Several issues

Good afternoon, I’m 42 and suffered my third stroke in December 2025. I’m really struggling with fatigue, low mood, lack of motivation and over the past couple of weeks have developed pain in my affected sides shoulder. I’m really struggling with work and adjustments etc. I’m still being seen by the psychologist once a week. I feel like I’m letting everyone down, Edie silly my 2 daughters. I rely on my oldest, who’s 14, to help me with picking up younger sibling and other things around the house. I have good mobility which is great but the fatigued is really starting to get me down. I’m stressed with how work are treating me. I’m feeling extremely overwhelmed right now and I don’t know what to do :disappointed_face:

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Sorry you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything right now. If I may siggest it I think you might have gone back to.l work too soon. 3 strokes is a lot and it is only 6 months since your last.

Fatigue has to be managed and working just adds to the pressure of managing it. I have been back at work 3 years and still have to rest after work & I only work part time now. It must be extra difficult with 2 children to look after.

You are not letting anyone down. Ypur brain has been through a traumatic event and it needs time to recover.

Did your work put any adjustments in place for you? Have you had an Occupational Health assessment done? You may want to speak to ACAS to get some employment advice and also speak to your HR department too.

Perhaps take a little bit of time out from work to allow you to reset and then see how you fell.

Sending best wishes.

Ann

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Hi Beckybecks
Trust me you are letting no one down. In my books you are a hero. All you describe is typical post stroke. And you are having to recover a third time small wonder you feel at times despondent.
I can’t say with certainty but I was told by a doctor - pain is good - it can be things coming back again cant say this for certain but to me that makes sense so fingers crossed thats it with you.
Ive had 2 strokes thankfully small but having to start recovery over again is daunting. You’ve had this twice before- and you will do it again slow and painful though it is.
I dont think ive said much of help but I hope so,e of it may. You have an amazing family by the sounds - amazing daughters and that too is down to you.
Keep posting friend it’s important and it will be good to hear how you are doing.
Great points by Mrs 5k btw. A bit of time out/reset is golden advice.
My very best wishes too.

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As I recall from when you joined this forum back in April, your work was helping you …

If I may ask, have they stopped supporting you or have their attitude changed?
What sort of support did you get?
Have you gone back to OH for further advice?

Other than that, I echo all that @Mrs5K and @Baldrick have said.

Help is available and you should try to get it asap. Please don’t get things on top of you.
Also, it might sound bizarre but with the recent hot spell we have had, this can also affect you and so you should be wary of that.

:slight_smile:

:pray:

I’ve had a further oh referral regarding my fatigue and working hours… I’ve asked to start earlier as my fatigue worsens in the afternoons, which thier response is ’ how would this help? And meeting business needs etc.. being told I can’t have my physiologist appointments during work time and I have to drive into the office. All these concerns have been raised and I have back up from the union but everyone I mention something they seem to try to dismiss it. It’s just so overwhelming at the moment.

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OK - thank you for the information.

I don’t have any expert knowledge on employment laws, but I am sure your union will be able to help you. I can see how this must be difficult for you, but please stay strong and use your union to help you :slight_smile:

:pray:

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this is the first thing my Chinese Dr told me - actually pain is your friend - he told me, and it helped me so much

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Hi Becky

Have you been in touch with occupational health at work? X

I have … an in my 4th referral since January :roll_eyes: