Hello Lisa
Thank you for reaching out on EnableMe and I am sorry to hear what you have been through in the last month or so. Being misdiagnosed and not knowing what has happened to you can be challenging and frightening. I am pleased that you have had an MRI and know what has occurred, especially whilst being pregnant given the pressure that pregnancy can put on your body.
Stroke recovery can be different for everyone, and is associated with the location and severity of your stroke. We talk to many stroke survivors who experience sensation changes and from what you have described, possible muscle spasticity. Muscle spasticity can make your muscles feel stiff and tight and it can feel as though your muscles are resisting movement. Have you noticed in changes to your hands of feet, such as contractures of fingers, or your toes curling?
I am pleased that you are booking into a neuro-physio, as they can certainly assist with muscle spasticity (if that is what you are experiencing) and with changes in movement and strength.
Have you perhaps also considered seeing an Occupational Therapist, especially to help manage your potential fatigue? An Occupational Therapist can also look at ways to ensure you can do everything you need to with taking care of a newborn, especially if your limbs are feeling heavy and tight. You can talk with your Gp about a chronic conditions care plan which would entitle you to 5 sessions of allied health therapy over a 12-month period at a Medicare rebated rate, then seek a private OT. If you have private health insurance, you can also look at finding a private OT that they will cover. Given the fact you are looking at neuro-Physio and OT, your Gp may also refer you to a community rehabilitation centre, or hospital outpatients, but this may be challenging with your little one at the moment.
Given the fact you have had an invasive procedure with your C-Section, and you are still in the early stages of recovery, as the stroke nurse has mentioned, fatigue may also be impacting on your recovery and your sensation changes. Fatigueis very common after a stroke and can frequently not be associated with activity or energy exertion. Symptoms offatiguecan include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, increased pain, aching muscles and reduced coordination and balance. It can be difficult to say exactly how long these feelings of fatigue will last but it is important to discuss how you are feeling with your Gp. Have you seen them and talked about the changes you are experiencing? There are ways to manage post stroke fatigue, including changes to your diet, exercise routine and talking with your Gp about whether your medications might be exacerbating how you are feeling. We would also be happy to talk with you about other ways to manage activity and daily tasks through pacing , planning and prioritising your daily activities (as much as you can with a little one).
Given that you feel differently now to how you did initially, it is always a good idea to discuss any changes with your GP, and with the neurologist once you have an appointment. Given the time of year, we do know it can be difficult to get an appointment immediately.
It is good to hear you are aware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and if you are at all concerned at any stage that you are experiencing another stroke, do not hesitate to call 000 (triple zero).
We would be more than happy to talk with you in more detail on StrokeLine. You can give us a call on Ph 1800 787 653, or email us at strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEDT.
It would be good to hear how you go once you have seen the neuro-Physio and the neurologist.
Warm regards
Siobhan (StrokeLine )
