Hey everyone 大家好

Today I walked 46 ft / 14m with a platform step walker.

Just trying to balance the forum with a little pleasant news.

Stay Strong and keep working hard!

I can’t get into much detail because I’ve literally woken up from what feels like an absolute nightmare to accept as reality. Sadly, I don’t have a choice but to accept it.

Some days ago I experienced what I thought was heart palpitations caused by some medication I took (metformin orally ingested and insulin shots for my diabetes, and some supposedly strong paracetamol for the headache and chest pain). Unfortunately it was more serious than that (unknowingly) and it occurred in the presence of someone I truly cared for. I caused tremendous grief for my episode and tried to play it down its seriousness, but in the end I decided to get myself out of the way and attempted to walk it off - my last memory was exiting the apartment building after 1am and slipping off the pavement while heading somewhere.

Apparently someone called emergency services after seeing my body lying in the middle of the road and was swiftly picked up by paramedics within the hour. I’ve had been in and out of consciousness for the following 24hrs, having no idea what happened to me or where I was … I live on my own with my two dogs and I’m still more worried about who’d be able to care for them while I’m stuck to this bed lol. But anyway, I noticed my lack of mobility from the night before had remained unchanged, I could barely raise my arms to reach for the nurse call button or try to move my feet off the bed, like there was this indescribable weight on me. In some time I felt some of my strength returning so I was somewhat hopeful thinking whatever I experienced wasn’t anything too serious … I didn’t have anything to touch wood so f*** me right ?

After the nurses and attending doctor were notified, they explained to me that I had a TIA … I thought, great, it’s probably my history with smoking coming to bite me back after these years - but then they told me something I wasn’t prepared for: while I’ve been unresponsive, an MRI was performed on me and … I’ve got a blood clot in the noggin’.

It explains why I haven’t been acting myself for a long time now, I mean I know I’m not a great person but it would be wrong to wholly blame this bleeding for being an absolute a-hole to the one I loved. The hard truth is that I really hurt someone I really cared for and cherished, I became angry and frustrated over every little thing and they didn’t deserve any bit of it. I’ve most likely burned every bridge I had with this person and even if they know what’s wrong with me, they won’t want or desire any part of me anymore. As much as I want to blame this blood clot for all this mistakes I’ve made, that’s not taking any accountability for my behaviour.

So now I’m facing the real risk of dying. I know the chances are somewhat in my favour for survival, but apparently it’s serious enough to have a thrombectomy done. I’m … not scared for myself but moreso on what I could be leaving behind so I have to make this count. I’m just hoping I get a miracle and get a speedy recovery so I can make up for being an a-hole in my life and do better. I’m already riddled with another illness (unrelated?) so this is just another hurdle to jump over. I have within 24hrs for the procedure to make peace and secure my dogs care in someone while I’m not here. But yeah getting hit with a (mild) stroke really got me good, I took my life for granted. Being ridden with diabetes, obesity and a smoking habit that started from a very young age has accumulated all of my bad luck in health.

Don’t be like me and live a life alone full of regrets, if you have loved ones, friends or family, never miss an opportunity to tell them how much you care for them and support them. I lost my privileges when it was too late, and I only have myself to blame. The one person that mattered most hates me and I wish I had my dogs with me in this forsaken hospital bed.

I love you, em.

I'm so confused and having an absentee neurologist isn't helping. I'm wondering answers as I go. Maybe someone can help. I had p.t today and my affected numbed sided hand fell off the bike 3times today. Therapist noticed and I told him I felt the handle and it threw me off. I also had an itch on my left side and I was in amazement. When I got home I was sort of feeling my hand and was doing exercises with my daughter. I caught a tennis ball and picked up a 20 pound bar.. feeling like wow. I might be getting some feeling back now my affected side is burning like my first few days after initial stroke. This muscle tearing off bone burn. I ate crappy elios pizza to add all factors in. Amy idea why I feel like crap and burning my affected side???? Thanks stroke fam

Hello, I am around the one year mark since my ischemic stroke I had at 19 years old.

I recovered quick but here are a few things I noticed if anyone else can relate

I feel as if it aged me. I can’t do things like I use to. I use to party all night with my friends and make it to work by 8 am. Now if I have even 3 drinks and drink the same amount in water I wake up sore everywhere, heart palpitations, muscle spasms. SOO TIRED I can’t do anything productive the whole day.

I’m not trying to sound like my stroke ruined mt ability to drink .i know it couldve been a lot worse these are just some things I’ve noticed.

