I had a carotid endarterectomy 3 months ago. I had amorosis fugax, I believe i had between 30 to 40 episodes…but wasn’t counting…as thought it was a new type of migraine aura that was linked to my menopause…thankfully I had the sense eventually to have it checked out. I had surgery very soon after. I thought my recovery was going well until I returned to work about 8 weeks after surgery. Although I feel physically strong I’m worried about my cognitive ability… or lack off. I feel that it has declined significantly… my memory is shocking, I struggle to remember names of people I’ve worked with for years and can barely think straight or concentrate. I’m not sure if anyone has noticed but its something im really conscious of. Has anyone else had this experience…will I recover or decline?
I feel that what has happened to might not be that unusual. It might be you went back to soon or too hard. Perhaps you should have done a phased return to work - maybe you did.
I am sure with time your memory and cognitive skills will improve.
By a strange coincidence (or at least that’s how I see it) I just posted an article about neuroplasticity in which I talk about how I am unable to recall something. In my case I am not a stroke survivor and am putting this down to getting old. This happens to all of us and when you couple it with stroke it seems worse.
I am sure you will improve if you allow your body and brain to recharge/refresh and keep them well fed and watered. These I think are key to a good recovery and a good healthy life.
I am saying you will absolutely recover and you should believe it
Welcome to the community, I’m sorry to hear about what you’ve been through and the difficulties you’re facing with cognition.
Cognition can be affected after having a stroke which is why we have some information on cognition on our website which you may find helpful to have a read over. It may also be worth talking with your employer as I’m sure it won’t help if you’re worried about people noticing it.
If you need anything whilst you’re using the Online Community, please don’t hesitate to tag me using the @ symbol and my username.
@She53 hi and welcome to the community. Sorry to hear that you are struggling with cognitive issues following your stroke. I2 wonder if you perhaps went back to work a little too soon. You have been through a major event which it takes time to recover from. The good news is though that over time things should improve. I had cognitive issues after my stroke and I use some brain training apps to help me improve. It took time that improve I have although I still have bad days from time to time. These are usually related to my fatigue levels and often if I have done too much. Maybe your employer could put some reasonable adjustments in place in the short-term to help you with your cognitive issues.
and exactly the positivity I need right now.