I had a stroke 5 months ago following a fall, recently started some classes for neurophysio at the local gym and today went to a different class but fell over a piece of equipment, my own fault entirely. Unhurt apart from bruising to shins but it really shook me up and was very upset, speech slow for a while. Don’t know whether my response was due to the shock of falling as it took me straight back to my previous fall and subsequent stroke, I felt that I overreacted in relation to the slight fall or is this due to the stroke? Other half thinks I am pushing myself too much.
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Your reaction sounds quite normal to me. A stroke is a pretty effective reminder that we’re not invincible, and it takes time to come to terms with. I’d say keep working on your recovery but give yourself permission to very occasionally feel a little bit upset, down or even grumpy. You’ve earned it.
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@Nanag Falls happen for all reasons. Don’t dwell on it too much and don’t let it affect your confidence.
I am stroke survivor. I push myself too much all of the time. Have a great day 
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I get that. Everyday, if I feel a bit giddy it takes me back to the stroke, raises blood pressure and makes symptoms worse through anxiety and panic. I think you had experienced a natural post traumatic stress response. A good bit of cussing and cursing can help. Often I find if I dismiss these moments as here we go again and same old story, it can diffuse the situation. Alternatively, laughing it off helps me the most, usually in an acerbic or pathetic way, this releases endorphins and helps the brain and body feel better about a negative experience.
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I think it was a perfectly natural reaction in the circumstances & in time these sorts of reactions will reduce as we realise these things happen whether we have had a stroke or not.
There’s a fine balance to be had between doing too much & just enough. You’ll work out your limits in time.
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Had my stroke in September 25. If I get anxious / upset to a level above 5 then my speech goes slightly slurred untill I can calm myself down again. And like you once I notice it or my wife says something about it. It takes me straight back to the day of my stroke. My speech was the main impact of the stroke.
If I can keep calm then most of the time it’s ok.
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Hi @Nanag I had a few falls in my recovery too, once washing my car and tripped over it took a good few seconds to compute what had happened.I was both mad at me for this then realised I was struggling to get up, sat there about 30 seconds focused on breathing then back on my feet. I think I realised then it was I’m not 21 anymore and I needed to both remember this and temper my expextations.
A few more bumps on the road and getting there.
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I think you had a perfectly normal reaction to a bad experience. You are allowed to be human. Consider yourself hugged, and off you go.
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Keep at it but don’t overdo it. Remember, it a marathon not a sprint. (Sorry for the cliche).
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