New survivor dealing with an ischemic stroke a few months ago.

Hello John.  Just letting you know that the tiredness is the hardest thing at first, but it does get better! You need to listen to your body.  Your brain is rewiring itself and gets tired so much quicker than ever before.  An afternoon nap is essential in the beginning. 

It took my body a few months to get used to the medication.  I had to eat or snack regularly so I did not feel faint during the day.  After a year (after consultation with my doctor) I changed my pill times to the evening.  My lowest blood pressure is now at its lowest when I am sleeping, and I feel much more my old self during the day.  But you just need to work out what suits you.

Good luck.  It is frustrating, but it does get better.  The first week out of hospital I could not walk even half our beach before getting too tired.  Now I can do a 5klm walk some days.  I do try not to overbook myself or plan too much in one day though.  Be mindful of not getting too busy.  Give yourself a chance to rest - mentally and physically.  I know when I am tired as I get clumsy - bump into things or drop things, or forget words for things.  My prompt to stop and rest!

Btw I had an ischemic stroke in April 2023 caused by undiagnosed high blood pressure.

Hi John, these first few months are very tough, but it does get better. I too had a significant tremor in my right hand that started about 3-4 weeks post stroke. For me, it took a couple of years, but now coming up to my 3rd anniversary I have very good control over it, and it is barely if ever noticeable.

A couple of pointers that helped me. I wore a firm adjustable wrist band (from the chemist) when my hand was feeling uncomfortable and when it was doing its tremor. It really helped me. Secondly, keep up your physiotherapy in your weak area. It will be hard work, but in the long run its so worth it and keeps everything working. Everything is connected and if you start favouring your good arm, the other will degenerate in different ways. I learned the hard way, but I'm back up and working well again.

Listen to your body. Rest when you need.

All the best

Getting tired is your new normal, I’m 18 month on ischemic stroke and I’m tired every day. I’ve still very limited feeling or function on my left side still. But I’ve learnt to just use my hand arm in different ways! You will to! The first few months is the hardest, then getting to the end of your first year is the next hurdle!! Just keep going you survived your stroke your meant to be on this earth for longer so just keep pushing! You’ve got this

Thank you all for your uplifting comments.

The frustration I have at the moment is that I don't really see any improvement but that's mainly because I have never had to deal with an injury that doesn't heal and recover in just a matter of weeks or months really.

It is something I will have to keep telling myself that it will take time to recover and get back to something like normal.

Thank you all again and wishing you all a bit more recovery as you go on.

How you travelling,  John? 

Any improvement to your hand and arm?

How about the waves of fatigue?

Stick with your rehab, have patience and persist with the repetitions.

Good luck mate.