Cerabellum Stroke- in 2016

I had a stroke in April 2016 and another in October 2016- second one was much worse- it was a cerabellum stroke.
I still feel really dizzy , but have learned to accept this (sort of anyway). At first I had to cope with really bad anxiety, and CBT kind of helped. I was scared to enter the room where it happened, and my partner had the bring the computer downstairs. I also suffered panic attacks. Now 8 years on I am still having dizzy spells but I can ride a bike(when I’m not falling off) swim very slowly, drive my car (an automatic) and do very elementary wall climbing. (I was not a bad climber before the strokes) - I don’t know whether it’s my age or the strokes but I feel I’m falling apart. Knees painful- athritus-incontinence- the list goes on.
Still at 81 year old I can expect it. would appreciate advice on the dizzyness. Lin

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Greetings Lin @climberlin ,

Welcome to the community and congratulations on learning to live life after a stroke and seemingly doing very well eight years on.

This forum has many members who have knowledge and experience of the very experience you describe and seek help on. Unfortunately I am not such a person but I do like to read the articles and learn from them.

I shall leave it to the more experienced and knowledgeable contributors to point you in the right direction. Hopefully that will further improve the quality of life you already enjoy.

Wishing you all the best.

Namaste|
:pray:

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Shwmae Lin, fellow cerebellar stroke survivor here. The dizziness which I call giddiness still plagues me four years after having the stroke at the age of forty-four. There are many contributing factors to this giddiness, how the cerebellum synchronises your vestibular system (balance) and the oculomotor system (sight), these when out of rhythm cause a little havoc when wanting to move around. One little trick I use which relates to saccade accuracy (movement of eyes) and movement variation. If you slow down and … I’ve just had a brain blank … if you slow down and make your movements and gaze purposeful, it’s not the word I wanted. Perhaps contrived maybe. It should help reset the brain enough to get back on track for a bit. If I open a cupboard door quickly, looking for a cup, I can get giddy. If I slow down and perform the action in more of a slow contrived way, it seems to allow my brain to catch up. Try it and see if it helps.

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Hi @climberlin

Welcome to the community, I’m sorry to hear about your strokes and difficulties you’re facing with the dizziness.

We’ve had lots of discussions on here recently about dizziness and balance issues. You may find some of the conversations below have some interesting information in:

Dizziness after stroke - Share your story - Stroke Association Online Community

Balance issues - About stroke - Stroke Association Online Community

Balance - General - Stroke Association Online Community

You can also use the :mag_right: in the top right hand corner to search for a topic.

If you need anything whilst you’re using the Online Community, please don’t hesitate to tag me using the @ symbol and my username.

Anna

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Hi Lin welcome to this community, sorry to hear of the problems you are experiencing with dizziness. I have no personal experience of this but there are lots of stroke survivors here who have suffered many different types of stroke and who are all on very different roads to recovery and I’m sure someone will be along to share their experiences with you and will have some useful advice.

Despite your current problems it sounds like you have achieved so much since your second stroke. Congratulations on getting on with your life and achieving so much.

I hope you find something useful that will help with your dizziness soon.
Best wishes and regards

Sue

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@climberlin Hi & welcome to the community. I too get dizziness which is worse when i am fatigued / tired. I wonder if this also plays a part in your dizziness?

Have you seen a specialist about it? I was referred to ENT. In my case they couldn’t help but that might not be the case for you.

@Rups suggestion of slowing your movements down is a good one & an easy one to try…

It sounds like you are living life to the full despite your aches & pains.

Best wishes

Ann

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Hi, I’d just like to tag on to this post as @climberlin is my mum! I’m so incredibly proud of all she’s achieved. When she first had her stroke I remember how frustrating it was for her to even pick pennies out of grains of rice. To see how far she has come is quite extraordinary and I am proud of her every day. She is a constant source of inspiration :heart: I’m glad she’s found this forum as everyone has been so kind and helpful and I think it will be a great resource on so many levels. Keep smashing it mum, you’re amazing xx

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Oh that is so lovely. You’ve made my heart swell. What a lovely supportive family you sound. Wishing you all the luck in the world.

