2 years on from my ICH Stroke - First post!

Deni Ann
Deni Annon Friday, January 11 2019
2 Comments

Hi, my name is Denise and I suffered an ICH (Haemorrhagic Stroke) in Sept 2016 at age 52.  I was in hospital for 2 weeks whilst they were trying to find the cause of the bleed as I didn't have high blood pressure which is the main cause of an ICH.  I had a lumbar puncture, ECG's, multiple scans etc.  I had hit my head quite hard at work 3 days prior to my stroke, but they don't think that was the cause of the stroke (I had a referral to a private Neurologist who also confirmed this) as the bleed was deep within my brain... I still believe the hit to the head had something to do with it.

Anyway, I had a few weeks off work and besides feeling a little "spacey" and being a bit unbalanced when standing on one foot, and my handwriting going downhill (in a big way!) I seemed quite okay cognitively and physically.

However, about 6 months or so ago, my memory started getting really bad (thought it was just my age as it was quite bad prior anyway!), but I couldn't remember why I walked into a room and more recently, I forget what I'm saying in a conversation if I am interrupted and in general conversation, I can't seem to find words... I feel like a real dill as this has been happening a lot lately.

Has anyone else had delay in their (??? can't think of the word, good example!) cognitive functions, thinking they were totally okay for a while then going downhill some time afterwards?  I don't know who to see about this as I feel it's starting to affect me at work.

2 Responses
Diana avatar
Diana

Hi Deni Ann,

Welcome to the community, and thank you for posting.

I have sent your question through to StrokeLine 1800 787 653. They are a team of allied stroke care health professionals that provide their expertise. I hope you get some answers from the community too.

There are some resources about memory that you may also find handy click here. And a podcast here.

Diana 

 

StrokeLine avatar
StrokeLine

Hi Denise,

 

We are sorry to hear about your stroke and the difficulties you are experiencing, it sounds as if the last 6 months have been difficult for you.

 

Stroke can affect the way you think and perceive things and this may affect your daily activities including memory. Have you spoken to your local doctor about these changes? Any new changes should be discussed with your doctor so they can follow up any medical reasons for the changes.  If not, it would be helpful for you to discuss the issues that you are experiencing with you GP and or neurologist (if you are still seeing one). 

 

Other factors can also impact on memory, including fatigue, stress and mood. Fatigue is quite common following a stroke, and can impact on a variety of activities including memory. You can read more about fatigue after stroke here.  It is worth considering whether there might be other factors influencing your memory, especially if the changes have increased over the last 6 months.

 

Are you still involved with any therapists such as an Occupational Therapist or Speech Pathologist? Ongoing rehabilitation can assist with changes to thinking such as memory. If you are not still involved with a therapy team, it would be good to talk to your local doctor about a referral to a local community rehabilitation program, or a private therapist such as an Occupational Therapist or Speech Pathologist. An Occupational therapist can provide you with rehabilitation support, assess your thinking and perception skills and how they may impact on your day to day life. They can then provide you strategies to manage your changes.  You also may wish to discuss with your doctor a referral to a neuropsychologist for assessment, as a neuropsychologist can diagnose and treat changes in thinking, memory, and behaviour after stroke. There can be a high cost associated with a neuropsychologist assessment, so discuss this with your doctor before making the appointment.

 

It may also be worth discussing with your local doctor, your eligibility for the Chronic Conditions Management Treatment Plan. This would entitle you to 5 sessions of Allied Health therapy such as Occupational Therapy or Speech Pathology at a Medicare rebated rate.

 

 Some strategies that may also help with your memory changes include:

  • Keeping a journal or list of items that are important. This might include a list of friends with their pictures by their names
  • Reducing the distractions around you when you are trying to remember something, or taking on new information
  • Using lists and checklists around the home and in your bag for when you are out and about

 

In addition to the links Diana provided, you can read more about managing your memory problems after a brain injury here.  

 

As Diana has mentioned, if you would like to discuss your concerns with a health professional, please do not hesitate to contact us at StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 or strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.

 

 Wishing you well,

 

Shraeya and Siobhan (StrokeLine)

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