Recovering from a stroke
getskinny1973
Posts: 73 Member
Hi all,
I'm a 44 year old who recently had a stroke.
I actively went to the gym prior to the stroke, never smoked, eat fairly healthy, keep active.
3 weeks after the stroke, I started back at the gym just doing light cardio and have gradually worked myself up a bit to lifting light weights again and am up to a half hour medium cardio workout.
BUT... I'm always nervous to over do it and move backwards in my recovery.
I would appreciate any suggestions on do's and don'ts for the gym after a stroke.
I'm just over two months post stroke....
I've asked my doctors, but they just give me a "safe" answer.
Any input would be appreciated
I'm a 44 year old who recently had a stroke.
I actively went to the gym prior to the stroke, never smoked, eat fairly healthy, keep active.
3 weeks after the stroke, I started back at the gym just doing light cardio and have gradually worked myself up a bit to lifting light weights again and am up to a half hour medium cardio workout.
BUT... I'm always nervous to over do it and move backwards in my recovery.
I would appreciate any suggestions on do's and don'ts for the gym after a stroke.
I'm just over two months post stroke....
I've asked my doctors, but they just give me a "safe" answer.
Any input would be appreciated
15
Replies
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My friend had a stoke at a young age too. He had access to physical therapy to assist him with recovery and make sure he wasn't going too fast (like you, he was very active). Is this an option for you?1
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janejellyroll wrote: »Is this an option for you?
Physical therapy is not something I can fit in to my budget unfortunately.
I enjoy going to the gym and want to continue going, I'm just so nervous.2 -
getskinny1973 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »Is this an option for you?
Physical therapy is not something I can fit in to my budget unfortunately.
I enjoy going to the gym and want to continue going, I'm just so nervous.
Sorry to hear that! I don't have any good advice, but good luck with your continued recovery and return to the gym.1 -
getskinny1973 wrote: »I've asked my doctors, but they just give me a "safe" answer.
What is that specifically? And why not follow it?
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Please PM @Tattooedmom44. She is a stroke survivor and was wheelchair bound for 6 months. She is now a super strong lifter and bodybuilder. I'm sure she'd be happy to give you some pointers.8
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[/quote]
What is that specifically? And why not follow it?
[/quote]
All I've been told is there is "no real answer" just listen to my body.
But what if my body feels like I can run a marathon one day, that doesn't mean I should do it.
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getskinny1973 wrote: »
What is that specifically? And why not follow it?
[/quote]
All I've been told is there is "no real answer" just listen to my body.
But what if my body feels like I can run a marathon one day, that doesn't mean I should do it.
[/quote]
What are you scared of? Of having another stroke if you exercise too intensely?1 -
I'm honestly a bit surprised that your doctors aren't able to provide a referral to an in network PT.2
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What are you scared of? Of having another stroke if you exercise too intensely? [/quote]
Yes..
That is exactly what I am afraid of.
But I also don't want to be too afraid and not maximize my potential.0 -
Do you know what caused the stroke? I think in general, the more active the better when it comes to cardiovascular events and stroke, but you mentioned you were very active and healthy pre-stroke. I think it's normal to have some fear after such a big event, and obviously you don't want to go down that road again. I guess I would just take it slow, if you're taking new medications, make sure to keep taking them, and maybe look for another opinion from a different dr. or two. If you're in the US, I know that can be difficult health insurance wise. I would be willing to bet that it's insurance that is not willing to pay for PT as well.0
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getskinny1973 wrote: »
It seems strange that they could not come up a cause. If you have not yet consulted w/ docs at a large referral center, it could be worth doing that. Stroke in a young person is unusual, and not expected and there should be a reason like a hypercoagulable state, vasculitis, endocarditis, other....
Most of the time in this situation, docs will place someone on anticoagulation/blood thinners to prevent another event.2 -
orangegato wrote: »getskinny1973 wrote: »
It seems strange that they could not come up a cause. If you have not yet consulted w/ docs at a large referral center, it could be worth doing that. Stroke in a young person is unusual, and not expected and there should be a reason like a hypercoagulable state, vasculitis, endocarditis, other....
