So yesterday was my 4 weeks from my Stroke. I want to reach out to all who has taken time to respond to me. I appreciate all of you.
So a little update. Today I had a massive break down in tears at work. The frustration of what has happened finally hit the restrictions are getting to me. I called my stroke help and GP for me to get all clear and able to drive again as I’ve reach the month to be told I’m still not allowed. I’m having to get 2 busses to work, this morning I was waiting in the rain for 30 min, 2 buses didn’t turn up I get station to get my next bus and it was stressful I get to work so frustrated, wet through and tired. I want this over I don’t know the rules so I’m just going with i can’tdo anything . No driving, no drinking, no intimacy, no walking too far, no gym no stress. But im trying to explain I’m stressed as I’m having to get 2 busses to work and no one is answering me when I ask about the other things I want to get the yes to. I can expect the no gym, walking too far but the driving and intimacy its everyday life and effecting everyone not just me. I have had opticians and blood pressure checks both are normal, Im physically back to normal and feel myself again. Im telling work, hospital and GP it was a blip it happened I just want my life back.
How long did everyone wait to before getting all clear?
I am not surprised you had a breakdown at work. 4bweeks is no time at all after a stroke. Have you gone back to.your normal hours? If you feel ready to work I would suggest a phased return to break yourself in gently.
Returning to driving is different for everyone. You can only return to driving after a month if you have ko ongoing symptoms I think but if you have been told by the Dr & stroke team you can’t drive then you have to go with that. I believe after 1 month you also need to tell DVLA. Did they say why you can’t drive at this stage?
Have you been told by the drs you can’t do any of this ? Or is this something you believe yourself?
Maybe you need to take a bit more time out from work? Your brain is still recovering.
Timelines on anything after a stroke are different for everyone as it really does depend on how your stroke affected you & how you feel in yourself.
Sending best wishes. You will get through you just have to be patient.
Thanks for responding. I had to go back to work as im a single parent and sick pay would get me in dept. Im also only part time so its not like I work a lot of hours my boss had been great giving me brakes so I can rest.
The restrictions are by me as I’ve not been told, I’ve had to Google everything.
I understand the financial reasons for returning to work but please make sure you don’t make yourself worse and then end up going off again. I found taking a bit longer and taking the financial hit at the beginning worked better for me. Maybe ask your employer for some more adjustments. Could you perhaps work from home for a couple of months? That would solve the bus issue. Maybe adjust your hours so the bus journey is easier. They are just some examples. There are many things that can be put in place. What about trying access to work and seeing if they will pay for taxis for you?
In relation to drinking many people have a drink after a stroke but they perhaps moderate it a little bit. I am teetotal so not the best person to advise on that.
Walking is good for you so if you are able do a bit of walking just don’t push it too far and factor in getting back again. You can build distance up gradually.
At the right time going to the gym and doing gentle exercises is ok too. Someone at the gym can advise on the best exercises to do but start slowly and see how you go. As part of my rehab the physio had me on a cross trainer and exercise bike. I never did get the hang of the cross trainer .
I’ve copied in links to a couple of stroke association leaflets that you may find helpful.
4 years!!! There is no way I can not drive again. My son is on spectrum im his main carer and driving for him and me is needed. I’m hoping to hear from stroke team this week. I explained I’m back to pre-stroke me and I feel ready and able.
Thanks. Unfortunately my job is not one i can do from home. But I do have a week off starting Thursday. In this week I’m going to look for a new job closer to home, no bus needed and just wait to hear from stroke team. I’m not a drinker but my frined took me out Saturday to celebrate my 4 weeks recovery, I didn’t drink to be on safe side and not driving ment she had to drive and not drink herself. Just put a damper of the night out.
Hi @T44 Speak to your GP about driving. From my own experience I had to tell the DVLA I had a SAH which was supported by a GP letter. I also suspended my car insurance cover so there was no risk of me driving, allowing me to keep my physical driving licence. The reason for this was the risk of epilepsy after a stroke. I was given the all clear to drive six months later only after my Neuro rehab consultant wrote a supporting letter saying the threat of epilepsy had passed. This is my experience and yours may be completely different and I hope it is.
I was only given one total restriction and that was the gym or any strenuous exercise so my bp wasn’t raised and that still remains in place 10 years later. A minor restriction was swimming I could only do it if I informed the lifeguards I had suffered a stroke. I wouldn’t need to do that nowadays.
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