Issues with reading following stroke

[Runrig01]

Hi I am new here, although my stroke was 3yrs ago. I’m having issues where if I’m trying to read either a book or kindle, I have issues focusing on the text. It always seems that the background like my table or the grass in the garden suddenly becomes the main thing I focus on, it’s like the background suddenly becomes the foreground does anyone else experience this.

I was fortunate and made a good physical recovery after thrombolysis, only having a mild left sided weakness. However my memory is shocking and I rely on apps to remind me of things. Things like medication if I don’t tick it as soon as I’ve taken it, I then question myself later if I did take it.if I’m chatting with someone and I get interrupted I cannot pick the conversation up again. If I watch tv and family ask what it is or what it’s about I’m unable to tell them, and have to hit the information button to tell them, and actors names I can never recall either, having been excellent prior to stroke. I was retired on ill health which was due to my inflammatory arthritis mainly, but they said I could get it reviewed in 3yrs if the stroke was still causing issues. I’m not sure how I could evidence the memory issues, I haven’t bothered my GP about it, and just adapted my life to cope. The NHS memory tests are geared towards looking for dementia. Does anyone have any suggestions. I do have the Ct Scan that was taken 24hrs after the stroke which confirms areas of ischaemia, as well as the CT which diagnosed the stroke.

Apologies for the length of this post.

[cat3]

Hi Maureen. There are specific terms for such issues but I'd hate to guess at precisely which one might apply to you.

I'm hoping the Headway helpline can put you in touch with someone who has experience of your particular syndrome. Their contact number if freephone 0808 800 2244 during office hours and the team are friendly and helpful.

The ones I've read about can't be cured but they can be treated !

Good luck m'dear.. Cat x

[Runrig01 in reply to cat3]

Thank you for your reply, that’s very kind. I’ll give them a call 👍

[philcollis]

Hi Maureen, I would suggest that you contact your Stroke consultant/clinician secretary and briefly explain some of your issues to arrange an assessment/follow up appointment and review. At that point at least you and your clinician can discuss any issues and referrals to any therapy services that may be beneficial to your ongoing recovery and rehabilitation. It might be a good idea to keep a 'diary' of what happens and when, either doing this yourself or asking a friend or carer? This information will be useful to both you and the clinician in recognising any 'triggers' that may be contributing i.e. fatigue, viewing computer screens for too long etc. providing information to plan your future care.

[DawnD123]

Good morning, in reply to a small part of your post…. I had problems with remembering my medication too. I only have to take mine once per day and would always forget if I had taken them. I bought a dispenser from the chemist with the days of the week marked on it. My latest one has four compartments with flip top lids marked ‘morn, noon, even, bed’. As I only use one compartment for the day, I fill all of them for the month so I can see instantly if I have taken them. I spent a lot of time worrying if I had taken them before. X

[Runrig01 in reply to DawnD123]

Hi thanks, I actually use a weekly one, which has 4 compartments for each day. So with tablets I can clearly see I haven’t taken. However I also use several inhalers where I can’t do that, these are the ones I struggle with. I have my shower then notice I haven’t ticked off the inhalers which I take at 10am, and no matter how hard I try I can’t recollect if I took them. Sometimes it becomes clear when I go to take my evening ones and my peak flow has dropped, so I realise I probably did miss the morning dose. I rely on a lot of different phone apps to keep me in check.

Another problem I have is I have to do daily stretches every day for my inflammatory arthritis, some afternoons I ask myself did I do them. If hubby is home he can confirm for me, but he works full time so is only around mainly weekends. Hubby suggested a whiteboard which is fine till I get distracted and forget to tick it 😂.I haven’t discussed with my gp as they’ve been busy with the pandemic and when I’ve had appointments it’s been focusing on new heart and lung diagnosis’s.

Thank you for your response. Take care 🤗

[DawnD123 in reply to Runrig01]

Ooh, I hadn’t thought about the inhalers and that side of it.I know its an ongoing thing. Im nearly thirty years since my initial SAH and about seven years since my last stroke. I’m sure I used to overdose on paracetamol because I would forget that I had already taken them or the last time I had. I had to stop myself taking them all together I was so worried about it.

Fortunately for me I live life on the basis that my ‘glass is half full’ and try to think as much as I can about the wonderful people I have in my life. I am extremely lucky to have a wonderful son, his lovely wife and three gorgeous grandchildren who I get to see a lot.

Try not to be too hard on yourself and keep checking in here. There are some wonderfully inspiring people on this site xx

[Runrig01 in reply to DawnD123]

I agree it’s always good to have “a glass 1/2 full” attitude. I was recently diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and told it has a life expectancy of 2-5 yrs. I’m 55 but plan to make the most of my days. My daughter gets married in September hopefully, has been cancelled twice due to Covid, but am confident it will go ahead this time. So lots to look forward too.

Enjoy your time with your family 🤗

[Hidden]

Morning Maureen. I found it really upsetting when I could no longer read. What I did was start to read poetry. Poems are different lengths and no ‘long haul’ is needed. Give that a try. Xx

[Runrig01 in reply to Hidden]

That’s a great idea, I bought a poetry book recently for my kindle so will try that. Just struggling to understand why I have this sensation where all the item around what I’m reading becomes the clearer thing that my eyes focus on. I’ve just responded to someone else on the thread and I managed fine, yet while typing your response I struggle as it’s all my bedding that’s clear and the phone is fuzzy. Frustrating 🙇‍♀️🤗

[Hidden]

Can’t help you with that one I’m afraid 🤷🏻‍♀️