A new chapter

Hi Greg

Welcome to what I call 'the other side' otherwise know as post stroke. My initial stroke was 4 years ago yesterday when I was 46 yo. Whilst I find myself thinking back on my journey on a regular basis I find anniversaries are such a day of reflection, and in essence a celebration of what I ahve achieved, and while I may not be able to do everything I used to, in the scheme of things,  it doesn;t matter as there as so many things that I can do :) 

Our new bodies are interesting Toni and should be celebrated. What we achieve and learn what they are capable of is who we now are. That's our journey destiny call it what you want but this is how our lives are mapped out. We can't predict the future and we can't change the past but we can enjoy the present and what our present body is capable of.for me everyday sets a new benchmark as I get to understand my new bodies abilities and limitations. Yesterday was my first day back at work and l hit the wall very early in the day with fatigue - mental fatigue. I know have a new limit or benchmark and have to somehow work on my mental endurance which l am guessing is no different to muscular endurance- just do more and more. Will see how today goes and celebrate hopefully a new benchmark tonight. Congratulations Toni on your milestones. 

Hi Greg,

Have you listened to the fatigue podcast? 

Diana 

I haven't as yet Diana but today was a new benchmark. More conversations and l lasted til 2pm with a late morning fade that lasted 30 mins. Yesterday was 10.30am. Am happy with that. 

If l had a $1 every time someone said "don't push yourself" I would be close on being able to retire. Whilst they have concern for my health as far as I am concerned not pushing myself is not an option. If I can I will and I do.

Hi Greg, 

Adrian O'Malley is a great person to talk to in the community. He is 10 years post stroke and had a very similar attitude early on. He pushed himself and might have some good advice.

Also Antonio swears by tai chi, here is a video that he made.

Bill Gas  finds Yoga and meditation really helpful.

Shelagh has written a blog about pushing too hard and finding balance. 

You can message any of these people from their profile page and ask questions.

Diana 

Hi Diana. Why is your photo sideways? Cheers. G

Hi Greg,

I am not sure what you mean? I noticed my profile image looks a little stretched :)

Diana 

Hi Diana. It shows as sideways. Mine did also initially til l managed to rotate it. Maybe it's my iPad and perhaps ignore unless anyone else says same. Back on the subject Monday was a full office day for me. Tuesday was 4 hours during which l was operating in a mentally fatigued state that was akin to being drunk and trying to stay awake. Finding words and speaking was a struggle. Home at 2.30 and slept til 5. I took today off. I have some work again tomorrow. I don't plan on going easy on my mind or body and will push both til like yesterday it drops me and l sleep. My reasoning is that my mind and body need to learn new limits, simple as that. I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue 25 years ago and came out of it after several months by hitting the gym and pushing the fatigue limiter. This post stroke fatigue is the same fatigue so l will adopt the same push albeit that l am 25 years older and see what happens. Will keep you posted and fingers crossed. 

Hi Greg,

If you ever want to talk a StrokeLine team member about your fatigue and pushing yourself you can talk directly to them on 1800 787 653.

p.s I will see if I can rotate my profile image - thanks

Diana 

Took the last 2 days off work due to our beloved German shepherd Eadie having a turn for the worst Wednesday night. She was put down at 9.30 Thursday morning. Rip puppy. Hit the gym that arvo and then again this afternoon. Had increased the weight tempo the last week and was excited this arvo when my legs pushed out 2 reps at 140kg on leg press -only 2 weeks ago l struggled at 100kg. I then moved to dumbells and used the 12.5kg ones which is my norm and which felt so heavy when 1st back in gym post stroke. I did a rep using these then tried the 15kg ones. Pumped out 1 rep of 10 curls each arm then tried the 17.5s and did 8 curls each arm. The strength has returned, in fact, the strength is growing. I do home loans for work. An existing client wants to see me Sunday, another 2 on Monday and l have committed to assisting on a home loan display at Sunshine plaza Maroochydore the week commencing the 23rd nov. These activities are more daunting to me as l am just starting to learn and test my mental endurance. I read the fatigue podcast and understand there is not much known; so as l have said previously l will do as l have made my body do and push; it worked when l was 30 - we will see what happens at 55.

Had a couple of calls today from tahnee from stroke support brissie. Lovely lady with kind words of support and advice.