gravity that all pervasive force that I have become so aware of this past 30 months since my stroke..the conscious/unconscious interaction with our earth, interrupted so dramatically, balance, spasticity, loss of bodily awareness that one is often aware once it is gone..a walk to the creek the other days watched in wonder at the water being drawn along...
Gravity hits me like a brick at about 7:pm. Least that’s what I feel when my stroke affected arm really starts to kick in. All day have managed it but as the day draws on it feels like my bloody arm is carrying an extra ten kgs. Why does this happen and will it ever improve. Oh well that’s my rant for today.
Hey Cynthia,
Do you think it could be a bit of fatigue kicking in?
If you wouls like to have a chat with StrokeLine about it, you can call them on 1800 787 653.
Diana
Cynthia ,I know this sense of wet sand weights.
Dianna ,I think the nefarious fatigue which can affect up to 70% of stroke survivors, is too often cited as the cause of issues...
interesting research in SAGE journals ,re limb heaviness post stroke
Hi Cynthia,
If your arm is feeling heavy, as Paul has also described, this can be associated with post-stroke fatigue, and not necessarily muscle weakness.
What causes fatigue after stroke is still unclear. It may be partly due to everyday activities requiring more effort, but pain, poor sleep, mood, medications and diet can contribute too. So talking to your doctor about these things is important.
Occupational therapists and physiotherapists are also available to provide support and strategies for managing fatigue in your everyday life.
Many people do find fatigue improves with time, however it is difficult to predict.
If you are interested in learning more about fatigue, visit the EnableMe blogs where people talk about what works for them,
https://enableme.org.au/Users/Profile/My-Blogs/View-Blog?blogId=5eef96e4-c5c0-4bea-b344-d447a8cd143b
Listen to one of our podcasts,
https://enableme.org.au/Community/Podcasts/Fatigue
Or check out this factsheet,
https://enableme.org.au/FactSheets/Fatigue-after-stroke-fact-sheet
Please also give us a call on StrokeLine (1800 787 653) if you would like to talk further.
Best wishes,
Shraeya and Kirsty
(StrokeLine)