Increased anxiety after stroke

[sobs1962]

I had a TIA on 1st January 2022(fantastic start to the new year),followed by an endarterectomy on my right carotid artery as was 90% blocked. My question is, does a stroke worsen a preexisting anxiety disorder, as I seem to be anxious about anything and everything and sure that all that added stress isn't doing my risk of subsequent stroke any good. I'm finding the wound on my neck is healing much slower than it should be and is still painful almost 2 weeks since my operation. Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly welcomed as I'm not coping well at the moment.

[cat3]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Firstly I have to ask whether anyone (either in the stroke team or your own GP) has offered you anti-anxiety medication to calm you ? It could provide you with some peace of mind and lower your stress levels, so important throughout these early weeks.

I read your earlier post and feel saddened that you blame yourself for past drinking and smoking, feeling these caused your stroke. Tobacco and alcohol are addictive (I used to smoke 20 a day & drank at weekends). And if you feel your habits were excessive you should blame the drinks & tobacco companies for marketing highly addictive substances ; you've done nothing wrong !

Get help for your anxiety m'love, and start making peace with yourself. And do stay in touch with us here. Love Cat x

[sobs1962 in reply to cat3]

Thanks for reply, but unfortunately, I have tried just about every antidepressant or anti anxiety medication over a period of 32 years and nothing works, mainly because I have BPD and don't really want to add another medication for fear of interactions between medications. I guess, I'm just destined to be one of those people who continually suffer due to high anxiety and having recently (in last 2 years) trialled new medication and had an adverse reaction to it, has really put me off trying anything new,anyway the NHS is on it's last legs, so things are only going to get worse from this point on.

[philcollis]

As a TIA/stroke survivor of many years can I offer you some reassurance? A TIA or 'Mini Stroke' is a warning sign of a' full blown' stroke (usually within 72 hours of TIA event). Luckily you were able to be diagnosed and treated quickly. The operation on your carotid artery has significantly reduced your risk of a Stroke . As you have received treatment you will be followed up by the TIA/Stroke clinic and advised on lifestyle changes and other secondary prevention advice to help you manage your stroke risk. It is still very early days in your recovery and as each day passes your future risk of stroke reduces as long as you manage any risk factors. Your wound will heal it takes some people a little longer than others sometimes....if you are still concerned it may be worth having a chat with a nurse or other health professional at the TIA/Stroke clinic? You can also contact organisations like Headway, British Heart Foundation, Stroke Association for any further advice? It might also be worth considering having a 'chat' with others that have 'lived experience' of TIA/Stroke through social media/local support groups and of course your GP. You have experienced what could have been a life changing event, so think positive about making those life style changes to help self manage any future risk of Stroke, so that you can live your life to the full ;-)....everything within reason ....have a great life !

[Pairofboots]

Hi sobs. 1st January 2022. This is still extremely early in the recovery journey. I would be saying the same if you were to have said 2021 or even 2020. People talk about serious, mild, mini etc as descriptions for TIAs, strokes, injuries that effect the brain. This really refers to the event, this doesn't necessarily do justice to the results of the event.

Contact Headway, their details are pinned to this page, discuss your worries, they have a wealth of experience that may setting some or all your concerns.

I hope that you still have contact with the team at the hospital, talk to them about, they can refer you to neuro rehab to access a neuro-psychologist that can help you understand what you have been through and gain a realistic understanding of the event, and subsequent worries.

The fact that you have unfortunately had the TIA, and been treated means that Dr's, your GP are aware that this has happened. They will continue to monitor your, and prescribe medication to lessen risks of further events. No one can say 100% that nothing will ever happen again, but then no one can say you won't stubb your toe, but you and the medic's will reduce the risk.

Cat mentioned medication, this might be worth exploring to give you respite from the constant worry you are experiencing. Any injury involving the brain can cause anxiety, with or without preexisting history of anxiety, but if this has been previously a problem then this may reoccur, and treatment, either talking therapy or medication would be advisable.

Best wishes 🍀

[AndrewT]

Dear sobs1962,

without reading the other Relies, that you have had.... so that my answer is My answer, so to speak.

You say that your Neck Is Healing Very Slowly... could it not be that ALL of you is doing so? At the Very Least you have suffered one Heck Of a bit shock Physically, let alone Mentally.... (How long did it tale 'Mary' to Recover from That 'Fall'- the one twenty years ago? Even Mickie's 'Mishap' put him in Hospital 'all summer'.)

What I'm trying to say, admittedly in a rather Hap Hazard Way, is give yourself TIME, yes Time to Recover, time to Think, Time to Heal, Time to Take Stock, Time just to make Time even. You had your 'TIA' ONLY THREE WEEKS AGO- even a Broken Arm wouldn't be healed yet! Sorry if I sound like I'm Having a 'Go', at you, that is NOT my intent at all, I'm just trying to put this in, some sort of, Context.

On a purely Physical Level you might need s 'Stent', a lattice, put into your Vein/ Artery, to keep it Open and the Blood Flowing. Not a Difficult, or long, Operation with a Short Stay in Hospital. If no-one has 'Mentioned' this, to you, Do ask.

I notice that you call yourself sobs1962, is this the year you were born? Me Too!!!!

If I can 'Help/ Advise' you further, please don't hesitate, to contact me further. In the mean time try, at least, to have a

Happy New Year 2022

AndrewT

[sobs1962 in reply to AndrewT]

Before I had my operation, I asked if they were going to put in a stent, but they said no as apparently stents can block too, you're right about me giving myself time, but I have such ridiculously high expectations of myself that even I can't live up to them and I feel like I should be doing physical exercise but don't have the energy most days and as the weather is so cold, it takes all my energy to try and keep myself warm because of my hypothyroidism and the doctor keeps telling me I'm "over-replaced because of my suppressed TSH, so that'll be their next move to cut my levo dose and then I'll be incapable of doing anything as I'll have even less energy than I do now, not to mention the fact that physical exercise hurts especially my thigh muscles and I'm wondering if that is a side effect of the high dose statin I'm on.I feel like I'm stuck and can't move any way.

[LeucadR]

Try meditation and Tai Chi. You can do this in the comfort of your home. YouTube is good for top videos to help you.