I had NO idea as to the effects of a stroke before having one - I had presumed that the physical effects were the worst and thought, when I was lucky enough to regain movement quite well that I would soon return to as I was before. I have been really surprised and disheartened at the realisation that I am likely to be tired for a long time. Last week I managed to use the second rung of the ladder to clean the window - a real achievement which I couldn’t cellebrate because I was so tired I had to go to bed. I’m trying to accept that I will feel tired but has anyone regained energy and if so how long did it take?
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@FionaB1 I am just 4 mths post stroke & too suffer with fatigue. I was really pleased at the weekend because I’d managed to walk a bit further than previously - still not far but progress. Then that evening I felt so poorly it took the shine off the achievement. As @Loshy says its about pacing yourself & taking plenty of rest breaks. For example I now clean one room in the house at a time and then rest. From reading lots of posts from stroke survivors fatigue seems to be a major issue & lasts a long time. I can be wiped out for a few days if I overdo it. I am currently getting help from an OT on fatigue management. Don’t know if you’re getting this? Worth asking for a referral if not. Take care xx
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Hi @FionaB1 - of course we’re all different but for me the fatigue is much less now than it was immediately after my stroke, three and a half years ago. At first it was very debilitating and I really had to pace myself, very unusual for me. I now only get the odd day where I’m ‘wiped out’.
My partner, who is incredibly supportive, thinks some of it is due to my age (I’m 64), but I can tell the difference between just feeling tired and the stroke fatigue. You will know what I mean.
I hope that your fatigue eases soon.
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Hello Fiona, the tiredness you describe is also something that I am learning to live with. Knowing that I will get tired is something I factor in when I am planning a task and even planning my day. In a way I call it ‘Condition Management’. For me, the key is allowing plenty of time to rest and not put myself under pressure to complete a task in a set time.
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Same as the others really. It was dreadful at first but is fine now so long as I pace myself and don’t overdo it. I still nap for an hour at midday.
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I apogise if I sounded moany. I had a couple of weeks when my tiredness seemed to be getting better and then wham - I was back to a nap in the day and bed at 8pm! There doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason to it but I am now trying to pace myself. Fully expect to be exhausted for the next couple of days as I’ve had a really good day and been for a very scenic walk
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This is positive. When I manage to do something similar I give myself a pat on the back. It also lifts my mood even though I will need to take things quietly afterwards.
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Hi FionaB1:
I agree with everyone on this topic, fatigue is really hard to deal with. I thought as well, doing well early doors that I would recover quick, well I haven’t and it really can get me down. Then I have to remember I had a stroke and go easy on myself. Great you posted
Amanda
Hi @Amandaso - I naively thought having a stroke was a bit like breaking your leg; a few weeks and I’d be back to normal. Well, what is “normal”? The realisation that it would be a long haul was initially really hard to accept.
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Hi,
I’m nearly 8 years post stroke and, like the others have said, it’s all about managing fatigue. It’s like wading through thick custard and you can’t fight it when it hits you. I don’t take long naps. 15 minutes is usually enough. I set the timer on my phone. (Just got back from the gym and sat down with my coffee and WHAM!). Up and running (figuratively speaking) again now. It’s just brain downtime and manageable.
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@FionaB1 you don’t need to apologise. The great thing about this forum is no one judges & they offer some great support.
I remember one of my friends, who also happens to be an OT specialising in brain injuries, telling me just after I had my stroke that my biggest battle would be fatigue. I thought he was daft but boy was he right. Hope you’re not too exhausted after your scenic walk - sounds lovely 
take care xx
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Hi JSCAPM I so know what you mean. Me too expecting a full recovery and get on with it. I guess after 15 months and a lot of work I am accepting that I will never get to 100%. Kinda coming to terms with it, I also know how lucky I am to be here, best hubbie in the world and am grateful for the things I can do. Make coffee, walk to park, even if I do look drunk.
Amanda
Hi Mahoney,
Only way. Hope your doing ok
Amanda
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Hi @Amandaso - I’m grateful most of the time (aiming for all of the time!). Just occasionally I still get frustrated that I can’t do everything I used to. It passes though.
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Hi JSCAPM,
Yes get that. Shouted at someone the other day and then spent all Monday saying sorry. So don’t be the least bit concerned when its hard and need to shout, or have a moan, do so, everyone on here knows how you feel and will give loads of support. Keeps me going at times.
Amanda
I am 6 years post stroke and I have constant fatigue, I have found that any little Jobs I do I need to rest after , and start again, rest every 15 to 30 minutes
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Thanks. This is very helpful. Had my stroke 2 1/2 weeks ago and cannot believe how tired I get trying to do simple things. Full marks to the NHS who have got me this far. Rest well!
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thanks for all the replies - they’ve been so helpful. Sometimes I appreciate my naps -like today when I dozed on the sofa for 10 minutes and then felt well. I guess I’ll have to work towards accepting that late meetings are not for me any more and be grateful that I haven’t been asked to any!
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Today my fatigue has kicked in big style. I’ve managed about 20 mins of paperwork this morning & have been camped on sofa ever since. I am soooooo tired 
did wake up screaming in night as had a bad dream so guess that’s not helped…tomorrow will be a better day 
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I’m 3 years post stroke and still struggle with fatigue. I can only walk outside for 5-10 minutes before needing to rest. My balance is not good and need to use my cane to keep from falling. I do have days (not certain why?) that I have more energy, but very seldom. I just take frequent breaks between cooking, laundry, etc. it helps. I’m usually in bed and asleep by 8:00. I’ve learned to accept it. I’m 73. Was previously very active and still working when I had my stroke. I’m grateful for every day and all I’m able to do.
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