Hi everyone,
I have been reading your posts for a while and have now found the courage to share my story.
I had my embolic stroke shower (left side of brain) whilst on holiday in May 2025. It transpired that I had experienced two TIAs in March and April which despite attending hospital went undiagnosed and I was signed off as fit to fly.
I was traumatised by my experience and immediately afterwards had right side weakness , severe Aphasia and exhaustion. I was hospitalised for four days and was unable to fly home for a further two weeks. Fortunately I had my husband with me who worked out an immediate daily physical health program in the swimming pool and brain development exercises - I would do what I could everyday (initially I could not write properly, use my mobile phone, add, subtract, my memory was confused, my speech affected, I couldn’t shower alone, wash or dry my hair, my balance and coordination was gone and the fatigue was debilitating. I had absolutely no appetite as I found eating exhausting.
I have been lucky, whilst I still have some right side weakness, the Aphasia has improved greatly, my deficits are only noticeable when I am tired.
Here’s what I have learned
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When I am tired I need to rest. No two days are the same
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I need to eat a balanced diet, drink litres of water daily and refrain from alcohol or else I struggle
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I need to avoid stress and anxiety as it zaps my energy
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I move as much as I can, I have taken up Yoga for balance and to build my strength
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Stroke recrudescence-If I overdo it to the point of extreme fatigue or if I have an infection then my stroke symptoms can return (temporarily) as apparently the brain and the body is working really hard to repair and reroute and when you are physically or emotionally stressed then the brain struggles and stroke symptoms are more pronounced or re-emerge as the new brain connections being created are not as strong. Understanding this really helped me.
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I may never find out what caused my Stroke, the best I can do is take my meds and manage my health, I still worry it will happen again but I am doing my best to prevent it.
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On discussion with my GP I have changed my statins and seen an improvement in my spasticity which was worse in the morning, I have also found my brain fog has reduced . It is important to advocate for yourself.
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I have a brain injury and I have to accept that, I may not have the capacity I had before the Stroke but I am grateful for what I have.
I am sorry for the long post. I really hope it helps someone else.
