe that hospital just sucked.
Also lots of variations of "you look fully recovered!" (ie You can do x, why can't you do y, and you did z yesterday so why are you pretending you can't do it again today?)
Pretty much every time I tell someone I had a stroke - even the ultrasound tech at the hospital! They also try to downplay my symptoms since I’m “young and will recover”.
i had mine at 20, i’m 21 now. my dad and i think it may have been stress related, as doctors have found absolutely nothing in my blood to have caused it, but they also kinda brushed off stress when brought up.
thankfully i don’t hear that at therapy as i go to an all kids place, but i have heard it at my other doctors offices. it’s frustrating, i wish my stroke never happened, but it did and it is what it is 🤷🏻♀️. i think i hear it most from potential dating partners though
I was told I was young at 41 but keep running across people younger than me who've had strokes, including roommates I had in care facilities. I have a theory on it being caused by Covid, but I only have anecdotal evidence.
I used to get it a ton, and that stereotype is why I believe I was first told I had vertigo in the ER. I was 19 and definitely threw my doctors a curveball. I’ve pretty much fully recovered, so it’s easier for me to dodge the conversation now. I usually don’t mention it to those who don’t know, mainly to avoid the “but you were so young!” and the inevitable long explanation to come after.
My mom had her first at 50. I heard “But she’s so young” on her behalf sooooooooo many times. People truly think it’s just very old people who have them, I guess.
Yeah I’m 24 and heard a nurse say that it’s bad that i had this happen so young and that’ll it’ll only get worse. This was while I was receiving chemo as well lmao. People are wild.
Oh yes all the time. People seem to misunderstood that strokes can happen to anyone at any age, you don't have to be old and frail to have one. It's a little annoying, but it's nothing compared to the phrase "it doesn't look like you had a stroke". I hate those words the most because post-stroke struggles are not always visible to others and I feel like it downplays the severity of the event and after effects, even if they meant for those words to be comforting.
I was 11 when I had mine. The way people would react always got to me. It was either 1) complete abject shock and awe or 2) complete disbelief that someone so young could have it.
It got to the point where I didn’t even want to talk about it because I felt like a freak of nature. Some type of exhibit to be gawked at. I grew out of it & now use it as a source of strength and pride, but it’s definitely hard to go through, especially young.
I can totally relate. I just stopped telling people about it because their demeanor towards me would change as soon as I said something. Some people including doctors actually had the balls to try to convince me that I couldn't of had a stroke at my age.
In my case it took a medical intern to find it. The doctors didn’t even know where to begin and she suggested MRI and that’s where they found it. What’s sad is the hospital I had actually flew a pediatric neurologist in from California who specialized in this 😂😂😂
People can be very rude and say to me, “So young, so what did you do that made you cause it?” Like- i get it, but please don’t blame me for something that was just pure chance and circumstance. My god.
Mind you- i had two strokes before and after I turned 21.
I was going to have open heart surgery but the surgeon aborted it so i don’t have to go through the pain older people go through
I was literally so young that when i was at the hospital they talked to me because the nurses were my age.
Hi! the PT at Shirley Ryan got me walking with a cane. However my arm and hand was mostly ignored. Now I have no function of it 3 yrs later. I too felt like I lost my voice after stroke. I Couldn't advocate for my arm because I didn't know how important that acute time was.
I often wonder if my arm would have come back if it wasn't ignored there but there is no going back in time
Even in the ER I was hearing it from nurses, "stroke work up on a 25 year old, are you serious?" as if it was a joke or I was some spectical. It was very bizzare...
I just realise it’s probably more common than people think. I didn’t even know I was having a stroke, only found it by chance months later.
If that’s possible then I guarantee there’s people out there who have them and don’t even know.
I was 39 when it happened to me last year. I hear it constantly - like everyone. I'm in my second rehab now with, again , only elderly folks and the rare 50 year old Inbetween. And again, I hear it nearly in every first contact with people.
Can't stand the boomer (or older) advice no more. They know it aaalll... Even if they only came for hip replacement, they're suddenly stroke experts..
