Good morning,
I had my stroke on the 30 Dec. I have been out of hospital since the 20 Jan. I cannot figure out what is fatigue and anxiety. I have started getting out a little more recently, and I am trying to figure what is normally and what is not.
I’m wondering if taking with someone might. I am still under the hospital but thought I would try you first.
Thanks again
Ste
@Ste1 , it doesn’t hurt to try. Talk to people such as @Anna_Moderator or any of her colleagues. They know what’s what. At the moment, I’m trying to help my mum even though she is stuck in a care home in Salford (I live in Wythenshawe, Manchester), their advice on such matters will be good. In fact, their advice would probably be better than what the hospital would say.
Hi @Ste1
Welcome to the community, I’m sorry to hear about your stroke and the fatigue and anxiety that you’re dealing with.
Fatigue and anxiety is very common after having a stroke and I’m sure more of our members will be along with tips and advice for this which has helped them. It sounds like you’re doing well with getting out a little more.
We’ve also got lots of information on our website about fatigue and anxiety that would be good for you to have a read of if you haven’t already.
I would also advise giving our Stroke Support Helpline:0303 3033 100. They have a wealth of knowledge and will be able to support to understand what is happening.
I hope you’ll find this community 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
Thank mate,
I how hard it is with with the care home, my mum was in was also.
Thanks for your insights.
High @Ste1 and welcome to the forum.
Brain fatigue is like trying to run a marathon with a broken leg in a cast.
Your brain controls all functions in your body both external and internal. And even though your brain is damaged by the stroke, it still has to carry on working to maintain all current functionality. Whilst at the same time it’s also making repairs and relearning how to do certain things. It’s healing.
It can’t do all that and be expected to do all that you want it to do at the same time. Something has to give, hence the fatigue. The brain shuts you down frequently to give it the time it needs to heal and repair the damage done wherever and whenever it can.
So your brain is the one at the very back of the marathon limping along on a pair of crutches and won’t cross the finish line for many years to come. But you will pick up the pace a bit over the first months as the brain cleans up the debris from your stroke and starts making repairs.
You need as much rest, if not more, as you need rehab excercise. Lots of breaks between activities, peace and quiet. And if you push yourself too hard, your brain will push back with greater fatigue. Your brain will hobble you.
Anxiety, we all have in the beginning too. We’ve had a stroke so there is always the worry of another even bigger one. That can receed to the bak of your mind over time, it eases. The only active thing I did to help with was through distraction, giving myself other things to focus on such as my speech exercises (I have aphasia from my stroke), stroke arm/leg exercises, improving the fine motor skills of my hand, trying to do little jobs around the house, reading…another issue of aphasia. The hardest time was at night when left alone with my thoughts, so I used to tell myself stories because I didn’t sleep very much in those early months either. And this in turn leaves you with even worse brain fog.
So talking about what you are experiencing on here or in person truly is enlightening and chances are, will relieve a lot of your anxiety. Phone the Stroke helpline as they can set you up with a weekly phonecall from a stroke volunteer who has gone through what you are going through. They will also be able to put you in touch with your local stroke group where you can attend and meet with fellow members from your own community.
Lorraine
Thank you Lorraine, you have just put into words exactly what I feel right now.
Thank you.
Fatigue can heighten anxiety and anxiety can bring on fatigue. They work together, hand in glove at times.
Hi @Ste1 & welcome to the community. Sorry you’ve had cause to join us.
I would echo what other’s have already said especially @EmeraldEyes so I won’t repear it. fatigue & anxiety do seem to go together in stroke recovery. Take it one day at a time and things will gradually improve.
Ask away if you have any questions.
Best wishes
Ann
Hello and welcome to the community @Ste1.
Use all available resources to help you along your journey.
The hospital resources should be best placed to help and advise you as they have detailed, medical and professional knowledge about you. If you can tap into that it would be fantastic, but it is not always possible as they tend to move onto other patients as soon as they can and unless you badger them they assume you’re OK. At least that’s how I can politely put it.
