I just have a question that I would like to ask.
I am curious if anybody else has had increased fatigue as the years pass since having a stroke?
Mine has increased, even on days when I haven’t been particularly active.
Also anyone sensitive to certain types of noises?
I really struggle with noises such as machinery, lawnmowers and and any type of grinding or banging.
I’m also wondering if anyone has a dry mouth post stroke?
Mine is persistent and very annoying.
My dentist has gotten me on new sugar free xylitol mints and gum to suck/chew on,
They aren’t ideal as a permanent solution but are all I can find for the meantime.
Hello @AliceP i personally have not met any stroke survivor whos doesnt have peoblems with fatigue. Amount of sleep, rest, exercise, or any type of activity seems to make no difference. The fatigue just comes and goes as it wishes. It does seem to be getting better or maybe im just used to it! I think its your bodies way og forcing us to rest. If i wasnt so fatigued id be out doing thingss my body can not handle. As far as noises. Yes, i wear ear plugs a majority of the time. A random sneeze by my wife can really startle me. I dont care to be in a conversation with more than 2 people. Too much noise to process. Unfortunately sound overstimulation is not the only sensory issue i have. I wear dark sunglasses with sideshields virtually around the clock. My wife and i typically sit in silence with rhe lights off even at night. The sensory problems are actually what stop me from doing very much. So, to answer your question, yes, fatigue and sensory problems are very prevalent in our world. Its becoming apparent to me after 4 years that these issues are probably not going away. Adapt adapt adapt. Easier said than done, i know that all too well. Good luck and dont let the circumstances of others stop you from seeking relief and answers. We are all a litle different.
Have you spoken to anyone from the SaLT team about the dry mouth as they can prescribe or recommend your GP prescribe false saliva products and special toothpastes and mouth washes. I have the same problem, although mine is caused by the Amlodopine I take for my blood pressure. I was advised to rinse my mouth thoroughly after eating with plain water as the lack of soliva can lead to poor gum health. If you haven’t already spoken to your GP it may be worth doing so as it could be certain medications causing the problem.
I also have experience fatigue on a daily basis, some days are better than others. I am only 4 months post stroke so I am still hopefull that it will improve in time. I have some issues with noise as well and can’t cope with noisy environments or loud voices. I get what I can only describe as echo ear, its as if my ears need to pop, like when you fly. It comes and goes and I find it very frustrating.
I also recollect being recommended puling with olive oil for mouth and dental care by a nutritionist a few years ago, here is what it says on co-pilot.
Oil Pulling : Swish a tablespoon of olive oil in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes, then spit it out. This method can help reduce bacteria and improve overall oral hygiene.
Brushing : Apply olive oil to your toothbrush and brush your teeth as usual. This can help remove stains and plaque while providing antibacterial benefits.
Thank you for your reply
Yes I am beginning to understand that Fatigue can be a huge side effect after stroke.
I have also read that it can take up to 5 times more energy for a person with a brain injury to complete even the most simple task than a person without brain injury. So our brains are working overdrive all the time now.
My fatigue seems to be increasing the more progress that I make. Possibly it’s due to me doing more, being much more active than what I was in my early days..
I particularly also notice it after talking to people and I don’t like big groups and conversations.
But as you say we can adapt to our new way of life even as frustrating as it can be sometimes.
I, like you always have dim lighting at home in the evenings.
I now need to wear glasses for reading books and for screens such as phones and TV’s and I have prescription lenses in my sunglasses.
In saying that, it’s time to get of my screen now!
Yes, I have all 3 symptoms, and offer 3 explanations to consider
Post-stroke fatigue is not just “feeling tired”; it’s a profound, pervasive lack of energy that rest doesn’t fix. A key underlying cause is mitochondrial dysfunction . The stroke creates a “brain energy crisis” where the brain’s (and / or the body’s) power plants (mitochondria) are damaged, leading to inefficient energy production and increased cellular stress, which directly manifests as the debilitating symptom of fatigue.
“Cocktail Party Syndrome” is a colloquial term for the function of the two tiny muscles in the middle ear—the tensor tympani and the stapedius . Their job is to contract reflexively in response to loud sound, dampening the vibrations of the ossicles (the tiny bones) to protect the inner ear from noise damage. This allows you to “tune down” loud, low-frequency background noise (like the rumble of a cocktail party) so you can better hear higher-frequency sounds, like human speech.
Dry mouth Hypothyroidism → Manifestations That Can Cause Dry Mouth. Hypothyroidism, caused by lack of iodine, can contribute to dry mouth in several ways: There is a well-documented association between Hashimoto’s and Sjögren’s Syndrome , an autoimmune disorder that specifically attacks the moisture-producing glands in the body, including salivary and tear glands. This is a leading cause of severe and persistent dry mouth and dry eyes.
@AliceP what you describe is fairly common for a stroke survivor. Your fatigue msy be getting worse as you get stronger because you are doing more. Remember to schedule in some breaks each day even on those dsys when you feel ok. Fatigue can hit a few days after an activity.
I too am very sensitive to noise. The smallest sound can make me jump & I find the sensory overload as @Chlodog said is one of the biggest isdues stopping me doing things. Things like cutlery on a plate really hurt. I have bought some loop earplugs to help when I am out & about. I also gave some Bluetooth headphones so hubby & I can watch TV together as a TV on normal volume is too loud for me.
