My friend had a bad stroke a year ago. He's generally OK now, but still gets tired and has headaches that knock him out and upset him. He works full time and is not really in a position to not work or reduce hours. His job keeps him busy and distracted and not particularly stressful.
I want to be more understanding and be able to help any way I can. Are the headaches likely to gradually go away in time? Is there anything I can recommend to help? Any advise appreciated.
Hi,
There are a lot of us who suffer from tiredness / fatigue, so I absolutely sympathise with your friend. I would offer a couple of thoughts:
1. Don't assume that all problems are caused by the stroke - it could be something else less critical. Talk to your GP about it - it's what they are there for.
2. I had a massive increase in fatigue last year, which I put down to my blood cancer plus a TIA, but blood tests showed up very low vitamin D levels. A short dose of highly concentrated D3 fixed it very quickly. It was like an energy switch had been flicked on.
Don't assume you have to suffer in silence. There is help available if you ask for it.
Good luck, and let us know how you get on
John
Can I ask what type of stroke your friend had? And what age is he?
I had a haemorrhagic stroke in 2012, at the age of 29. A year, although may seem a long time, in recovery of a brain injury is not. I still to this day suffer with fatigue, headaches, sometimes intolerance to noise and sunshine.
To be back at work full time after a year is fantastic but everyday things can cause huge mental fatigue, which can be very debilitating.
This website may be useful,
Reapplying for driving licence after a stroke
Possible stroke?
Cerebellar stroke
Is it stroke pain