Ann xx

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Well, well, well @KerriM !!

I did not make the connection when your Mum Lin signed up with this post :slight_smile: , I should have recognised her from the modest

This could only have been the tearaway that is your Mum - the rock climbing, cycle riding (without helmet, though now she does wear a helmet) :muscle: :slight_smile: :biking_man: :woman_climbing: :family_woman_girl:

So pleased to see you both here on this forum.

In case your Mum has not already seen it, here is how she was introduced to us by your good self.

Climber Lin @climberlin - I understand from your daughter you might particularly enjoiy the games bit in this forum. There’s lots for you here, but a few of us are currently enjoying the daily Wordle Challenge - you can join us here

https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/brain-teasers-workouts-etc/41473.

So good to have both mother and daughter here. Welcome both and wishing you wonderful journey hereon in.

Namaste|
:pray:.

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Thanks Rups - That’s quite helpful. Incidentally I also get brain freeze. (I thought it was my age, but if you get them too that’s encouraging.) Lin

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I already do Wordle & Quordle & Octordle (Seq). Also Blossom is a favourite of mine.
(That’s one of the benefits of being retired- time on my hands) Lin

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Along with @Rups I’m a fellow cerebellar stroker from May '21, always been active (Scouts, cycling, leading walking holidays). I’m back to doing all those but just a lot less of them.

Fatigue creeps up on me, especially if i spend a lot of time in front of a screen.

I thought my balance wasn’t greatly affected when i had my stroke but the stroke nurse got me stood up and asked me to walk in a straight line in old school ‘fairy steps’… I managed one step but that was it, need to get back on to the bed! All my symptoms were as if I was completely drunk.

Recovery has been good. When i was back mobile i went to Clip and Climb at the JumpStreet activity centre near me as a test of balance, a bit of strength, coordination and being off the ground. It was really fantastic for me, all done at a very slow pace and in a safe environment. If recommend it if you used to climb a bit.

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That’s such a heart warming post :blue_heart:. I’m sure your mum is also very proud of having such a supportive, caring daughter. Speaking as a stroke survivor with 3 grown up children, they have helped me in ways they will never know. A supportive family is the best therapy you can have.

I wish you and your family well and hope that your mum’s recovery continues well.
Keep up the good work :blue_heart:

Regards Sue

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I had a cerabellum stroke in July 2024.it took my balance and co-ordination away and i have rotary nystagmus and need to wear glasses fulltime…
i am having difficult walking due to my eyes seem to be all over the place causing me to go very dizzy. my optomoligist says ill have to get used to it as no cure.

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Greetings @AndyPoole1

This is to welcome you to this community where you will likely find support and advice. In addition, you may also have fun possibly learning new things along the way :smile:

I can’t offer you anything myself as I am here in a Carer capacity but there are many stroke survivors here, some of whom have had Cerabellum Stroke and who will be better placed to help and advise you on your onward journey.

Wishing you all the best.

Namaste|
:pray:

Hi @AndyPoole1

Welcome to the community, I’m sorry to hear about your stroke and the difficulties this has caused you with your balance and co-ordination.

We’ve had a few conversations on here recently about balance which may be of help to you.

Cerebeller Stroke 3 months ago - Share your story - Stroke Association Online Community

Dizziness after stroke - Share your story - Stroke Association Online Community

Balance - General - Stroke Association Online Community

You can use the :mag: in the top right hand corner to search for things, you may find some more posts that will help.

If you need anything whilst you’re using the Online Community, please don’t hesitate to tag me using the @ symbol and my username.

Anna

@AndyPoole1 just popping by to say hi & welcome to the community. Sorry to hear of your stroke but hope you can find some useful advice here.

Sorry that you have so much dizziness and i hope it settles a bit as time moves forward & you get more used to the affects. Hopefully the ophthalmologist is working with you to improve the situation for you.

Best wishes

Ann