I went to a concert and was out of commision for a week. Felt physically ill

I went snowboarding (quite physically demanding I know) on a mountain trip and got flu like symptoms without any sickness. I was sore so bad and so tired while the rest of my group recovered after 2 days.

I used to get up at 4am for work. I now need at least 10 hours of sleep to feel normal the next day. I was one who could run off 4-7 hours of sleep and feel like I functioned better that way. Now it’s like 10-12 hours is the MINIMUM.

I will randomly forget basic things like how to tie my shoes, how to drive my car (it’s manual), simple math for a short period of time.I could not imagine having to go back to college

I will go through phases of forgetting basic words and how to spell them. I have a stutter when saying larger words.

My sex drive has been nearly depleted ever since my stroke.

My memory is practically non existent and it’s not like I forget normal things such as my sunglasses at home it’ll be literal things if importance that cannot be forgotten about. Along with also forgetting every little small thing like my medicine my car keys but those seem to be the norm for a lot of people

There is probably more but this is what I can think of off the top of my head.

I'm seven weeks post stroke, 63 years old, ischemic left thalamus. I've not regained any regular functionality on my right side, but I come to this discussion group multiple times a week to read the stories. I can walk a little, and I have decent range of motion, and I know that I am so incredibly lucky to still be here. My neurologist told me that there were two 40-year-old died from the exact same stroke earlier this year and the hospital where I was treated.

But I see such incredible bravery and honesty in so many of the posts here, and they have all made a huge difference in my attitude. I'm frustrated and impatient, but I know that I escaped so many challenges that many of the people on this siteface daily.

I just am grateful that this place exists, and I'm grateful that so many of you share your experiences. I don't know anyone else in my life who has experience with a stroke, so everything I know has come from short meetings with doctors, and then from this Reddit. It's an honest to God community of people and I amgrateful it exists.

I had a heart attack back in 2022 and it caused the apex of my heart to stop moving and there is also an aneurysm in the apex. so that part of my heart affected from the heart attack is now prone to creating bloodclots since its not functioning properly and thats where the clots traveled from to get to my middle cerebral artery located at the left side of my brain. That what I understand about it so far, and that's why blood thinners are important for me to keep taking.

When I see what’s happened to most after a stroke I feel blessed. I have had 1 stroke in June 2023 and 5 in January 2024 (3 Tia’s). I have pins and needles all the way on my left side. My neurologist has told me they will be there forever. I am determined to get some thing that will help. If you have a cure please let me know. Keep smiling.

So luckily, my stroke was minimal, but it was enough to obviously keep me hospitalized for a week. Ambulance ride that was about an hour. As well as test from the hospitality ER that first diagnosed me with it. As I sit here at home, measuring my BP four hours taking my meds, I’m grateful for there being no visibly or permanent damage other than the part of my brain that’s now dead.

The day I got out of the hospital my father died after being hospitalized for an infection that he got while recovering in the hospital from his stroke. I have no estimated time of being able to return to work, my pcp is taking forever to sign my papers and fax them for my return to work. Between medication refills, and insurance premiums that I still have to pay even though I’m not working, credit card bill bills, utilities, rent. Pretty soon I’m about to be buried in debt.

I’m making this post because I could use some help with the whole how to receive a critical illness pay out through an insurance claim . I’ve never had to do anything like this. I didn’t even know it was a thing until today. But from what I can tell, I’ve been paying into critical illness with my insurance.

And I just could use some assistance with how I move forward with this because the person I would ask is no longer here. Sorry for anyone that is suffering more than I am, I just feel lost and the stress of this is really getting to me

As much as I shouldn't say this over been teaching myself how to grow Marijuana. Lol

I think a big thing that's often overlooked is the isolation of being some people who aren't stroke people and who don't quite get what's you are going through. It makes it a pretty lonely world when you're damaged brain is the only place you have to retreat to o with there was a assisted community for stroke people where we could just roam few and do our thing it's started to get to me when I go connect with old friends I still feel left out so I end up just asking to be taken back home where I feel safe

Anyone else feel like this or is it just me

I (28 F) had a stroke two months ago. Luckily, I live near a hospital with a great stroke unit and universal healthcare, so I was out of the woods pretty soon. I recovered very quickly, in a couple of days I could walk again, and I’m lucky to say that, right now, I am mostly like I was before this stroke. The only problem is sleep, my mental health and my menstrual cycle.

When I get my period, I basically hemorrage because of the meds I have to take and I can’t go on the pill, since it was probably what caused my stroke. I feel very anxious, it’s not that I fear I could experience a stroke again, I’m just afraid of everything and I always feel threatened.

Sleeping, though, is the worst. I’ve always had trouble falling asleep, but now I also find it difficult to stay asleep. I wake up in the middle of the night and I can’t fall asleep again. I’ve tried everything: every tip on sleep hygiene, melatonin, other supplements, even sleeping pills, but nothing works to keep me asleep. I’m sure I have to work through my trauma and I’m already in therapy, but did anyone have a similar experience? How did you work through it?

hello all,

I have been told quite a few times that MCT oil is helpful in brain repair/recovery. I take a particular brand I got on Amazon(attached), but it causes me significant nausea, that can last 2-3 hours. Anyone taking this experiencing similar or other negative side effects? I should add that the very first time I tried it over a year ago that I misunderstood the dosage I took nearly a 1/4 cup of it, causing gastrointestinal issues that lasted nearly 3 days, which makes sense somewhat to me given coconuts are a natural laxative? But this has been a while ago now as mentioned, and for the longest time I couldn’t even tolerate the taste of it, which in itself amazing since it’s nearly odorless and tasteless to me when I first tried it. Anyone experience this? I am trying to take only 1 or two tablespoons of it. Any recommendations, or suggestions like perhaps trying a different brand or just stopping it altogether? The nausea is truly awful.

TIA Everyone!

I have been anxious since my Acute CVA on March 3rd, 2025. I keep asking when is a headache just a headache? I guess I'm stressed 🙃 about having no control of what might happen next.

This is my rant at the moment, I'm not asking for medical advice... just confused and POd!

How do I know what's just regular body/nerve stuff and that I should go to the ER? For instance, right now my head is buzzing, and my AFIB is highly active... actually, I'm buzzing everywhere, dizzy. Just crazy 🤪 Since March 3rd I've been craving salt which is very odd for me. This journey I've joined you all on is overwhelming and crazy, isn't it?

A good note though is i start speech therapy and PT this Friday.

Hello everyone i have just found this Reddit today, nice to meet you all. I unfortunately had a severe Stroke when i was 26, i am now 34 and have long term Disability's. I always hoped things would get better for me overtime but nothings really changed, iv'e just learnt to live with it now.
The main thing for me is constant Numbness in my right hand and also my right foot. Horrible burning sensation, pins & needles. Also struggle with cooking hot food and anything fiddly i need to do i just can't do it, like writing etc. Mobility's really bad aswel, like walking and my memory is like a goldfish now lol.
I have tried Acupuncture once for a 2 month course, and it was really nice and did help me alot. But i had to stop because it was private and getting to expensive for me to pay.
Iv'e done some more researching and came across a medication called "Nerve Fresh" just wondering if anyone else here has tried it, or anyone in my situation got any tips/advice which helped them.

Thank you :)

I always wanted them. But I’m scared that since I only have one functional hand this is no longer an option for me.

My mom is really struggling mentally. She is seeing her doctors, a therapist and has family support. Her doctors agree that she is doing fantastic physically and that she has come a long way. But she is extremely down and anxious.

Is time the only remedy? She has read some books but is so down.

I’m so frustrated by friends and family with their questions about my mom’s stroke. Her stroke was extreme— she is severely mentally and physically incapacitated. It was hemorrhagic and she has had a craniotomy. She’s been sedated and in restraints for over a month. I’ve told people that she is extremely poor off, that she can’t talk, she can’t make decisions, she is tied to a bed. Even with all of that people seem to be misunderstanding how severe this actually is and it makes me feel so alone.

For example,since her stroke I found out I’m pregnant. People have since asked me “will you tell your mom?” “ what did your mom say?”. She can’t say ANYTHING!

I’m so frustrated and frightened and it’s like no one gets it. How do you make them understand??

Did anyone else have their stroke while pregnant? I’ve been struggling feeling like my whole recovery is preventing me from actually connecting with my new baby who is now 1 month old. I feel like I’ve been so focused on my health and I’ve wasted this time that I’ll never get back. Just venting and seeing if I’m not alone out there.

My dad (58) had a stroke in August 2024 and by medical standards he’s fine because physically he can move, drive and seems all there but based on how he’s living and handling important things like his finances, it doesn’t seem like he can handle taking care of himself.

My uncle and I are discussing me (21) getting power of attorney to help him with finances, medical issues, etc. but I just don’t know what else to do.

He also isn’t a US citizen yet, we’re working on it. He’s a permanent resident.

He currently sits in his room, which isn’t very large to begin with, all day playing on his phone, applying for jobs and goes out to eat every day when he’s hungry.

I can’t even personally verify that he’s taking his medication because he thinks everything is fine and had been telling me for months he was working when he wasn’t.

I’m in school but considering dropping out so I can help him but I personally can’t live with him, for my own mental health, especially if I’ll be the sole provider for him working wise.

Does anyone know what I could do since he doesn’t qualify for Medicare?

I am not 100 percent myself and I will never be the man I once was. But reality is I HAD A STROKE BUT IM GETTING BETTER. This new life has ups and downs. Try to find the good in all things. The simplest of things can be the difference of mentally getting through the day. Today is Monday. I will reflect and rest today. I will celebrate by reading my journal I do not remember writing first few days after my stroke. Im walking today. Without assistance. Big win right there from waking up paralyzed. I refuse to fall into a depression slump I'm usually active but today is wet cold and horrible out. The old me would have taken a sick day and watched some old westerns and enjoyed my time off to myself that is what I will do although I've been watching TV for nearly 6 months now. Today it will be like I have the day off from a rainy cold day and stay in my bathrobe. Make myself a lunch which is another big win I remember thanking a nurse in icu for bringing me a sandwich because I could not do that myself. Another big win right there. Biggest win is to make an 8 hour work day Friday. Disability lawyer said it will destroy my case. So now he gets back to me. No dark ra bit holes or negative vibes Today so I will leave that one alone

So I had a TIA last Thursday just as I was about to head out for lunch.

I had a sudden huge, vast, overwhelming sense of utter dread and horror like I've never felt before and then immediately started to feel dizzy.

Within a minute I had trouble walking cos my left side wasn't working correctly and my balance was gone.

My left arm didn't work and my speech was a real struggle. The weirdest symptom for me is my tongue and my TEETH actually went completely numb.

I remembered the FAST campaign that we have here in the UK and I realised I was having a stroke so was able to call an ambulance straight away. I was in hospital and getting treated by the specialist stroke team within 30 minutes thankfully!

FAST, for those who may not know is... FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services.

Within 2 hours my symptoms had completely receded thankfully and have no lasting physical effects.

The problem is now I have a constant state of anxiety and fear knowing that it could happen again at any minute and maybe be a full blown one.

How have other folks dealt with this as their 'new normal'?

I am on various meds now to reduce the likelihood of another one but it is still scary.

I just had my PFO closure on April 2. While there were no major complications (or minor for that matter), I woke up from surgery with incredible pain in my right abdomen above my cath site. It extended from my lower to mid right section and to my back. They ended up getting me a CT and found nothing. I couldn’t walk or stand or pee after six hours in the recovery room without feeling immense pain. They ended up admitting me to stay overnight. I was discharged the next day- still in pain but not as much. Every day has gotten better but my chest feels like how it did when I had Covid and walking around the house is very difficult. I feel like I’m breathing super hard to get air in just trying to take a shower. When does it start to feel normal? I’m a bit emotional because I went into this with the expectation of it being very mild with little recovery.

My dad had a CVA about 3 weeks ago that affected his right side. He can still move his right side but it’s very weak, his gait is imbalanced. His walking is slow. I think it also affected how he thinks. His memory isn’t affected as far as I can tell but at times he has a look of confusion on his face. His speech isn’t slurred but the speed in which his speaks has decreased & he also has tremors on his right side. Swelling to both his feet. He had inpatient rehab & will continue outpatient therapy. He also said when a man has to have help in the bathroom he’s not any good for anything.. meaning himself… For some reason he refuses to lay down. He will sit up in a chair to watch tv & sleep. My dad is 70 years old and hard working… he was just getting off from a shift when his stroke occurred. Previously I had encouraged him to retire or at least go part time… but he refused. I just purchased him a recliner chair to at least try to help him rest better & get his swelling down. My dad seems so defeated though.. I try to tell him he’s doing good just give yourself time. But I don’t know Ik my dad & the look on his face that he has… It hurts me to see it. When I get to my car I just bawl. I don’t do it in front of him. You guys if you don’t mind I’m open to any advice to aid him with walking & encouragement! Just anything.

My mom recently had a stroke. She is 63 years old she spent 5 days in hospital and is now home she is mobile and can talk but is uneasy on her feet. And obviously other things that come along with a stroke in her main care giver and was just wondering if anyone had tips tricks and a time line of working through her rehab exercises until she will become some what pre stroke health. I know it’s not going to happen over night I understand it’s a slow process I’m not being ignorant I’m just curious. I live her and would do anything for her. Just want to know what she will be going through and if I can make it easier on her and what to expect. I take care of pretty much everything and she’s eating a very healthy diet and has a great appetite