New to site after first stroke 10 days ago

Hi, my name is Lane. I am 80 yo woman in the US. I found this site yesterday. I had a “small” thalamus stroke 10 days ago. Typical of what I have read here, Awoke with numbness and sl weakness left arm. Very fatigued feeling. I live alone so called friend and went to hospital in ambulance as just knew this not something to fool with . I am retired RN but did nicu/peds and not adult care so this is new to me. CAT and MRi brain showed blocked vessel in thalamus. Ekg and echo ok. Put on Plavix for three weeks with with 81 mg aspirin daily forever. Started on Atrovastatin. I have been off statins after starting to have severe reactions to them… Tried all but Lipitor. Repatha worked great but severe back pain and significant muscle loss in fast twitch muscles. I have post polio and cannot afford to loose what leg/arm muscles I have. Hoping I tolerate this new statin. Main issue is the numbness in left side upper body and severe fatigue. Will see dr today and discuss driving, PT and getting back into pool for my exercise. I am so appreciative of all the info I have found on this site and wish you all the best on this journey.

8 Likes

Welcome, but sorry you have had cause to join us. You should be aware that this is a UK site and most people here are Brits so any health and social care information is primarily British.
At 10 days you are a stroke baby. There is no hiding that the journey is a marathon. Fatigue post-stroke is very common. You can search the topics to find discussion on peoples experience of fatigue.
Feel free to ask questions or you can come here if you want to shout/rant at the world.

5 Likes

Thank you. I knew was UK and med care different. I have good team hetr. But found conversations helpful and supportive.
Lane

4 Likes

@Lane Hi & welcome to the community. Sorry you’ve had cause to join us but glad you have found the posts you have read helpful. It’s a friendly place & if you have any questions ask away.

Statins can cause issues but hopefully they can find one that works for you. There are many alternatives in the UK so I assume that is similar in the US.

Fatigue can be awful post stroke but as time moves forward you will learn to manage it. Lots of rest at this early stage is needed. Listen to your body & rest as necessary. Pace yourself with what you do & try & rest before you overdo it. For the first 6 months your brain will be doing lots of repair work which is why we often feel fatigued. I slept loads initially- more time asleep than awake. That balance changed over time.

Good luck with your recovery & look forward to hearing more from you.

Best wishes

Ann

3 Likes

Hey @Lane - this is to welcome you to this forum and to wish you all the best on your journey as you recover from your recent stroke.

Though I am unable to offer anything other than moral support, I am sure some of the members on this forum will give you some useful pointers.

Namaste|
:pray:

3 Likes

Thank you!! Support is so helpful. :blush:

1 Like

Hi @Lane

Welcome to the community, I’m sorry to hear about your stroke.

You’ve mentioned fatigue, which as others have already mentioned is very common after a stroke so make sure you rest when you need to. We have some information on fatigue on our webpage which you may find helpful.

I hope your dr appointment goes well and you can get some answers to your questions and any more support you may need.

I’m please to hear you’re already finding this site helpful, 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

1 Like

Anna, thank you. The info on fatigue is most helpful. I also learned from others to ask my dr about driving, PT and getting back into the pool. I had not thought about driving and found I will have an OT who will evaluate me in the office as well as in the car when I am ready to see if I can “pass” the driving part. I am not at all interested in driving at this point. Too tired and a bit foggy. But will get to Pt and back in the pool with rides there. Thank you to all the members.

2 Likes

Hi @Lane

I’m pleased you found the information helpful.

I’m sure you’ll get back to driving when you’re ready.

Anna