This forum will offer different angles and more information from personal experiences, perhaps “the real world” rather than the professional.
Wishing you all the best.
Namaste|
@Ste1 , no problem. I’m glad to help.
Hi
Anxiety is normal-it would be exceptional if you were not a little anxious about the possibility of another stroke.
Fatigue is probably the most common side effect,most of us have experienced it.
It will lessen over time as you learn to manage the new you,to do things in short sessions with rest in between.
I am now 17 years down the road and mostly adapted ,but I still get the odd day when I get tired,so take a rest for a while and then carry on.
I found that spending time in nature brought me calmness and lessened anxiety .
I have some new hobbies like gardening that give me time outside.
I wish you success on your journey
Tony
At the start I felt I was getting better. Now it seems as though I’ve taken a real step backwards. The nurses who came and visit tell me that this is lethargy because I had overdone things. How long does it take to get over this .
My head feels like it could pop, therefore worrying about another stroke.
I guess that it must take time. I gave my first meeting with the consultant a week and Monday. I hope she some good news.
Thanks again.
Ste
@Ste1 fatigue after a stroke is very common & you are very very early days into your recovery yet. Your brain is still doing its repair work & overdoing things at ghis stage doesn’t take very much. I would suggest you need to have more rest breaks as the fatigue will make you feel like you have gone backwards.
You have to learn how to manage fatigue to avoid boom and bust. It will take you time to work out the balance. It is different for everyone.
How long it takes to improve is also different for everyone. Management is key.
Good luck for your appointment. Write down any questions you have so you don’t forget to ask them.
Best wishes
Ann
Thank @Mrs5K
I just speaking is a great help.
Thank for your insights, I they are much appreciated.
ste x
@Ste1 , that is what we are here for…support.
When we speak of “it takes time…”, we are referring to months and months to years of recovery. There is 6 to 8 weeks time frame to recovery from stroke not even for TIAs/mini stroke.
And in the very early weeks, a day can feel like a year, just one long continuous day particularly if you don’t sleep. It’s no wonder really that you do feel like you are going backwards. But rest assured, you’re not. Your brain is just running a much reduced service at the moment while it heals and repairs. A bit like having only one electrical in one room with many electrical appliances needing to run off it. You’ll unplug the microwave to plug in the toaster, you’ll unplug the kettle to plug in the blender when needed. The same can be said of your brain just now, functions may frequently go “offline” until more permanent repairs are made or new pathways are made. Hence why you feel you are going backwards at times.
You have to think in terms of this next year, not this time next week/months. It’s going to take you that long to come terms with this new version of you, and to establish this newly reduced pace in life in order to manage your fatigue. Don’t try to run before you can walk, being impatient to recover will more likely set you back a couple of days. Take a leaf out the baby books because that is where we are at in many ways.
Lorraine
What a relatable explanation - thank you
@EmeraldEyes , fair play. Eloquently put. 
Hi Ste,
My stroke is 3.5 yrs old and I still have bouts of fatigue and brain fog when I do very little. I was a serious walker and by walking has been curtailed by the dropped foot and spasticity but, despite that I have badgered the NHS to give me suitable foot support which comes in the form of an external brace I wear over my shoe or boot which allows me to walk up to 3 miles on most terrain as long as it is fairly flat. I don’t have the energy or strength in my leg for hills. My hand is similar to my foot and my fingers were starting to curl up. I got them to give me a support for my hand which keeps my wrist and my fingers flat and I wear it in bed at night. You can ask to be referred to a neurophysio to discuss what aids you need for your body to work better. It takes time but worth persisting.
Good wishes, Mabel
Had my first hair cut last week. Since then I have had bouts of anxiety, which I might say have been horrendous.
I put it down to the tap water sprayed onto my head and then (am assuming) lethargy.
Has anyone else had this experience.
I’m now looking at buying a Nurosym to help support my anxiety. Has anyone else had any experience of anything like this.
Thank you
Ste