I had a stroke when I was 33, and people had the audacity to think I meant a heat stroke until I showed them the ct scans of my brain 5 days after I had it.
I sustained both of my strokes at age 15 due to a TBI. When I tell people about it, I first get shocked looks initially, and then they always go, "You're such a miracle! Wow, and that all happened to you at what age again?". When I repeat myself, they have varying reactions, but mainly, they talk about how young I was.
I think most people under the age of 50 haveen't had much experience or exposure to someone having a stroke. We tend to think of it as happening to old peoplee, myself included!
I had mine at 28 & was in the best shape of my life so folks don’t really understand (mine was caused by 2 dissected corotoid arteries). I’ve learned to let it go but folks don’t really understand brain injuries so because i look fine to them i am fine (far from it)
I feel like a walking medical dictionary on strokes anymore. "Babies can have strokes in the womb. It's just a terrible thing that can happen to anyone" . Drives me batty, doctors shouldn't be saying this stuff.
My mom isn't as young as some of yall but she had hers at 48 and she would also get irritated when doctors would tell her that.
I wasn't there with her at the hospital but my dad also told her that like everything; theres a positive angle to it. The younger you are, the better off you are to recovery. As a now former caregiver, I try to think of things that way at least. 🙂
No now what you mean. I get irritated that people seem to think I brought my stroke on with poor life choices. I was very fit snd healthy snd not a candidate for stroke. Yet some people act like I should done more to avoid it. F*%k off
I had a fairly large ischemic stroke when I was 16 that came out of nowhere. I was very athletic at the time and my overall health was very good, they never found out why it happened. Every time I see a new doctor they’re in disbelief I had a stroke and at such a young age. I’m still pretty fit and 27 now but everyone tells me I’m too young to have had a stroke. I just expect to hear it whenever I tell someone lol
I can empathize with the frustrations echoed - I've heard this statement many times since having a stroke nearly 15 years ago. We're all educating others - it's a process that naturally takes time.
Yep, I hear that quite a bit and it irritates me too (especially when doctors / nurses are the ones saying it). I actually had a stroke clinic nurse tell me once "you're so young, what are you doing in here?" to which I said "I don't know, you're supposed to tell me that" lol. I think what bothers me the most about it is that it feels very dismissive. That and people tend to think "stroke + young age = something you did wrong" which is wildly inappropriate, and just not true.
I get that from like peers but not health care professionals. Like how can I over explain that I don't have high cholesterol but i still have to take meds to make it lower for stroke standards?
I was 30, heard it a bunch, I hated that it was often followed with a blasé “oh you’ll be fine” due to my age. Spoiler alert: I’m not fine
“I’m not okay!”
All the time, it seems to baffle some people and almost doubt it's true.
Interesting, I don't think I've been met with doubt. People are still shocked tho when they find out I've survived a stroke.
Yeah it happened with me when I needed hospital transport and they couldn't believe I had a stroke and thought it was a mistake on their system. They aren't medics so probably based on stroke stereotypes. Bit strange since it's affected my sight/perception
Yikes. That could've made things so much worse!
I have a friend who keeps telling me that she doesn’t think it could be a stroke because I’m young and I’m not paralyzed🤦♀️🤦♀️
show them a CT scan lol
When did you get your stroke? I have been in physiotherapy , for the last 1.5 years since my stroke in September 2022. I feel I'm just there, but can't do anything with my right hand. I can't hold anything. Was wondering what you did to regain the paralyzed side. Is it working like before?
My stroke was in my cerebellum. I’ve lost balance and coordination in some really random ways…but not paralysis.
Did you have any paralysis?
Yeah, my entire left side and nurses had to move me using a hoist!
If you know of or good ways to find stroke support groups please post Ty
2nd this call cause my local one never helped
I definitely need this, myself. I feel so lost and depressed.
Sorry to hear. I had hoped this sub would be that. This sub is great but I need more help. Physically I’m pretty lucky and can walk and stuff. It’s the mental part and depression that’s tough. My brain is just not what it was before.
I hear you, the depression hits hard. I do t want to have to mourn my old life
Wow. Yes. That is terrifying to hear best to you
Thank you. Same to you!
100% this, and sometimes this hits with the dumbest catalysts. When I cleaned out all (literally ALL) my old pants that don't fit and I can't wear anymore. I FELT like crying all day
That really is so hard. I struggle with an eating disorder in my 20s and it’s com back a little bit after I had the stroke because I’ve gained some weight. I was a little underweight when I had a stroke but it’s alarming that I’ve gained 20 pounds in a year, mostly because I can’t exercise because my left side doesn’t work.
I’m sorry, how long has it been since your accident?
Hip replacement was May 2022 stroke was January 2023
It’s dependent on your location. I lived in SD and LA, I was able to join groups at the hospitals I would do therapy in. PM me your city and I can help you find something.
There’s a ton on Facebook
Check out Life After Stroke…it’s very small but it’s for young people and we meet once a month on zoom. Last month we had an OT speak and there was some discussion too.
The receptionist at my outpatient rehab said “you couldn’t have had stroke you’re too young!” I just said “well I did.” She said “girl you’ve got 2 young kids and you’re trying to do all this therapy?” ….. I said “I’m not trying to do all this therapy for fun. I had a stroke and have to do all this therapy.” She literally again goes “but you’re so young!” ….. yep. 🤣 like fuck man. I was 34.
I'm sorry, I'd have to have a talk with her manager (no, my name's not Karen🤭). This is not something you say to a patient, you ask the therapists to educate you. 🤦🏻♀️
I was really shocked. Like, I know most of the people in here are old but surely I’m not the only younger person in a situation of a brain injury. Funnily enough I didn’t report this situation but at the same place later I had a really horrible experience with an OT who said some really horrendous shit to me and I did report her bc she was mean and scary. Ooh! I also had a speech therapist there who told me “you’re doing better than 80% of people your age even with your stroke … 🤣 I was like “mam what kind of data are you using to back up that statement?” People are wild.
I had 2 different doctors tell me every patient they’ve seen as bad as me died. Thank you?
“Ma’am, are you okay?”
I had my stroke last year at 23. When I was hospitalized at a children’s hospital in 2021, however, there were multiple stroke survivors in their teens and younger. The idea that only “old” people have strokes is a myth that needs dispelled ASAP.
Yes! I was 10 when it happened! Ppl need to know it's not a old ppl thing! I'm the same age as you now at 24.
Had my stroke at 44 and I was not the youngest nor oldest in rehab at Shirley Ryan in Chicago
In the ICU, they gave me a bunch of pamphlets and every single one had 80 year olds looking over a cliff at sunset like it was a Viagra commercial. I had to give the "How old do you think I am?" look.
Irehabbed d at Shirley Ryan in Chicago too at the age of 53. They got me walking again
Good to hear they helped. I had an overall rather negative experience there. I was able to walk while still in the hospital. The PT was pretty much useless and OT was basically playing games and board games. Some of the sessions made me feel very infantilized. And some of the cognitive and executive fun too. Sessions were interesting if not maybe helpful. I felt like I had no advocate or voice. I told who I thought might listen but unfortunately nothing mattered to anyone I eventually just stopped showing up.
I’m sorry, that really sucks. Did you do your own PT/OT when you went home?
Oh hey fellow Shirley Ryan alum! Had my stroke at 27 a few years ago and rehabbed there for a few weeks
I was 45 in Philadelphia and was by far the youngest person thd entire time. Was a very odd experience
Honestly. I just ignore it. I don't expect people to know anything about the condition. If I'm close to them I'll explain stuff but otherwise keep it moving.im not the first or the last unfortunately. We all want a nice pretty explanation but I was literally one of the fittest guys in my med school class 🤷🏾♂️
I was 15 with AVM so yeah I heard that maaaany times
Same, but I was 28, people saying I'm young doesn't bother me but what does is that the vast majority of care is done for older people so some health care professionals didn't really know how to deal with me.
