I had a stroke 5 days ago. For the first two days there was minimal loss of function, but it has been decreasing since. Is this normal. If so, when should I expect it to platue
Hi Damien
Thanks for reaching out on EnableMe and I am sorry to hear of your stroke 5 days ago. Were you admitted to hospital when you experienced the stroke? It is really important to get medical treatment when you have experienced a stroke.
It can be difficult to say what is normal after a stroke, as the location and severity of your stroke can determine the impact it has on you. If you are not in hospital , I would certainly recommend that you go and see your Gp as soon as possible and let them know that your function has been deteriorating, they may even send you back to the hospital for further tests and treatment. If your symptoms are getting much worse and you are at home, it would also be good to call 000 (triple zero) to get medical help as soon as possible.
Recovery following a stroke can also be improved with input from therapists depending on how your function is decreasing. This might include input from a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or Speech Pathologist. If you are not already receiving therapy, I would speak with your Doctor about a referral. You are also welcome to give us a call on Strokeline and we can talk with you about therapy and other supports that may be of some assistance.
It would be good to talk with you in more detail over the phone, so do give us a call at StrokeLine on Ph. 1800 787 653. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (AEST). You are also welcome to email us at strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.
I do hope that you give us a call, but am sure that others who have experienced a similar situation will also comment on this feed.
Kind regards
Siobhan (Strokeline)
Hi Damien,
Here are some more comments for you:
Debra
I too got weaker but am holding my own now. Mine was 6 months ago. More good days than bad. When I lose sleep it makes for a rough day. Best wishes.
Rishana
Listen to your body, baby steps. If you are unsure, scared or just confused, which it is possibly all three, contact your Dr/Neuro for the medical advice. Please do not let it linger as it may be a problem that could possibly have a solution. If the advice given that you are not happy with, ask more questions until you are comfortable with the answers, if not always seek another opinion, medical help is now better than what it was, and with the research being done it will only get better. Please remember baby steps and listen to your body. Good luck sweetheart, and never ever give up the fight, that's why we are called survivors. Remember we are always here to help/chat to, and the Stroke Foundation have an amazing source of information to help us all.
Grace
Hi Damien, it really is a scary time. I hope that things start to feel safe again for you soon.
If your neurological symptoms (movement, speech, sensation, coordination, thinking skills etc) are getting worse after your stroke diagnosis, please see a doctor (preferably a neurologist/stroke doctor) immediately.
Fingers crossed for a good recovery for you.
Stewart
Well said Grace!
It’s a super scary thing to go through Damien and it takes a lot of time to find a new normal, which can really muck around with your mental health too.
Definitely speak with your doctor and when your ready, maybe even a counselor..?…it definitely helped me.
Good luck mate and know that you’re not alone!
Barbara
You need to access rehab. Speak with Dr or neurologist. Plateau is an old term, if you work at making gains a plateau is not necessary. We speak of brain plasticity these days (plateau was a medical term used before medicine understood that the brain has plasticity and can change/adapt over time) - through rehab you should be to work on preventing further loss and making gains. Brain plasticity and therefore recovery from stroke can be lifelong.
Perry
Don't push yourself to recover, listen to your body and rest when you need it, every stroke is different for each survivor you will get through it, stay positive and appreciate each day and the people close to you.
Richard
Yes I had mine at 8.30am in the morning right arm and affected also speech was in hospital when happened lucky me then at 3.30:am I lost everything in my right leg 3 days later I got back most movement in my leg 2 weeks for speech it’s still not perfect considering this all happened on the 7/3/21 Still haven’t got full use of right arm and minimal in my right hand …But gotta keep on keeping on Mate