Is it normal to be great one day and feel terrible the next. With symptoms feeling worse??

Hi Ian,

Thank you for reaching out to us and sharing what you are going through. You ask such an important question, one that will resonate with many here.

It is normal to experience good and bad days in recovery. Symptoms like tightness and tingling can fluctuate. As stroke recovery isn’t a straight line, this can be disheartening at times.

Firstly, it’s important to identify when a bad day is a medical emergency. If you are experiencing any of the signs of stroke , call triple zero (000) immediately.

It’s important to talk with your GP who can:

- Make sure there are no other health or medication issues causing the changes.

- Link you with allied health therapists such as neurological physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Your GP can write you a referral for a chronic disease management plan to see these therapists.

- Link you with specialists such as a neurologist.

Here are some things to consider when talking with your GP about your symptoms:

Medication

Consider when you started new medication or had medication changes. Medications may cause unwanted side effects. A GP can address these issues or refer you to an appropriate specialist. Never stop taking your medication or change the way you take it without talking with your GP.

Changes to your routine

Look at your overall routine. Has anything changed? Write down your symptoms from day to day. Include what made your symptoms worse and what made them feel better. Can you find any patterns?

Fatigue and overworking

Adjust your schedule if you are fatigued or overworked post an activity. Fatigue or overworking can make your symptoms worse. We recommend a balance of activity and rest. A neurological occupational therapist can help with energy conservation strategies.

Stopping or reducing rehab

Consider restarting rehabilitation if your stroke recovery has become worse after stopping or reducing rehabilitation. A neurological physiotherapist can create a stretching program or sensory retraining program to meet your needs.

These are only a few things to think about with fluctuating symptoms. It is normal to have good and bad days in stroke recovery but when zooming out at the whole picture, there shouldn’t be an overall decline. With support, your symptoms should improve.

Make sure to celebrate the wins and enjoy the good days. On bad days, seek out the people and things that make you feel good.

StrokeLine can help with information, support, or advice about recovery after stroke. We’re great listeners. Call on 1800 787 653, Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm AEST. You can also email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au

With kind regards,

Kath, StrokeLine

Hi Ian,

Here are some more comments for you from the community - you're definitely not alone in this!

Karen Jacobson Yes I have this and on the bad days I also panic thinking oh god it’s happening again which makes it worse I’m the same no one can give me a reason

Karen Michelle If I don't have enough sleep or push beyond my limits then all of the enduring impacts of my stroke are much worse. This is common to all neuro conditions and to many other chronic health conditions as well.
My advice to Ian is pace yourself and get plenty of sleep. Eating well and staying hydrated also help. If you have a terrible day, have an early night and hope for a better day tomorrow.

Corrine Mcl 2.5 years post and I just can’t pick it. One day I’m sort of ok (despite the constant nerve pain, numbness and tingling and brain fog) but the next I’m completely useless. I’m learning to be kind to myself though, it just takes time .

Jane Cross Hi Ian, I feel this too! Locking goals and getting on with life and then the next not being able to make it through the day. No one has been able to give me a reason why yet….

Joanne Ashby Hi Ian
I’m a 6 year stroke survivor and I have a bad day and the next good yes still have left side weakness and tingling I found standing on a power fit vibrating machine helps with my balance and circulation make sure you get enough sleep and rest
Best wishes to you ❤️💋🌻

Anna Tam My symptoms is not so obvious. But surely that happened. But all takes time to heal. Keep using all limbs in normal daily activities. Suddenly one day you will realise that there’s improvements

Michelle Walker Harman Hell yes! I'm 2 .5 years into recovery and it's still ridiculously tough!
But... it happens! It's a forever process, so you need to keep going, keep trying, keep sucking it up....
I've got great love and support, they make it worth the battle, every single day!😀

Kirra Stimson This is me too, 6 years on. I call them my 'strokey' days even my young kids know I need extra TLC and help on those days and there's nothing I can do to stop a 'strokey' day. I hate them but I have learnt to be kind to myself and not so hard on myself, especially on the bad days xx

Rayns Baz I feel the same too. Good days and bad ones.

Janice Clarke Yes. I am same 1 year post stroke

Yes , its normal , feeling good then the next day is bad  , its common. Just something you have to live with , for me I get headaches 4 times a day and is hazy about the past 3 years , they can give you tablets but they make you sleepy , thats I dont take them for headaches .Remember your brain has been thru alot and you still want the independence you enjoyed before the stroke . Sorry I cant give you advice on it .