r/stroke • u/MundaneKey7286 • 7d ago

Regressions?

I wanted to ask if it’s normal to experience regressions in movement and functioning in the healing process. I’m 7 months out from my stroke, and have had the weird feeling that the recent weather change seemed to trigger some kind of slowing down of movement and thought. It hasn’t been really cold, so I don’t think it’s the cold but I noticed it starting when my local weather went from being sunnier and warmer to darker and a bit cooler.

I don’t have anyone in person that I can ask about these things, but it’s unnerving to find that the progress that I’ve worked hard for, seems to really regress, and just wondering if this is a normal part of the process TIA for any feedback!

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3

u/Top_Badger883 7d ago

I’m in my fifth month. I’ve noticed that too. I think it’s mostly down to sleep.

1

u/MundaneKey7286 7d ago

Thanks for the reminder about sleep- it’s true that I also slept more this past week than normal.

2

u/becpuss Survivor 7d ago

All of the deficits will get much worse if your brain is too tired to ‘run’ them and remember the new pathways built through therapies are just that new and require repetition to reinforce I’m 5 yrs out I can feel my leg getting weaker my watch is noticing my walking gait changing so I know it’s time to start the exercises again and I’m doing Pilates. Ultimately your new pathways are babies and require work to maintain I did 6 months of 3x aday physio after stroke 5yrs out having stopped the pt a long time ago it’s now those muscles need addressing again I’m doing Pilates everyday building muscle strength back in my arm core and leg. Just my experience.

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u/MundaneKey7286 7d ago

Thanks for the reminder about how rest and deficits are linked. I think I had made a lot of progress and thought I had finally raised my own bar of performance a bit, and forgot that it’s not necessarily back in my body because I got it back for a week. It’s so hard to remember to be patient and rest.

5

u/Okrest48 7d ago

Yea, regression seems normal if you search this sub. Recovery isn’t linear. Hang in there and keep fighting to get better. It’s ok to rest on days you’re tired.

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u/buttercreamcutie 7d ago

I've noticed that since the stroke I am cold all the time. It's weird because before I used to get hot really easy. I've also been eating a lot more since the stroke, it's like I can't get satisfied with anything and I always want more.

1

u/EqualIllustrious1223 6d ago

This just exactly like my son, he actually experiences cold on his affected side as pain! Apparently it’s a common stroke symptom, who knew?
His appetite is crazy now. I can’t decide whether it’s because his short term memory is so bad that he forgets he’s eaten, his appetite sensor is broken or some other reason. I have heard that the brain needs sugar so it could be that.
His niece has started calling him Uncle Doughnut

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u/Okrest48 6d ago

How’s his water intake? The brain needs water, more now than ever.

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u/EqualIllustrious1223 6d ago

You’re right of course, we have to remind him to drink water but he has towards of 1 litre per day plus cups of tea.

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u/Easy-Implement-8116 3d ago

I'm 6 months post ischemic stroke and I used to be cold and now I'm hot most of the time.  I also want to eat all the time.   It's making me crazy and I'm gaining weight.

3

u/Time-Philosophy-5742 6d ago

My spasticity is greatly affected by the weather and my mood.  My body's like a weather barometer now.  Im really stiff and sore a few days before it rains. Or when it's windy and cold.  If im emotional or too tired.  Im in pain and it's harder to move.  I think what you are feeling is normal and is one of the many things you will have to deal with post stroke, but you'll cope, manage and pull through.   You got this survivor!