Hi SherBearSurvives,
I want to answer your question from both a professional and personal perspective.
From a professional perspective:
What are the symptoms that you are having? If you are having stroke-like symptoms that are increasing, it is a medical emergency and you should call 000. If you are unsure, please call your GP to discuss or call us on StrokeLine on 1800 787 653.
If the increased symptoms are an increase of the impact that the stroke has had on you, (e.g. fatigue, difficulty concentrating), these often only become really apparent once the initial crisis has passed and people get home and back into needing to do things. Fatigue is a very common after-effect of stroke. Here is our fact sheet that discusses how fatigue can affect your life and work and some strategies for managing it.
Problems with memory and thinking also occur frequently after stroke and usually improve rapidly in the early stages of recovery. You are still in the very early stages of recovery, so rest is important, however when you are used to being busy and have a mounting pile of tasks that need completing, it can drive you a bit nuts! Could you aim for a balance by structuring each day with essential/achievable goals and tasks? Slowing down a little may also give you a chance to explore other things in life besides work!
Everyone’s journey post stroke is different depending on who they are, where the stroke occurs, how quickly they get treatment and how they respond to stroke emotionally etc. For a young, healthy person, it can be a big shock to have a health crisis. Talking to others and normalising your experience on forums like this one can help. You can look for a support group in your area here or join the discussion on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strokefoundation/
From a personal perspective:
I had a stroke at the age of 29 and coming to terms with that was very difficult. I had a great fear of having a second stroke. I felt as though I wasn’t myself anymore because of fatigue and weakness and wondered if I would ever be the same again. I felt guilt for not being able to care for my young family as I would have liked to and worried that my memory problems would prevent me from returning to work. Over time, however, the fatigue and fear faded away into the background as I continued to live my life, address my stroke risk factors and focus on new things.
Like you, I was busy and wanted to get up and get on with it but my advice to you would be:
- Be kind to yourself and listen to your body. If your body is telling you to slow down, it is because you need the rest;
- Now may be a good time to take pause to re-evaluate your life. How is your life style? What are your stroke risk factors? How is your work life balance?
If you would like to talk further, please call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 and I would be happy to talk with you more.
Best wishes,
Melita (StrokeLine)
