Just joined

[LeucadR]

Hi everyone, just joined the forum. I wanted to get to know other Brain Injury survivors.

I suffered two minor strokes in Nov/Dec 2021. Currently in recovery but still have issues with my right hand side. I am a member of Headway Basingstoke since March 22 and have found it so supportive and helpful.

I need some advice about improving my mental and physical well being. So whatever you can help with, would be appreciated.

Thank you

[Nemo24]

I am in fortunate position that I can get out for short walks. Try to pace and plan so I get out and see the natural world in local parks. Just take my time, stop to look at the view, recognise birds around, wonder at beauty of flowers and look up into canopy of trees. Life is at a slower pace now but its teaching me to see what's around me. Usually plan getting out with a stop in a cafe too. Helps with my pacing. Hope you can try this 🙂

[LeucadR in reply to Nemo24]

Thank you Nemo24 I try to walk every day and live in a wonderful rural area. Always positive when I return home from the walk.

[Minkies]

I was having problems walking without assistance following a knee and hip replacement and Physio was not helping so I contacted a Neurologist last August. I was sent for a Cranial MRI which discovered I had had multi mini strokes and a brain bleed, not recent. This probably caused my falls culminating in breaks.I then had a Carotoid Ultrasound which showed my arteries are clear, a puzzlement to my Neurologist.

I am on Atorvastatin 40mg (but only take 20mg) and Aspirin 150mg daily.

I exercise daily(walk and static cycle) and keep my mind occupied by doing puzzles reading (mostly about plants as I love gardening. watch nature and criminal programmes (I used to work in law), crochet, anything to keep my brain activated.

[LeucadR in reply to Minkies]

Hi MinkiesThank you I have a Google sheet which has a list of things I do every day and tick them off as I go. Good apps as well especially Reaction Training.

[cat3]

Walking, cycling, swimming (if able) are all good for boosting 'feelgood' hormones (Serotonin/Dopamine etc) which can motivate us to take on other productive and satisfying activities. It's a win-win both physically & mentally alongside eating healthily and keeping well hydrated.

I have knee and shoulder injuries presently so can't get far and feel a big difference in mood. But I potter around in the garden and keep my mind from straying to dark places with online crosswords, card games and jigsaws .....and exploring faraway places in Google street-view - just taken a long stroll along Avenue of the Baobabs in Madagascar !

And if you're a bit of a loner like me you'll have more time to dwell on negative thoughts or events but, (oddly maybe) anything true-crime related, whether in books or on tv, will keep me absorbed and fascinated for hours.

Hope you'll find your own source of inspiration LeucadR

Stay in touch... Cat x

[LeucadR]

Thank you Cat. Am trying to keep busy and walk every day barring the weather. Keep mind active with puzzles and apps on my phone. Have recently returned to work and enjoying being productive but am taking things slowly but surely.

[cat3 in reply to LeucadR]

...sounds as if you're making all the right moves towards your best potential ! Were always here to chat m'love.... 😉

[LeucadR in reply to cat3]

Thank you!

[skydivesurvivor]

welcome!! Hope u find as much support here as I have!!! SMILE to spite the frustrations!!! Good luck??

[LeucadR in reply to skydivesurvivor]

Thank you skydivesurvivor. I'm so chuffed I've had lots of messages of support.