So, that's quite a title huh? I was watching the news this morning and they were talking about postpartum depression, and it got me to thinking... "is there such a thing as post stroke something?" So I googled it, and there it was... Post-Stroke Fatigue.
It's been quite enlightening for me to know that being tired/fatigued is something that can occur after a stroke. So, what is post-stroke fatigue? The following are some of the things I found out...
Post-stroke fatigue is not like typical tiredness.
Unlike usual tiredness, fatigue doesn't always improve with rest and it isn't related to how busy or active you've been.
After a stroke the brain is healing.
The recovery process takes up a lot of energy so it is normal to feel very tired.
Resting every day or nearly every day is necessary for the healing.
The signs of fatigue are not always obvious to other people, and they may not understand how genuinely exhausted you are.
The fatigue gets better, but it can take many months before it begins to lift.
It's important not to ignore fatigue. It will get better, but will take time.
So, take it easy on yourself and don't force yourself to do all the things you used to do straight away.
Rest when you need to.
I was beginning to think that I had turned into a "wimp". Being exhausted when I get home from work (my work is not physically demanding so why would I be so tired)... I found out that I am not a "wimp", and this is a real thing.
My body and brain have both been through some trauma... they need rest... so, don't be surprised to catch me resting... at home, in the park, at my desk... I'm just catching up on my rest. For healing purposes. Yeah, that's it... but seriously, don't be surprised.
I feel good, I have no pain, I am just tired after a day of work. it will get better.
