I’m sorry if this is a repeat from what others said, but I’m driving myself crazy.
I posted on here before about having a stroke about a month ago, and a TIA the week after. Like everyone I have my good and bad days. And this is one of those bad days. To the point where I’m freaking myself out.
So, what I’ve noticed is. Whenever I am stressed/anxious I tend to get stroke like symptoms. Today I’ve been dealing with work, I haven’t gone back to work yet, because they are giving me a hard time going back part time even with a medical note stating that. Anyway, I’ve been so stressed with this and about an hour ago I felt my right side have a weird sensation, I didn’t go numb or get weakness it just feels weird?. I don’t know how to explain this. I also get the fuzzy/heavy feeling in my head. But this seems to happen whenever my body is in a heightened state and it makes me think that I’m having another stroke. I can’t seem to get myself out of this spiral, to the point where I’m crying because I think it’s happening again.
I’m sorry, because I’m sure this was already said by someone else. But I needed to vent about what’s going on to feel better about the situation.
You are in a friendly place here. It is good to let it all out once in a while. Being honest with yourself is valuable and if you can share doubly so.
We all go through very much the same, so it is not unusual to see a repeat of the same themes. That doesn’t make what you are experiencing less important or not relevant. Finding ways to deal with stuff comes from comparing notes, so the more who speak up the better.
Sometimes a reassuring word is enough, other times we need more. This is the right place to be.
HI - if its one thing I know about life pre & post stroke, stress and anxiety can cause all sorts of physical and emotional symptoms and conditions and yes its very difficult to control especially when your in the moment, I too get almost paranoid about having another stroke, I reassure myself that I’m taking the meds and living a healthier existence, if that doesn’t do it, then I need to distract myself and stop thinking about it. I force myself to think about a happier time, playing with the grandchildren or just something funny that happened to me., or if you are able, go out for a walk or exercise. This is the forum where we can absolutely and totally discuss our fears and anxiety, so VENT away, I note you had a stroke a month ago, I’m similar - just 6 weeks, this is a very short period of time and were still very much recovering from what is a major trauma, try not to beat yourself up. As others will point out, early days. Take care.
Well, we know how devastating a stroke can be, so we’re not so confident and happy-go-lucky as we used to be. That plus the fear of a stroke can lead to stroke-like sensations. I was crossing the road yesterday, lost some confidence half way through, and suddenly had a feeling I wouldn’t make it into a coffee shop. I was with friends and someone came back to egg me on, and spot a place where the pavement was low etc. That made all the difference.
If you lose it a bit, share what you’re going through. Perhaps you’ll find an ally or someone to help you through a sticky moment. Don’t keep it o yourself. Reach out in the hope you’ll be successful. You won’t always find someone, but you certainly won’t if you don’t try.
I couldn’t stop feeling I’ve been going cross eyed at night. I’ve told people, and they listened, and I’ve not gone cross-eyed. You can vent here, or to people in the real world (we are also in the real world) and hopefully find someone with some empathy.
We’re vulnerable, so we need help. Everyone does, they just don’t always know it / admit it.
Good luck, Roland
@Nb2023 Please speak with your gp regarding this too. it’s common to have these sensations. it can be a sign that the nerve endings are reconnecting again. I am 3 years post stroke but still suffer huge anxieties. your gp should be able to refer you to a neurologist, it could also be you are having mild seizures. I am two years since my last seizure.
hope that helps, sorry if it’s scared you more was not my intention
regards Chris
@Nb2023 sorry to hear you’re struggling. It is still very early days for you yet & there will be all sorts of factors in play. Anxiety is really common & I think we all go through it to some degree. Feeling very anxious could make you feel like you’re having another stroke so trying to find things to distract you coukd be useful.
I had the fuzzy heavy head feeling for many months & i found it very debilitating. It should start to improve in time. Stroke recovery is a long road so try not to expect too much just yet.
In relation to work it sounds far too soon for you to be thinking of going back. You could always ring ACAS for some advice on your rights etc but maybe take some more time off yet.
Yes post stroke anxiety is very deep i had it 4 month s after my stroke its very heavy anxiety that it feels you cant control your brain is not producing seretonin from brain damage theirs no help from your brain to deal with stress flu situation i over came thatbout of anxiety with breathing therapy deep breath through nose fill your stomach with air hold for 8 sec then release throgh your mouth only try 4 reps of this it helped me Breathing stimulates vagus nerve wich is kown to control stress and anxiety i also got prescribed buspar by my therapist and zoloft all that put my anxiety on check it was a dark period in my recovery i was scared because i couldnt controll it a never ending cycle of fear youll get through this also try the 5 point rule distract your mind describe objects in your room a sound a fixture or objects 5 items it helps distract your mind let go of things that you have no control of spcially of things that have not yet happened logic is your friend in figthing anxiety i hpoe this helps my friend i wish you the best in your recovery.
Before my TIA’s last August I was being treated for mild general anxiety disorder (GAD) with Mirtazapine. Post TIAs the anxiety levels went through the roof to being almost uncontrollable. Like you, I found breathing excercises helpful. In addition to that, I enrolled on the nhs talking therapy programme. It took a couple of months to line up but once on it I found the modular learning really helpful. In addition to this, and for me probably the most beneficial, was meditation. On YouTube there are literally hundreds aimed at alleviating anxiety but my personal choice were the Wu Wei offerings. I find that 5 months on the anxiety is cooling to the point of being containable and I hope for continued steady improvement.
So sorry for tardy response but, yes, there were 3 meditations that I found really useful but you know how it is, one size definitely does not fit all. I very much hope they may be of help to you.
