Hi there. in reading the many posts, I rarely see reference to the type of stroke that messed up our lives. In my case, I had an ischemic stroke directly related to AFIB. i know a stroke can be caused in many ways…although I have no stats. A stroke is a stroke no matter the root cause. But in my case my heart was the culprit. Like some of you I was reasonably fit. I have no heart family history. Longevity gave me comfort. All the vitals were within range. Then WHAM. My cardiologist says it was age (I was 73- 3 yrs ago ). Apparently when you go down the list of factors.. Age is there. I also know that in many cases the’ time’ from event to hospital care is critical and will have an effect on the damage a stroke can do. So in a round about way, I wonder if those who have AFIB are doing better than those who were struck down in another way and how their recovery is doing.
Hi Larsog-- AT the age of 73, I too had an ischemic stroke in my brain stem–related to AFIB-- about 7 years ago. I was put on medication to control the afib and had a pacemaker installed since the meds tended to slow my heart too much, and also cholestrol meds. I was paralysed on my left side and spent 3 weeks in a stroke recovery hospital and then got enough ability back to go home and follow up with about 5 months of outpatient rehab 2 times a week. Over many months I regained the ability to walk normally( I now do about 1 mile 4 to 5 times a week). I have regained my ability to play piano and took up ukulele. My speech was never affected.. Now after all this time–to look at me one would say I was back to normal. However, I notce my left side feels a little weaker and overall I tire more easily. (Bear in mind I am now much older, too - 80- Thankfully, the brain fog left after a couple of years. I think I am one of the lucky ones and am very greatful for my recovery. By the way, stroke symptoms started during the night, and I got to the hospital around noon the following day–where they administered that declotting medication through my vein. If you have any other questions, let me know. 
My stroke was a carotid artery dissection and 3 1/2 years on I still struggle with walking, have double vision, get fatigue etc. But I have managed to return to work part time and live life as best I can with some assistance. I was 49 when I had my stroke. I don’t have any AFIB.
Hi….i think my stroke started in the night, I woke up with my right hand tingling, I few hours later it hadn’t gone. Initially I thought I’d slept on my hand but mid morning I had 3 consecutive hot flushes and that was my stroke. My cholesterol was slightly elevated, I haven’t got diabetes so I haven’t a clue why, that was 2 years 8 months ago.
I still have numbness down my right side, and get tired very easily, it gave me tinnitus but like you the Brian fog is much better. I also come into the old age bracket, I was 74 this year x
i had a ischemic stroke -small thalamic stroke right side in JUNE 2025,NOT AFIB ,only mild cholesterol elevation,normal VITALS,still having numbness in left hand & burning pain in left foot,all bearable I am on aspirin low dose 150 mg daily.
@Larsog
My ishmeic stroke was directly caused by AFib. I’d had it for years and the meds didn’t control it very well. However I was told on numerous occasions I didn’t need blood thinners as my ‘score’ was too low. (Age 63 at the time and fit and active)
The day before my stroke I had a cardiology appointment and he told me I was in persistent AF and prescribed blood thinners and put me on a list for ablation 1 year wait!)
Next day stroke. I hadn’t started the thinners yet but was told the clot was likely there already and would not helped.
6 months after stroke I had ablation but no different. Luckily the drugs seem to control it now but like everyone I live in fear of another blood clot.
I was very bitter after my stroke blaming the fact I wasn’t on blood thinners. But as part of the grieving process for my former self I have gradually accepted / adjusted (well I’m getting there)
Warning to any one with AF get it investigated and get on blood thinners.
Sorry for rambling! Good luck everyone it’s very hard isn’t it 
@axnr911
Thanks that’s really interesting . My afib meds weren’t working and I couldn’t tolerate the increase because my heart slowed too much! But pacemaker never mentioned.
I’d love one 
my mother lived with hers for many many years no problem .
Hey there Jal11 you had every right to be upset. Im upset just thinking about you walking out of a cardiologist office and then a stroke (really?)- Your warning is justified. I call Apixaban (there are others) “My stay alive pill” Im told most AFIB related strokes have a 66% -75% chance of not having a second. The blood thinners are a big part of that continuance. My resting HR averages 55 (6 mths) while taking metoprolol (1/2 x 2 / day 25 mg)/ He reduced it by half from past 2 yrs. My last visit he again mentioned PMaker or off med completely. Im active and dont feel like my heart is giving me a problem. But it was a long way back with much more road ahead as most on this forum will attest. Hang in there.
OK I am new and confused I have had 3 TIA I have AF which i take medication for I’ve just had my licence revoked because I have fail my field vison test are all these thing related? I am not looking for a doctor diagnosis just other peoples experiences, thank you
Personally, no vision issues that resulted from AFib. AFib contributed to your stroke which may be the root cause of your vision issues. As you are likely aware depending aware, the clot location sadly dictates which parts of our bodies get messed up. My bonus pack was the left side but not the eyes..