7 years post massive stroke. We were told he would not survive. Now walks with stick. Has Aphasia but not too bad. Medically all good but has Piriformus on left side and in lot of pain. Evidently we were told from sitting too much.
He seems to be just giving up. Where can I get help? Lost appetite too much pain. Got new strong medication today like a slow release tablet over 12 hours.
Give him a good kick in the bum wake up to himself , mot serious victims feel pain and put up with it , seems he is special , well he is not , even amputees feel pain long after the operation . Pain is nature tallimg you something is wrong , either you can't walk , as my mum said , there is always some one worse than uou , So lives instead of moaning
Please don't kick him up the bum... I had very similar issues after my stroke when I realized I could no longer pursue my dream of becoming a Botanical Illustrator because my right hand shakes so much. I also lost the ability to drive because my right foot shakes too much. In fact, I had to throw my entire Bucket List in the bin because of my physical and mental disabilities. I wanted to die... Instead I found a really supportive Mental Health counciller who showed me other ways to connect with my arts and crafts post-stroke. OK, I had to swap the car for a mobility scooter and NDIS Support Workers who drive me to places I want or need to visit, but this also provided social contacts and expanded my involvement in the community. I am also a keen woodworker and I set myself a goal to return to woodwork by teaching myself how to use power tools with a shaky right hand.
It takes thinking outside the box to find new ways of connecting with our previous hobbies, jobs and social supports, but the human brain is an amazing "muscle"; the more we stretch it in different paths, the more flexible it becomes.
Find the things in his life that used to make him happy, and help him find new ways to connect with them post-stroke.
Hi Chris,
It sounds like he has come a long way in his recovery and stroke journey. Great to hear that he is able to walk and communicate.
Is the pain he is experiencing new or chronic pain? Are you referring to Piriformis syndrome? Who is managing his pain – is it his GP or is he seeing a pain specialist?
I’m really sorry to hear that he seems to be giving up. As most people would agree, stroke recovery is not linear and it is important to continue some form of rehabilitation for sustained recovery.
His GP would be a good first point of contact to discuss his mood and seeming to be “giving up.” The GP can do a mental health screen and suggest medication or referral to counselling or psychology.
It is important to manage his pain as this would affect his function, mood and motivation. But also remember that most interventions, whether therapy or medication, can take some time to work.
You may like to give us a call on StrokeLine so we can discuss further and provide you more individualized advice. Call us on 1800 787 653, we are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AET.
Hello Chris, the comment from StrokeLine is a good place to start, if it is Piriformis Syndrome unfortunately when the term syndrome is used in the medical profession, it means they don't fully know how to cure it.
My wife had and still does suffer from jumping leg syndrome after her brain aneurysm in 2017, this also left her with Global Dysphasia...any way to cut a long story short I worked very hard in finding a neurologist that takes a holistic approach and then over a number years we work through a number of medications to stabilise her pains and other issues like dementia and Parkinson's. Have a look at the information on the link below.
Hi Chris, as we know stroke doesn't just impact the survivor, it impacts those close to them too. I am so glad you asked the question here for community guidance.
I am a stroke survivor myself (12 years post stroke) and have piriformis syndrome and arthritis in my lower spine - which pinches my sciatic nerve. It makes walking and standing quite difficult. The pain is 24/7 and really drains me and impacts on my energy and mood.
I take medication and also see a chiropractor and do some stretches. The stretch that I do is a yoga pose called pigeon pose which really helps.
If he is open to it, a chat with a psychologist may help - it can sometimes be much better to get things out to a stranger who is non-judgmental.
Maybe ask GP for a referral to an outpatient rehab as it sounds to me he could use some more rehab, counselling and a pain management program. It is true that not moving will cause more pain in the long run. Only exercising will reduce the pain.
He is tired of being disabled , and is having trouble coming to terms with it , a phycologist might help and suggest ways how to get out of his rut .Yes it is very common for some stroke victims . Positive thinking is the secret , and yes am a stroke victim , 8 years and still no improvement .