Hi Mark,
Thanks for reaching out to the Stroke Foundation through EnableMe. We’re sorry to hear about your stroke and the struggles you are now experiencing.
It must be a frustrating a time. It would be a good idea to discuss some of these concerns with your GP. They may do further tests or refer you to other health professionals such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapists, speech pathologist and a dietitian. Or are you already seeing allied health professionals to manage some of these ongoing changes after your stroke?
Physiotherapists can help to address your risk of falls and come up with strategies that may help with making you safer
Occupational therapist can help with energy conservation techniques for your fatigue.
Dietitians can help to support you with your changes to taste and diet.
Speech pathologists can work with you on your swallowing, speech and language.
FATIGUE:
Here is a great blog on fatigue and tips that may help with managing fatigue. Here are some take home messages
- It is important to schedule activity and rest breaks and listen to your body.
- Prioritise what is important to you and seek help when you can
- Diet and proper nutrition is important
- Some exercise is important so not to decondition.
TASTE CHANGES
Stroke Association UK- Changes to taste
Additionally, I’ve provided a link below to a forum discussing loss of taste post stroke. Feel free to have a look through that to read about other people’s experiences, what they did that worked as that might assist you to. Be sure to check with your speech pathologist and dietitian that these are suitable options for you too.
https://enableme.org.au/Community/Forums/View-topic?id=50f74826-e6ed-42bb-bd9a-378d05e65ea5
Below are some more links to pages that are relevant to what you are experiencing. The links include fact sheets, podcasts, blogposts and discussion forums relevant to leg functioning, fatigue and diet post stroke. Feel free to have a look through those, as they might provide you with information and a greater understanding into what you are experiencing.
https://enableme.org.au/resources/fatigue
https://enableme.org.au/resources/food-and-nutrition#/factsheets
https://enableme.org.au/resources/leg-functioning
Please feel free to reach out with questions or concerns.
We can be contacted at the StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 (Mon- Fri 9am-5pm AEDST)
All the best
Chaya and Kath (StrokeLine)