I had an avm at 10. Fortunately I don't think no one said this to me. I don't really mention it a lot tho. They just think I'm a girl with special needs. I think most ppl think I'm born like this. I only tell ppl if it's necessary or anyone becoming close to
All the time. Had mine at 33.
I was 31 when I had my strokes, and I hear it more often than I like 🙄. It feels dismissive, almost. I know most people who have said it to me don't mean it that way, but it almost feels like they're trying to say, "You're too young to have had a stroke!" I wish that were the case, believe me.
I had mine at 29
That’s the youngest I’ve heard of so far.
I think I've seem some younger on here but yeah 29 is very young for a stroke. Mine is a rare form which tends to happen to younger people.
I didn’t even realize that I had mine at 28- talk about a stroke brain lol
I didn't know either and collapsed on the floor. Found out later on what happened!
Oh I remember I got up to pee one night and then I felt an electrocuting shock in my body, slammed into my bookcase and hit the floor. I was so scared I just got back in bed and thought I’d be okay in the morning. NEWSFLASH! I was not ok! lol!
I had mine at 55. Certainly didn't think I was young before and I feel much older since the stroke. And yet I heard it often.
I was 39 when I had stroke. I had a hip replacement the year before. I’m angry and frustrated because I think my stroke could have been prevented. I had to get hip replacement because I had like a blood flow going to the joint. My surgeon just said it was from alcohol use, which was very bad for a few years, but when I had the stroke, it was found out I had the genetic blood clotting factor, I think if my surgeon actually spent a little more time, considering why there a lack of a blood flow causing a hip joint to not get enough oxygen then it could have been discovered I had a cardiovascular issue. I was thin and I have been an athlete my entire life but I developed pretty bad alcoholism in my early 30s. But with both things, the hip and the stroke, I was always told you’re young you’ll be fine. I still can’t use my left arm at all.
I was 38 when I had mine, and had the same experience.
It is common knowledge that stroke under 50 is rare. I think younger people are more prone to seeking help and being vocal since social media wasn't around in older generations. So that's who we see more of. Doesn't mean there aren't people suffering on their own. Mine were 2 days after I turned 31. I had felt old and depressed about it so being told I was so young like 3x the first day was an ego booster lol I still hear it from Dr's and will for the rest of my life. I feel like I am now a learning experience for them. Because it is in fact rare and the next time a younger person shows signs of a stroke they may know to suspect it. I notice my local hospital has a lot more info about strokes since I had mine there.
That’s a fabulous way of looking at it! You made me chuckle!
All.the.time. Had at 28.
Okay actually, this is the youngest I’ve ever heard of. I had mine at 30
Whoops actually I was 28!! Hahahaha see what a stroke will do to you?
Hahaha this made my day, as I check what day it is….
What really bothered me was when they would answer…well every stroke is different. I wanted to know specifically about my stroke, obviously. It also made me feel super singled out. I was already the only young person at most of my appointments and with doctors saying “but you’re so young and have they figured out how it happened” it’s so isolating. Do you have any suggestions about support groups or have you found your “new normal”?
I was 45 when I had mine last year and yet I hear it a lot.
I was the youngest in my acute rehab. I was 5 days from my 45th birthday. I spent my 45th in an ICU getting ready for a loop recorder. I’m going to be a year out on 6/24. I just want my old life back.
I’m in my mid 30s (and have a bit of a baby face) and it’s mildly annoying hearing the gasp and “you’re so young”. What really grinds my gears is when I get the “you don’t look like you had a stroke (how ever many months ago)”. I kind of want to put on a snarky tone and be like “well I’m still struggling to get back to, what is now, my life.” I know that’s mostly me being frustrated with my own struggles with movement and getting my speech back but I hear it from doctors, nurses, techs, and non- medical staff. Kinda makes me want to pull my hair out.
I’m 54 and hear it all the time!! Yes, I’m a young-ish 54. I dress and look a lot younger, that you Botox and good skincare… lol. I find it super annoying also. Doctors that should know better say it! Ugh, I just fake smile and nod my head…
I get it all the time 🙄 along with the dismissive comments about how I look fine. Yes I look okay, but I am not. 7 months later and I am still in so much pain. 💔
Ugh, same. It’s soooo frustrating!!
Mine was discovered when I was 22. When I told my GP a few days later, he actively didn't believe me until I showed him the discharge letter. It's almost like I have to convince people I've had one, like it's something I want to have had
lol same! Isn’t that so strange? I’m sure most people here can relate to having to convince folks.
Pretty often... Probably why I didn't get quick treatment or much follow up, or maybe that hospital just sucked. Also lots of variations of "you look fully recovered!" (ie You can do x, why can't you do y, and you did z yesterday so why are you pretending you can't do it again today?)
Pretty much every time I tell someone I had a stroke - even the ultrasound tech at the hospital! They also try to downplay my symptoms since I’m “young and will recover”.
I like to respond with... "TELL THAT TO MY BRAIN*
I’m gonna start saying that as I rabidly foam at the mouth.
Maybe we need to start saying.. "aren't you too old to say shit like that?"
I LOVE that!!! Next time I see a new Dr. I am going to say, “aren’t you a doctor? ”
i had mine at 20, i’m 21 now. my dad and i think it may have been stress related, as doctors have found absolutely nothing in my blood to have caused it, but they also kinda brushed off stress when brought up. thankfully i don’t hear that at therapy as i go to an all kids place, but i have heard it at my other doctors offices. it’s frustrating, i wish my stroke never happened, but it did and it is what it is 🤷🏻♀️. i think i hear it most from potential dating partners though
Has that ever turned any potential partners away?
I was told I was young at 41 but keep running across people younger than me who've had strokes, including roommates I had in care facilities. I have a theory on it being caused by Covid, but I only have anecdotal evidence.
Stroke definitely appears to be more common outcome or occurrence, during and since covid
I constantly feel as if I'm having a stroke and im 31.
Have you ever ever had one?
I have no fucking clue. I have facial asymmetry and always feel like my brain isn't getting enough oxygen
36
Every time people ask what happened to me. When I was still in inpatient, I shocked all the older folks who thought I had a work accident.
I used to get it a ton, and that stereotype is why I believe I was first told I had vertigo in the ER. I was 19 and definitely threw my doctors a curveball. I’ve pretty much fully recovered, so it’s easier for me to dodge the conversation now. I usually don’t mention it to those who don’t know, mainly to avoid the “but you were so young!” and the inevitable long explanation to come after.
My mom had her first at 50. I heard “But she’s so young” on her behalf sooooooooo many times. People truly think it’s just very old people who have them, I guess.
Yeah I’m 24 and heard a nurse say that it’s bad that i had this happen so young and that’ll it’ll only get worse. This was while I was receiving chemo as well lmao. People are wild.
I had mine 20 years ago when I was 19 the amount of comments I have hooted has been crazy the oh well you’re fine now ones are the worst
For me, I think, “ I still have time to improve my speech! “ (I have aphasia)
Oh yes all the time. People seem to misunderstood that strokes can happen to anyone at any age, you don't have to be old and frail to have one. It's a little annoying, but it's nothing compared to the phrase "it doesn't look like you had a stroke". I hate those words the most because post-stroke struggles are not always visible to others and I feel like it downplays the severity of the event and after effects, even if they meant for those words to be comforting.
I had 4 at 26 & my god the way I never stop hearing it “omg but you’re so young” from literally everyone drives me insane
I was 11 when I had mine. The way people would react always got to me. It was either 1) complete abject shock and awe or 2) complete disbelief that someone so young could have it. It got to the point where I didn’t even want to talk about it because I felt like a freak of nature. Some type of exhibit to be gawked at. I grew out of it & now use it as a source of strength and pride, but it’s definitely hard to go through, especially young.
I can totally relate. I just stopped telling people about it because their demeanor towards me would change as soon as I said something. Some people including doctors actually had the balls to try to convince me that I couldn't of had a stroke at my age.
