Demoralised

[Exhausted101]

I collapsed at the end of August and was diagnosed with a TIA, spent a few weeks in hospital, have had some physio and and am still off work.

It was described as a "mild TIA" so I'm finding it really demoralising that I get tired at the drop of a hat both physically and mental.

Some days I feel fine and ready to take on the world, other days I have no motivation at all, even to make a cup of tea.

Can anyone share their experiences on recovery and the duration please. Have you any suggestions how to improve it?

[Pairofboots]

Welcome to the forum. I know in the ideal world you wouldn't have chosen to be here. We are a friendly bunch of people with lived experience. Please consider contacting Headway, their contact information is pinned to this page.

First thing is the term 'mild', mild, severe, minor, etc is somewhat misleading from the effect it has to how you are effected. As you are finding, it can be debilitating, Fatigue is common, it is the body's way of recovering. It will get better with time. At this stage, try to just go with it, if you need to rest, don't think that you just have to fight it. You will learn what things cause you to become tired, and will be able to adjust. We all go through a period of boom and bust with fatigue, but it is really a case of pacing activity. As I said, it does improve.

This is early days in your recovery journey. Unlike a broken bone, there isn't a defined time it takes to recover, and we are all surprised how long it takes.

Headway can provide information on most aspects of recovery, and you may find it easier to pass this on to friends and family, it can be very difficult to explain to others what you are experiencing.

I wish you well, and remember that we are here to help you. 🍀

[Exhausted101 in reply to Pairofboots]

Thankyou Ian, I guess I've been finding it difficult as I've been home for a few week and I don't seem to be moving forward in any great way. I've got use of legs and arms mostly but run out of steam.

My family are great and (so far my employers) Its me thats the impatient one!

[Pairofboots in reply to Exhausted101]

Yes I know the frustration. I thought how I felt in hospital, I'd give it a couple of weeks and I'd be back to normal. Two weeks came and went, the same with months. In my mind, although the powers that be, all said I had good insight, it took me a long time to understand and accept. The insight people thought I had, was me separating me from reality. I treated myself as a patient, as if I was someone I could fix. Even as I was retired, and I surrendered my registration I held on to making a comeback.

This is my story, that doesn't mean the same is yours. Your recovery journey is individual to you, we can hopefully help smooth the lumps and bumps of the road. Cat has given some great pointers. I'd also suggest that you take any support you can get from the rehab services, even if you can't see the benefit, it becomes clear as you recover.

[cat3]

A 'mild' TIA, as Ian (Pairofboots) mentions, can mean very different things for different people. Genetics, lifestyle, or underlying health issues affect our robustness in dealing with new medical conditions, and what might be straightforward for one may be a long haul for others.

Any brain injury needs to be taken seriously. Fatigue is the no 1 issue and can fluctuate from day to day, so try creating a firm, none-demanding, routine of bare necessities, good diet and hydration, plus regular light exercise such as a half an hour walk - come rain or shine.

Sufficient sleep is important for a recovering brain as is conscious relaxation, perhaps with music or undemanding crosswords/jigsaws/word games etc. Moderation is the key to levelling out the fatigue to a point where you can start to test your limitations.

Two months is quite a short time in terms of rehab & readjustment so try to keep work at bay for as long as needed ; so many people come unstuck after returning too early. And I too recommend your phoning our helpline for support and for the facts on your particular brain injury. Tel no is freephone 0808 800 2244.

Please keep us updated m'love.... Best wishes, Cat x

[Exhausted101]

Thanks for the reassurance Cat, I've been worrying quite a lot about I could or should be able to do. I've been told by the stroke nurse that "its different for everyone" which, while meant kindly, wasn't much help. I get frustrated quite easily when things don't work the way I expect. Your post has been more reassuring so thankyou - and I will give the helpline a call next week.