Return of stroke defecits I thought I had previously overcome

I don't experience that but some of the people here did just wait for them to respond. peace!

Hi Dave,

I shared this image a while ago on Facebook, and I wanted to share it here with you.

Here is the post - 

Ros from EnableMe has posted a blog about stroke recovery, and when recovery seems to be going backward. The image attached is what stroke recovery may really look like, and that is OK! http://bit.ly/2s7S0Es

If you want to read the comments - you can here (if you are on Facebook)

Hi Dave,

Here are some more comments from the Facebook community:

Adrian Richards I actually lost my sight and speech after mt strokes 3 years ago. I have regained both but still get pretty dizzy and suffer from fatigue and overstimulation occasionally. Usually around loud noise

Colleen Gear Stress and over doing things can bring on symptoms. I struggle with fatigue migraines with aura sometimes vertigo weakness down my left side numbness when I'm tied. I've learnt to live with the symptoms and I'm blessed that's all I have. My specialist said this would happen probably for the rest of my life. So take it easy and rest when needed.

Adam Douglas I am the same Patricia. Stress, lack of sleep or over exertion gives me a reality check. Just need to learn to slow down and relax .... a bit easier said than done sometimes

Debbie Pilgrim Wobbly but not as bad as when i first stroked in 2020, had craniotomy this feb then bleed drained 10 weeks later, now walking and bike riding, getting stronger

Julie Williams This is called Post Stroke Recrudescence (PSR). Yes I get all of the same symptoms for the same reasons. Any stressors (all of the above + more), can bring it on so bad I think I'm having another stroke. I did some work with a physio re recognizing where my body/limbs are in relation to everything else, Tai Chi for Arthritis & Balance and classes doing the Feldenkrais method. All of which have helped give me confidence, more control and less anxiety when it happens. Everything did improve a lot but I had a different medical episode which brought this all back on to it's worst point again. I am just starting to improve again now (1 year).

Cheryl Whitlock Yes absolutely, I had a brain haemorrhage and stroke last year in July and improved slowly but surely. Then suddenly out of the blue I had severe vertigo, brain fog and unable to cope with everyday life. Headaches were really bad and walking or standing upright for any length of time was almost impossible and the deep sleeps returned as well. It was sudden and has taken me 3 months to feel sort of normal again. CAT scan was normal and just waiting on results of MRI. It felt like I had a stroke again

Patricia Disse Martin Yes. If I am especially tired . Heat makes it worse .

Simone Galway For my daughter she experienced this and couldn’t sit in the front seat of a car as a passenger. Found over doing it and fatigue was a big part. Hope you get it sorted

Michael Hayes Yes same happened to me I'm 8 years on from mine now

Jim Ramsbottom Happened to me, please get checked for Progressive Supra-nuclear palsy which I now have, can’t even walk now. Good luck, fingers crossed you do not have it!

Hi Dave,

Thanks so much for your post, its lovely to have you here.

We’re so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. Things have understandably been quite stressful, with two strokes not long ago.

Before we answer your question, we’ll start by acknowledging how fantastic it is that a second stroke has already been ruled out. The first thing we’d encourage anyone experiencing stroke signs to do is call 000, even if they aren’t sure or a stroke has been ruled out in the past.

It’s always best to err on the side of caution and call 000.

Whilst it may seem cumbersome to call 000 each time symptoms return, each time you do call and present to hospital for tests, your doctors more information to work with and hopefully get us closer to finding the cause.  

You’ll see from responses above ours that there are others who’ve had a similar experience to you. Even though a new stroke is ruled out, having symptoms resurface can be pretty disheartening.

The best place to start is getting the right supports in place.

Did you have any outpatient appointments or therapy arranged for you? If not:

• Ask your GP to consider referring you to a neurologist to have a closer look at the cause of your symptoms.
• Anxiety is something else you touched on in your post, Dave. Its great you’ll be chatting to your GP about this. Ask your GP whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Care  Plan which subsidises the cost of psychology sessions. A psychologist can give you some helpful strategies for the anxiety and overwhelm.
• You also mentioned that busy movement and shouting can make you feel unwell and off-balance. This is quite common after stroke, it’s called sensory overload. An Occupational Therapist would be able to help you work through this. Your GP can make a referral for a Chronic Conditions care plan.

In the mean time, these tips may help:

• Distancing yourself from loud noise
• Wearing earplugs or headphones if you really can’t move away
• Getting plenty of rest before heading out to noisy environments.
• Asking people around you to lower their voice

Hopefully this is helpful, at least to start with Dave.

Please let us know how you go. We’d love to support you through the journey.

Take care Dave and remember to call 000 if new symptoms resurface,

Feel free to also give us a call on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Friday 9am-5pm AEST) or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au 

With kind regards,

Lisa

Stroke Line

Thanks all, for your helpful comments.