Hi Lyn,
Thank you for your question. We are so sorry to hear you feel like you’re going backwards and your right side is becoming increasingly numb and stiff. Do you feel this has been a sudden change or gradual over time? If it has been sudden you are best to speak with your GP to ensure there is nothing new going on. When was your last neurologist review? It might also be a good time to return to be re-assessed. It could be that you’re experiencing changes in muscle tone causing the stiffness, something we call muscle spasticity. There are ways to manage this.
Are you still seeing a rehabilitation team? It would be worthwhile being reassessed by physiotherapy and occupational therapy so they can best advise and guide you on the most appropriate exercises and evidence based techniques.
I think you may find these two particular podcasts extremely helpful too. They mention Professor Leeanne Carey’s work in sensory retraining. You could ask your physio or OT if they are trained in SENSe.
https://enableme.org.au/Community/Podcasts/Sensation
https://enableme.org.au/Community/Podcasts/Long-term-recovery
Here are some more resources you might find helpful:
https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Leg-functioning
https://enableme.org.au/Community/Podcasts/Exercise
https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Arm-and-hand-function
https://enableme.org.au/en/Community/Podcasts/Hand-arm-and-shoulder
https://enableme.org.au/Community/Podcasts/How-spasticity-can-affect-you
If you’d like to call us to discuss your particular situation further we may be better able to assist. You can call to speak to a health professional on StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
Best wishes,
Simone (StrokeLine)
Hi Lyn,
Here are some comments from the community:
Nicole: I had altered sensation on my left side after my 2nd stroke. I too worried that my function would not be the same. I found using a stress ball to keep my arm active helpful.
Do things that you enjoy and they might take your mind off your situation. Over time hopefully you will notice a difference.
Also is mirror therapy good in this case. An occupational therapist could help out with this? Good luck xoxo
Michael: Lyn, I use a soft weight and walked as long as possible every morning doing exercises on my left side but 1 month is nothing, keep exercising as much as possible it will help you both physically and mentally, the more you do the better you will get, join the stroke exercise group for inspiration and to see there are always people worse off
Judy: My right side was like that too Lyn but the physio therapists had me working on it until I was crying . It’s worth it so keep persevering . Still a bit weak on that side but 95% better .
Terri: iwas the same and thepain was just awful i had to go on strong med ications but this made me push through the stiffness and numbness by forcing me to move my arm hands and legs also my hubby and i were looking back of pictures just after i had my stroke and my face was very weakand a bit droopy but now my face shows no sign of a stroke so i want to say be patient and give it time and force yourself to keep using your arm do you live in the the hills or windsor area of sydney as i also goto a wonderful stroke group and its good because you can ask these sort of questions to other stroke survivers good luck Lyn and believe me you are doing beter than you think just you prob dont notice it kindest Terri
Annie: My husband had a lot of nerve pain in his right arm, hand and shoulder after his stroke and it took about 12 mths on pain meds before he started to get relief without them. He has had botox injections which have helped a lot, but still has pins and needles every morning after wearing a brace all night but is exercising without pain now. Wishing you all the best in your recovery.
Graeme: Yeah left side of my head, eye and face pain still give me grief. Just keep being mobile with walking and swiming and hope it improves. We just gotta keep at it.
Cate: Hi Lyn, sorry to hear your right side is still numb & stiff. I have had good results from acupuncture, remedial massage & SOTs chiro. Good luck Lyn, it’s so frustrating when our bodies won’t cooperate.