It is now 14 months since my stroke which was thankfully quite a mild one. I was left with numbness in my left arm, and worst in my left hand. There has been little or no improvement since really, but I’m thankful that it was not a severe one.
However, as time passed, I have become more aware of some limitations that were not immediately obvious in the early months. While I can use my hand to do most things, it wasn’t until I enrolled on a pottery course in January, that I realised how much dexterity I’ve lost. Fine detailing required in decorating my pots was quite beyond me which was frustrating. In my youth (I’m now 65) I was good at drawing and sketching, but sadly, that too is now beyond me.
But the worst thing is fatigue. I now find that I have very little stamina. For example, this last weekend I wanted to take advantage of the lovely weather and try and get my weed infested garden back in shape, but was absolutely shattered after an hour or so., and have remained very tired in the days following, so now have to rest.
So while I realise I have much to be thankful for when I compare my stroke story to others who have posted in this community and have had much more severe strokes than I’ve had, I would be interested to hear if any others have had to similarly reign in their own expectations of themselves as they progress in their ‘stroke journey’.
Yep that’s me (you can see some of my posts in the cerebellum club thread) I am just emerging from a 2 week hiatus following a fall resulting from combination of neck and eye strain from doing too much close work and being a bit overmedicated causing dizziness…and here’s me thinking I had recovered so well…taught me a huge lesson…now on way to accepting I am not the constantly on the go person I used to be and have grown to love my duvet….lots of others will no doubt be along on this topic , you are not alone!!
You’re going to be sorry you asked the question about fatigue because just about everyone is in the same boat to very varying degrees I’m sorry to say.
It relies on planning and pacing yourself. Small but frequent might be the way to go for you. For example say 15-30 mins of weeding with a 5 min break in between and reduce the overall time you work in the day. Never wait ‘til you’re absolutely pooped before you finish anything, and you should always keep a little energy in your back pocket for emergencies
Hi @Gneissguy I’m just a little further down the road at 16 months with similar effects on my left arm/ hand too. I’m the same in the sense thankful as I understand it could be a lot worse that said struggle with fine motor function and have been frustrated at times with this as expected to fully heal, I’m currently doing talking therapy which is getting me more clarity on how I think about this.
As such still keen to be back at martial arts but have been asked to wait just a little longer, this maybe a blessing as had suffered a bout of fatigue the last few weeks and now feeling more like my old self again. So I count my blessings and hope time is tat proverbial great healer. Good luck on your continued journry.
I think I am guilty of trying to carry on as ‘normal’. It was only a mild stroke, so what have I got to moan about? The fatigue thing I became aware of quite soon and have regulated it quite well until this weeks attempt at gardening. A lesson learnt hopefully.
Its funny you mention dizziness! This is another thing that I only discovered a month or so ago, when I attempted to imitate a bass guitarist of a band I like, who has a long fringe and has a habit of flicking his head backwards to flick his hair out of his eyes. I tried to imitate him, but the flicking motion of my head caused me to completely lose balance and fall over backwards into a bookshelf, frightening my daughter to death in the process! So that little incident has affected my confidence quite a bit too.
As you say, I too am going to have to accept that I’m not the person I used to be and try to live within my new limitations!
Yep, good advice I think! The ironic thing is that my eldest daughter has suffered with ME for several years and I now have similar symptoms to her. The same advice applies - work within ones limitations and don’t exceed. I’ve been telling her that for years and now she’s started telling me!
It sounds like we have had similar strokes in terms of after effects. As mine too was relatively mild, I fully expected the numbness to fade and disappear. I continue to be frustrated by little or no improvement since about a fortnight after the stroke in January 2025. Just before the stroke I was planning to get an electric bicycle, but I’ve lost confidence in myself due to occasional dizziness, so e-bike on hold for now!
And, like you fatigue is a beggar to manage and I’m having to now practice what I preach to my daughter who has M.E.!
I have to chuckle at the thought of you air guitaring…my fall was the result of bending over too quickly, 3 times in succession to pick up the poo my dog generously spread across the pavement…That’s Life!!
I lost a lot of dexterity in my hands too when I had my stroke. Building lego really helped. I started with a very simple kit and could only do around 20 minutes at first. I built up gradually, both time and the complexity of the kits.
@Gneissguy still counting myself as lucky, got back to driving and work even though it’s a challenge at times but made me feel more normal again.
I’ve worked as hard as I could on rehab - managed to service my car no bother so know I can’t really complain, the fatigue thankfully is minimal. So far the stroke psychologist has helped a bit but I work with kids in care so have an understanding of this- mainly coping strategies and goal setting.
I’m also considering buying a bike again to help get fitter and out in the fresh air as I’m fortunate to have some old unused roads around me and can now cycle the road inito nearest city- Glasgow .
I am over 4 years on and still get the fatigue. It os about pacing & managing it (which I am bad at as I work). Making sure you take regular breaks, not overdoing it on the days you feel more energetic. And, yes an acceptance that you might not be able to do everything you did pre stroke when you want to do it.
@jbob I enjoy cycling (in the spring & summer!) and would like to get back into it, but I’ve lost a bit of confidence due to occasional balance issues. But I’ll try a few short cycles soon and see how I go.
Yes, accepting that one can’t do as much as previously, I’m finding easier said than done! I’m having to practice what I repeatedly preach to my daughter, who has M.E. My whole life has changed so much over the last 14months. I lost my wife in June last year to cancer. I ironically had my stroke while I was visiting her in A&E! So my stroke is just another factor to adjust to in the ‘new normal’!
Sorry to hear you lost your wife. It has been a tough time for you.
I am 4 years on and still have days where I get very frustrated with not being able to do what I want to. It is so much easier to tell other people what they need to do than doing it yourself.
I do some weeding from 6am-7am after meds and then a power nap for 60 before I return to the yard for a second go round. Its long and tedious but at least I’m not completely drained the following day….I’ve considered my stroke minor but having major complications that aren’t just physical. Everyday one day healthier and another day stronger
Reading through this thread is both enlightening and depressing. I had my stroke (mild one) on xmas day 2020 in the middle of lockdown. Took them 5 days yo confirm I had had a stroke and then discharged into the cloud. In may case the whole left side of body from face to toes suffers from numbness. Has not improved over the years but have realise over time other problems exist. As people have said my balance is not what it was and I have had several falls, thankfully always something to catch me am 78 and have had a prosthetic leg for 65 years, which was never a problem but now I have problems walking and I have noticed I have to concentrate much more when out on my mobility scooter. I’m also awaiting a new hip on my good leg, which doesn’t help. However there have been no effects on my cogitative abilities so I still carry out my volunteer duties as secretary of one club, treasurer of another and webmaster for a third. As people have said don’t overdo things and work in short periods with rests in between. When I was 13 I was given 6 months, how the docs got that wrong as I have recently had my 78th birthday. Enjoy the spring weather.
Hello MikeH - nice to meet you and welcome to the community. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful inspiring post.
I am sure many will be encouraged and inspired by what you have achieved and how you are dealing with the challenges you have had to face since the age of 13.
Truly amazing!
Wishing you all the best and looking forward to hearing from you on how to face the challenges that life presents
