hi , anyone got any experience of returning to work after a stroke ? i have been left with gait problems in both feet , as far as i know its the only thing thats a problem i.e. apart from that i feel like i did pre-stroke , so i tend to shuffle and trip and my feet ache ( not pain ) its going to be difficult working in a busy factory and possible danger also the other thing is it makes me tired - does anyone have any idears ? iam hoping my feet will improve in time but who knows iam off work now with gait / feet problems - thanks
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Hi @andrew90 I have managed back to work now twice, first thing I learned was rushing first time round made the second time a certain outcome.
Has your GP or stroke team ok’d this? If so have you met with your manager/ HR to see what they can do to help with return as the Equality Act 2010 gives advice.
I’m lucky as work with kids in care so a big house with wide corridors but at the same time no machinery or real H&S concerns for me. The tiredness would be one of those H&S issues but a phased return to see if you cab build yourself back to full time may help. I don’t know much about physical as I was lucky one arm which is healed/ healing but are there inserts for your boots that may help as a solution?
Good luck on your continued journey and hope you make it back to work, please take your time I rushed then crashed and burned.
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I have returned to work with mobility issues however my job is mainly computer based. I would advise that you take the time you need before returning to work. It is harder going back after a stroke then you might imagine especially if you suffer with fatigue. I was off 18 months before I returned to work but not because of my mobility issues more because of the fatigue I suffered. If you are thinking of returning to work I would ask for an occupational health assessment to be completed which can advise on reasonable adjustments that can be made to help you return to work. If your gait issues would put you in danger in returning to the work then I would suggest that now is not the time for you to return. You can continue working to improve your gait and then perhaps consider returning to work when you feel more confident.
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I would suggest investigating whether there are any gadgets or adaptations that could help. Access to Work will help with the cost. Any chance you could transfer to a different role in the factory?
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thanks , after my stroke i returned to work after 8 weeks for about 3 months now iam off sick again i want to get it right this time , i get full pay from work for 20 years service i could have 3 months off on full pay i will be 65 in july so could retire ? with only 5 months before i could retire its hard to know whats best , my feet hurt so much and i need to keep moving around thanks to everyone on here i dont feel so alone with these problems
You could look into Shilajit
Some exercise / some magnesium ?
There are many ideas ; some celery juice gave me a boost today
i walk when i can , i find it good
When did you have the stroke? Your gait should improve in time
For now totally fine to stay off work as long as possible and only return when you feel ready or they have prepared a safe way back to work for you.
I work at a desk however I returned to work after 3 months with lingering neurological issues. I felt better for doing so.
my stroke was sept last year , my first so all new to me , iam pleased you think my gait could improve because thats a positive thought and right now i need positive - i returned after 8 weeks apart from the feet iam fine , i have had my feet a long time ( 65 years ) as such i miss them ,
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Good luck! Do your physio as much as possible. They won’t come back without working on it
I did physio 3x a day every single day and finally saw meaningful results after 6 months
thats a good point = i walk walk walk and then walk some more , iam still trying to get my doctor to refer me for physio which is hard work - the way i see it is like this ,- when i had the stroke to be fair the emergency service blue light people where well over 100 % the hospital same , what the hell would we do without them hey - the problems start upon discharge when you find out your on your own and have to figure it all out the hard way
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Yeah I went to a specialist neuro physio out of my own pocket as I was left to fend for myself by the NHS.
They will save your life but that’s when the care stops imo
if you are able to use YouTube there is an abundance of resources on physio specifically for stroke or TBI survivors
@andrew90 Do not go back until you are fully fit. I went back too soon and i was a fool. Speak with your company and be honest as well as your GP. I wish you well 
good point our nhs are the best in the world at saving my life and i can never forget that but after discharge all hope has gone , no one knows how iam doing and no one cares no follow up and i also find my gp for some reason dont want to speak to the hospital team thanks for your comments very much
wise words !! thank you for your kind thoughts
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