Most of the time in this situation, docs will place someone on anticoagulation/blood thinners to prevent another event.
Which has as a consequence the recommendation to limit vigorous activity.3 -
I have also had a cryptogenic stroke, when I was 29. I'm 31 now, I do everything I was doing before. Although I am 59lbs lighter. My doctors never told me to limit exercise or really told me not to exercise. Every person and body is different.
ETA: as a precaution I no longer take BC with hormones. Although my doctors are not convinced that was the cause.3 -
[/quote]
Most of the time in this situation, docs will place someone on anticoagulation/blood thinners to prevent another event.[/quote]
I am on Aspirin as a blood thinner now
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[/quote]
All I've been told is there is "no real answer" just listen to my body.
But what if my body feels like I can run a marathon one day, that doesn't mean I should do it.
[/quote]
I'm sorry you are going through this. I'm also sorry to say (because understandably it's not what people want to hear), but there is 'no real answer' other than listen to your body. Having a stroke is unique to that person and how one person may move forward and progress may not be the same for another person. l would also say be mindful of your modifiable risk factors and Stroke prevention. Take it one day at a time.
As a Neuroscience and Stroke RN at a very large hospital and Stroke Center, I have this conversation with my patients all the time. Please know that how you're feeling is completely normal. Having a stroke, even those who make a 100% physical recovery, can change how you feel, think, and even how you look at your life. There is a huge emotional component with stroke recovery that should not be forgotten too.
Also, I have to say the term stroke is a broad term in this context. What it an ischemic stroke? Hemmhoragic stroke? There are many factors that put people at a higher risk for strokes: hypertension, hyperlipedemia, diabetes, obesity, smoking, atrialfibrilation, PFOs, bleeding/clotting disorders, cardiac issues...I could go on...
I'm sure you've heard this already, but there are modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors to be mindful of moving forward. Nonmodifiable factors are the things we cannot change such as our age, gender, race, genetics, family history, etc.
Modifiable risk factors are the ones we can, well 'modify' to reduce our risk of stroke. Pretty much all the ones I listed above we can modify either through diet and exercise or medications...or both.
Knowing and being mindful of the signs and symptoms of stroke. Especially since not every stroke presents the same. I often use the acronym BE FAST:
B-Balance. Difficulty walking straight, running into things. Feeling like maybe you'd had too much to drink, but hadn't been drinking.
E-Eyes. Vision changes. Double vision. Visual field cut, such as peripheral vision where you can't see off to the sides.
F-Facial droop
A-Arm (or even leg) numbness, tingling, can't pick up a glass or pen, foot drags/heavy, etc.
S-Speech changes. Having difficulty finding the right words or even getting them out. Sometimes another is what we call 'word salad'. This is when what you say, and think you said, actually comes out as nonsensical gibberish.
T-Time. Time is brain and you should be seen immediately if you present with a new onset of any of these symptoms.
And I'd also throw in sudden onset of basically the worst headache you've ever had in your life.
Sorry for my long-windedness, but stroke education is in my blood! Lol
As to how you're truly feeling...emotionally it might be a rollercoaster for awhile...and that's OK! I'll share something very personal here. In 2008, I was diagnosed with a T-cell Lymphoma. My world as I knew it came to a halt...like hitting a wall kind of halt. After an event like what you've gone/going through, you might have periods of doubt, anger, fear, and probably a whole lot of self reflection about life and what truely is important to you.
For me personally, I chose to look at it this way- 'Yes, it was the worst thing that's ever happened to me...but it was also the best thing.' I feel like I have a new appreciation for things and people in my life. Take nothing for granted. I am grateful for everyday that I have...and I Choose to be present and purposeful with my life everyday. Sometimes its all about how we choose to view things.
