Feeling unsettled after a minor stroke

Hi Jennifer 

Hang in there, I’ve just had my second TIA on Monday morning and like you I’ve previously had a couple in my sleep.

I myself am now actively seeking a career change to reduce my stress levels and tweaking my diet as well as getting in some more exercise 

I always try and look on the bright side whilst making the most out of life at every opportunity, don’t get me wrong I’m not about to jump out of a perfectly good aeroplane to go parachuting LOL, but just look after yourself as best you can by at least limiting the bad stuff (food and alcohol, or in my case my sweet tooth :-) and remember to get out there and do the things you like, smile and enjoy life. 

You are not alone :-) just a little lost maybe

Thank you for the support Tony. 

I'm glad I'm not the only one who wouldn't jump out of a plane. Our local pool has just reopened so I'm trying to swim every couple of days, working up to every day but I get tired really fast at the moment. I adjusted my diet in 2016 when I was diagnosed with T2 Diabetes. I reversed the diabetes with diet and exercise but the exercise wagon wheels have fallen off as I have Osteoarthritis now too. The pool helps with that as well.

I'm feeling lost and alone since the stroke and finding it hard to get info and support. I can't even find out a definite date when I'm allowed to drive again which is leaving me feeling stranded and unable to make Christmas plans.

Hi Jennifer,

Sorry to hear of your experiences. Don't let the phrase 'minor stroke' diminish what you've been through and going through. You've had a stroke and that means you've had a brain injury which can take a while to recover from. Rest was a real important part of my recovery and it has taken me a long time to learn to say no to things.  I've had an hour nap for eahc afternoon of teh last week because I know my body needed it and I know if I hadn't had that rest I wouldn't have been able to do anything else for the rest of teh day. 

It is hard post stroke to not think that everything is then stroke related but give it time and this thinking will diminish (I'm not sure it ever goes away) but also remeber that anxiety can also affect your memory.

HAve you called STrokeline? They may be able to point you in the right direction with any questions you have. In regards to driving, each state's traffic authority  has their own rules re commencing after a stroke so you may need to follow up with them. 

Best wishes with your continuing recovery

Toni

Hey Toni, you are right about the term minor stroke. 

Your comment reminded me of a video Maria Lewis recorded about 8 years ago and having a TIA (mini stroke). Jennifer you may like to watch it.

first thing is she had a stroke and no stroke is minor , the specialist can give her medication that help but she might need the medication for 12 months , as i said the medication does work and aleviates your bad thoughts , main thing is she gets as much rest , but its a long road . i know because i was on them for 12 moths and it is just a side effect from the stroke . hang in there and give her the support .best to talk to her doctor about it .

Hi. I am new to this forum and your story resonates with me. I have always suffered from extreme health anxiety. On Thrusday I was walking my dog and got intensly dizzy (but I am always dizzy) I felt drunk but blamed it on anxiety. Got home and had weakness in my leg and arm, again said it was anxiety. The next morning I went to write a check out and couldn't, I had no control, it looked like chicken scratch. Well, I still thought I was having extreme anxiety. Finally went to the doctor Monday.  My smile was off, no balance, weakness on right . He said it looks like a stroke and ordered a MRI for Thursday. I am a mess. The fear of another stroke has me sitting here with my teeth chattering.  I am.so scared, so afraid the next one will be much worse. And of course this kind if stress is bad for strokes. Anyway may we can support each other

Hey Deb, I think the anxiety part is the worst. Every little twinge etc, actives the fear "is this another one?"

I thought my biggest fear was having another in my sleep and not waking up, it's not. My biggest fear is having a stroke in my sleep and waking up paralyzed and unable to call for help.

As time goes on (it's two months today) since my stroke I'm noticing more things that are harder now. I can't recall common words when having a conversation. I am constantly dropping things,  a real pain because bending over makes me dizzy. I have always been that person who won't go to bed and leave dirty dishes in the sink but find myself leaving them now. I have actually put dishes in the garbage because it was easier than standing to wash them. The fatigue is really bad.

I'm also very stressed. My medical bills exceeded my income and I put them on my credit card. Now I have to budget like crazy to pay the CC. My only income is jobseeker. 

I am a mess too but I have always smiled and said "I'm ok" through bouts of depression and now I'm struggling with not being ok but not knowing how to stop pretending I am.