I feel this may be common for many survivors. This reminds me of a discourse marker I am guilty of using often, “You know”, once, my stepmother used it at the end of her sentence and I remember my father snapping back, “No I don’t bloody know”.
I say this because I have had it said to me and have heard from other stroke survivors having it said to them, “Oh yes, I get tired too.” Tired? Fatigue is on another level. I’ve had said to me, we all do that, we all feel that, and I just give up. Is it misdirected empathy or sympathy? Who knows.
I have been following this thread and wondering what if anything I can say that might help. Unfortunately, I am not a stroke survivor and I do have a talent for putting my put in it, no matter how mindful I try to be
That said, it pains me to read your post and not be able to say something. Right now, I want to say something but I don’t want to make things worse by saying something that might upset you even more than you already are.
So I will try to do my best and ask for forgiveness in advance if I do unintentionally puts my foot in it. I can see you have supportive messages from others who are much better placed to empathise with you than I ever could and also you have had counselling which you might be able to tap into. I like the fact you had the presence of mind to do this.
This in my view is something very therapeutic and if you can, please try and do some more.
That is all I will say for now and if I may, I’d like to offer you a virtual hug and a virtual pair of ears. I’m listening
It’s a constant for many stroke survivors having to work out what are everyday pangs and pains, what are stroke related symptoms, what are pains and pangs exacerbated by stroke related symptoms and what are stroke related symptoms exacerbated by everyday pangs and pains … then to top it all off, someone says … “I get that too”. Sometimes, they have just provided the straw on which to break the poor camel’s back.
Sorry Natalie - I can’t do this any more. I can’t stand by and watch helplessly and so I will do what I do which is stick my nose and size 9’s where they may or may not belong.
In times of troubles, Mother Mary comes to me, singing words of wisdom …
Music - Any song that you find inspiring. Stick it on the record player and turn the volume up. Cliched would be “I will survive” by Gloria Gaynor) but one of my favourites is Chumbawamba - Tubthumping
A book - this is not for relaxation, but to help understand how minds work. It’s a brilliant book called “The Chimp Paradox” by Prof. Steve Peters.
I ask for forgiveness if I have put my foot in it.
Apologies I have not managed to reply but really appreciate you all taking the time to respond, offer virtual hugs and just put my mind and no doubt others’ minds at ease. You are all truly wonderful
I have had a two day migraine which has now thankfully eased. This will be my 5th migraine since my stroke in October so I am going to try to get in touch with the hospital tomorrow to chase up results of my ct and also see if they can offer any advice on migraines and the head pressure I am experiencing.