In my case it took a medical intern to find it. The doctors didn’t even know where to begin and she suggested MRI and that’s where they found it. What’s sad is the hospital I had actually flew a pediatric neurologist in from California who specialized in this 😂😂😂
30 here and all they can say is your fit and someone your age should be fine. Like make me feel worse more?
People can be very rude and say to me, “So young, so what did you do that made you cause it?” Like- i get it, but please don’t blame me for something that was just pure chance and circumstance. My god. Mind you- i had two strokes before and after I turned 21. I was going to have open heart surgery but the surgeon aborted it so i don’t have to go through the pain older people go through I was literally so young that when i was at the hospital they talked to me because the nurses were my age.
I'm used to hearing it.
Hi! the PT at Shirley Ryan got me walking with a cane. However my arm and hand was mostly ignored. Now I have no function of it 3 yrs later. I too felt like I lost my voice after stroke. I Couldn't advocate for my arm because I didn't know how important that acute time was. I often wonder if my arm would have come back if it wasn't ignored there but there is no going back in time
Even in the ER I was hearing it from nurses, "stroke work up on a 25 year old, are you serious?" as if it was a joke or I was some spectical. It was very bizzare...
I had two strokes 1 week apart at 31.
I just realise it’s probably more common than people think. I didn’t even know I was having a stroke, only found it by chance months later. If that’s possible then I guarantee there’s people out there who have them and don’t even know.
I was 39 when it happened to me last year. I hear it constantly - like everyone. I'm in my second rehab now with, again , only elderly folks and the rare 50 year old Inbetween. And again, I hear it nearly in every first contact with people. Can't stand the boomer (or older) advice no more. They know it aaalll... Even if they only came for hip replacement, they're suddenly stroke experts..
26 avm, had i been older I'd say I would have died
I had a stroke when I was 33, and people had the audacity to think I meant a heat stroke until I showed them the ct scans of my brain 5 days after I had it.
36 at mine and with a baby face; I hear it regularly and it annoys me. Stroke doesn’t discriminate on age.
I sustained both of my strokes at age 15 due to a TBI. When I tell people about it, I first get shocked looks initially, and then they always go, "You're such a miracle! Wow, and that all happened to you at what age again?". When I repeat myself, they have varying reactions, but mainly, they talk about how young I was.
I think most people under the age of 50 haveen't had much experience or exposure to someone having a stroke. We tend to think of it as happening to old peoplee, myself included!
I had mine at 28 & was in the best shape of my life so folks don’t really understand (mine was caused by 2 dissected corotoid arteries). I’ve learned to let it go but folks don’t really understand brain injuries so because i look fine to them i am fine (far from it)
I feel like a walking medical dictionary on strokes anymore. "Babies can have strokes in the womb. It's just a terrible thing that can happen to anyone" . Drives me batty, doctors shouldn't be saying this stuff.
My mom isn't as young as some of yall but she had hers at 48 and she would also get irritated when doctors would tell her that. I wasn't there with her at the hospital but my dad also told her that like everything; theres a positive angle to it. The younger you are, the better off you are to recovery. As a now former caregiver, I try to think of things that way at least. 🙂
No now what you mean. I get irritated that people seem to think I brought my stroke on with poor life choices. I was very fit snd healthy snd not a candidate for stroke. Yet some people act like I should done more to avoid it. F*%k off
I completely agree, I ate well and ran cross country for almost a decade. I had my stoke when I got Covid back in 2020. Can anyone relate?
People just think it only happens to older people but shit can happen to anyone
I had a fairly large ischemic stroke when I was 16 that came out of nowhere. I was very athletic at the time and my overall health was very good, they never found out why it happened. Every time I see a new doctor they’re in disbelief I had a stroke and at such a young age. I’m still pretty fit and 27 now but everyone tells me I’m too young to have had a stroke. I just expect to hear it whenever I tell someone lol
33 years. “You’re so young”
@SHUTTHEFUGGUP!!!!!! AGHHH!!!!”
I can empathize with the frustrations echoed - I've heard this statement many times since having a stroke nearly 15 years ago. We're all educating others - it's a process that naturally takes time.