What blood tests should be done after a stroke?

About stroke
#1

Hi,

my Mum (80 yrs) had a series of strokes last August, and is now v. disabled. She was in hospital/ rehab unit for 3 months, and has been home for 5 months.

I’m not totally confident about the follow up care she’s had from the hospital and GP, and wondered if there were any blood tests that are commonly done following a stroke, that anyone else has had that I should be asking for her to have done?

Thanks,
Cat

1 Like
#2

@CatLondon welcome to our forum sorry your mum is disabled now after her stroke.

I do not remember having any after stroke down the line after 3 months though straight after the stroke I had bloods done. Though I did have a heart monitor for 1 week about 6 months after.

Hopefully someone can help you better thank me. I wish you lots of luck kind wishes Loraine

1 Like
#3

@CatLondon

Hi Cat,

I’m not a medical professional but do have a couple in the family. Of course, opinions can vary but when the root cause of a stoke is being sought then bloods are likely taken. This was the case for me when I’d suffered a TIA due to astronomical high blood pressure yet was relatively fit and well. The root cause is still work in progress.

Bar what I was told, NHS paperwork (incl. discharge) and others letters were giving me info. In your Mum’s case, do you think there’s work still to be done? There’s some extremely useful folk here on this forum, so other’s will chip-in too.

Best,

Jonty.

#4

Thanks Loraine, I really appreciate that.

1 Like
#5

Hi Jonty,

thanks v much. I think high cholesterol (and age) were the main things mentioned at the time. She’s on statins now, so getting liver and thyriod function checked, but I wondered whether full bloods & clotting status might also be useful. I’ll see if the GP will do it, you never know.

I hope you find more info on the root cause, the bodies stress response seems linked to so many things, so may have played it’s part? It often gets down played down in my experience though.

Best wishes,
Cat

2 Likes
#6

I don’t have any blood tests other than the annual MOT at GP surgery.
My stroke was a bleed and I was told to keep an eye on my blood pressure.

1 Like
#7

I had bloods taken in hospital but nothing specifically stroke related since. If the tests you mention haven’t been done then definitely ask the GP about them.

#8

Hi Cat, Welcome to our forum. So sorry to hear of your mum’s stroke.

I’m 6 years post stroke following a hemorrhagic stroke which paralysed my left side. To be honest I can’t really remember what b.ood tests, if any, I had whilst in hospital.

I now have a full blood count once a year. They mainly concentrate on my cholesterol level, which has always been fine, so haven’t needed statins so far. Not really sure what else they check for.

Best to speak to GP if they are approachable. Good luck getting her sorted.

Best wishes Sue

#9

@CatLondon

Hi Cat,

Thanks back to you - and it does seem that the GP is a good port of call. Best to your Mum and you, and feel welcome to keep us posted etc.

And thanks for your assist. The body’s stress element isn’t something I’ve personally considered. My progress is effectively parked for now. My stroke doctor was fab and my next chapter is with Endocrinology. It’s alleged my adrenal glands could be causing such high BP (without meds). For now I want to focus on the latter half of my recovery. The meds are working fine, root cause can wait.

Best,

Jonty.

#10

Yes, that’s the main thing. Good luck with everything.

Cat

1 Like
#11

Hi Sue,

That’s v helpful to know they do a FBC every year, that gives me something to go on. The one GP I’ve spoken to there wasn’t super helpful, but we’ll see what happens.

All the best to you,
Cat

#12

Hi, yes that’s another thing worth keeping an eye on. Thank you.

#13

ok yes, thank you. All the best, Cat

#14

My TIA was 2 years ago, the hospital did FBC upon admission along with numerous scans, x-ray and whatnot over the week I was in. Never found where to blood clot was but they did change one of my diabetics tablets to one which reduces risk of stroke and also put me on Clopidogrel (blood thinners). I’m also on BP and cholesterol tablets. I had no flow up bloods checks for the TIA; but I do however have an annual full blood test done as a result of all the above anyway. So I would assume your mum will be set up for that, but check with her GP anyway. I usually get notifications via my mobile, my mother-in-law usually gets a phone call from her surgery, when we’re due…though I know mine’s next months anyway.

[I don’t know how other GP practices work, but ours do annual Free Health Checks for the over 40’s which also include a FBC as part of the check. What happens at an NHS Health Check? - NHS]

1 Like
#15

This is really helpful, thank you. Sometimes when you know something is offered at other GPs it’s easier to ask for it. They agreed to do a FBC, so that’s good and also now seem willing to do come to the house which is much easier. It also prompted me to get a check-up too. All the best to you for your recovery.

1 Like
#16

I’m so glad for you both, you are very welcome. Your health and wellbeing are equally as important so it’s good you are having a check up too :smile: Forewarned is forearmed as they say.

#17

thank you. yes, definitely.

#18

I am really sorry hear about your mother

1 Like