Stroke and Dyslixia

Hi Adam,

Fatigue is common after stroke. Here is a conversation about cognitive fatigue that may give more information about what others are experiencing.

Here are some tips on how people manage their fatigue.

Here are some resources. And a podcast about fatigue.

Do you know about our StrokeLine support phone service? The number is 1800 787 653 

Diana

Well thank you Diana.

 It has ligented a few things for me. Like falling alseep after ten miuints of reading and such.

When talking with people about it I will call it cotintive Fatigue. They seem to sneer at jst the fatigue word. Eveyone get tired.lol

Interesting comment for the lady who mentioned a fog when you really try to studdy. Get it all the time. Had it a little with the dyslectia and now tis ten times worse.

Adam

Hi Adam,

Thank you for your question, and I am sorry to hear about your stroke.

Yes, a stroke can lead to difficulty with reading. We call this ‘acquired dyslexia’ or ‘alexia’. This is different to the dyslexia that you were born with. Trouble with spelling or writing is called 'dysgraphia' and can also occur from a stroke.

You also mention you have trouble speaking and thinking, unfortunately these are common challenges others experience following a stroke. Fatigue and stressful situations can sometimes make these worse.

Have you seen a Speech Pathologist? They can assess not only your speech but your reading and writing and set up a therapy program. Your GP can make a referral. 

Did the stroke result in any changes to your vision? If so, this may have an impact on your reading and writing as well. Occupational Therapists can assist with strategies for vision. They can work together with Speech Pathologists if needed.

In terms of the fatigue, this also is common following stroke. Unfortunately there is little research on the best way to manage it. Stroke survivors tend to try different strategies until they find what works for them and their situation. Is there a pattern to it? For example, are you most fatigued at the end of the day? Keeping in tune with patterns (if any) is a good place to start. It may be helpful to break tasks into small manageable steps and aim to go through them when you are most alert. Eating well and getting enough sleep will also help. The aim would then be to gradually build up your energy over time – and for a lot of people this a slow process. Being kind to yourself and keeping your tasks for the day manageable is important too. It would also be worth checking in with your GP to make sure there isn't anything else contributing to the fatigue.

Here are a few fact sheets you may find helpful:

- Communication after stroke: https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Help-after-stroke/Stroke-resources-and-fact-sheets/Communication-after-stroke-fact-sheet

- Thinking and perception after stroke: https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Help-after-stroke/Stroke-resources-and-fact-sheets/Thinking-and-perception-after-stroke-fact-sheet

The fatigue podcast and resource that Diana sent through are great. You may also want to look at the fatigue after stroke fact sheet: https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Help-after-stroke/Stroke-resources-and-fact-sheets/Fatigue-after-stroke-fact-sheet

As Diana mentioned, please feel free to contact us at StrokeLine, 1800 787 653, if you have any further questions,

All the best with your recovery,

Lisa (StrokeLine)

Hi Adam

Good on you for reaching out!!  I hope you find some help from Diana and Lisa's posts.  Plus know that us fellow survivors - experiencing what you are or not - send all our very best wishes your way.

It's an ongoing personal discovery for what helps and what doesn't for everyone.

If you feel up to it - keep us in the loop with what you are up to and how things are going for you.

We'd love to hear from you.

All the best

Sue

Hi Adam, 

Like the previous comments, having a stroke does make you very tired, that is, cognitive fatigue. It took me a long time to accept that I needed to slow things down and have a nap in the early afternoon. Also, I have alexia so I have to be careful sending an email or message. I always use an app to check my writing. But they are not perfect, as you can see in my comments in EnableMe. 

Keep going ahead. 

Marcus

HI Marcus

Sorry to take so long replying. Learning all the time. My Mother said an interesting theg once. You have to learn to control what is wrong and not let it controll you. I am just begining to undertand this.

Adam

Hi Adam

Great to hear from you again!

Yes keep learning and growing. All in your own time - experiencing a stroke and then your recovery, it's hard work, the recovery road for me was full of ups and downs and then two steps forward one step backwards. 

Take comfort and encouragement where you can find it.

Have a good day.

Sue