As for your comment: "But what if my body feels like I can run a marathon one day, that doesn't mean I should do it". I say, why not? If that's a goal for yourself and that's what you want to do. Let your life be directed by mindfulness...not fear. Remember, one day at a time...
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Read the person above^^^^^^^0
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stanmann571 wrote: »orangegato wrote: »getskinny1973 wrote: »
It seems strange that they could not come up a cause. If you have not yet consulted w/ docs at a large referral center, it could be worth doing that. Stroke in a young person is unusual, and not expected and there should be a reason like a hypercoagulable state, vasculitis, endocarditis, other....
Most of the time in this situation, docs will place someone on anticoagulation/blood thinners to prevent another event.
Which has as a consequence the recommendation to limit vigorous activity.getskinny1973 wrote: »orangegato wrote: »
Most of the time in this situation, docs will place someone on anticoagulation/blood thinners to prevent another event.
I am on Aspirin as a blood thinner now
To clarify, aspirin does not have the same limitations as Coumadin/warfarin or Heparin/Lovenox.0 -
stanmann571 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »orangegato wrote: »getskinny1973 wrote: »
It seems strange that they could not come up a cause. If you have not yet consulted w/ docs at a large referral center, it could be worth doing that. Stroke in a young person is unusual, and not expected and there should be a reason like a hypercoagulable state, vasculitis, endocarditis, other....
Most of the time in this situation, docs will place someone on anticoagulation/blood thinners to prevent another event.
Which has as a consequence the recommendation to limit vigorous activity.getskinny1973 wrote: »
Most of the time in this situation, docs will place someone on anticoagulation/blood thinners to prevent another event.
I am on Aspirin as a blood thinner now
[/quote]
To clarify, aspirin does not have the same limitations as Coumadin/warfarin or Heparin/Lovenox.[/quote]
Also, dabigatran/pradaxa is commonly prescribed and doesn't have the same limitations as other blood thinners. I was on it for months, had no side effects to what I ate or my activity level but again only my experience.0 -
Thank you!!
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http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/45/8/2532
^Yeah, that's 2014, but I couldn't find a more recent one.
Once upon a time, I did exercise/fitness research for individuals with chronic poststroke hemiparesis (plegia) - which sounds like you don't have the paresis part. Even in this case, it was 30 minutes of cardio (60-80% HR Reserve targeted) 3/week, but again it was for research study.
Depending on your limitations, your exercise prescription needs to be individualized for your interests, strengths, and current level of fitness. And not to echo the above, even with that, a lot of it is really, listening to your body and how you feel. I know that you're limited (at least in the US) on the # of PT/OT/Speech visits you can have so that option might be more costly. You might try looking into a trainer who has a NCHPAD certification or Post Rehab Exercise specialist, etc.1 -
getskinny1973 wrote: »
Exactly... that is what I was worried about. It would be nice to know. Like for example a blood clot disorder, birth control pills, etc. That must be stressful! I would just take it one day at a time and don't try to do more than you feel you can. Listen to your body. If you feel you could do more, maybe just add new activities very slowly.2 -
I agree with the above posts regarding anticoaggulation medications. Remember, it will be unique to that person, the type of stoke, and even financial factors as to which medication is the most appropriate. Aspirin (which is actually an antiplatelet) is often used for stroke prevention and heart health. However, aspirin is not right for everyone.
My patients with hemmhoragic strokes are not usually on anticoaggulation medications right after a stroke as it may increase risk for bleeding. Those strokes can often be attributed to uncontrolled hypertension or even an anurism (but not always). Coumadin/warfarin are probably the least expensive, but require closer monitoring/INR checks and people need to be more consistent with their vitamin K intake to stay within therapeutic range. Heparin/Lovenox may be more expensive, but people may not want to give themselves shots everyday or multiple times per day. Other oral medications are more expensive yet (can be hundreds of dollars per month even after insurance), but don't require the monitoring of warfarin/Coumadin.
There are many factors to consider if anticoaggulation therapy is needed. Those conversations definitely need to happen with you and your healthcare provider. It's not a one size fits all medication.2 -
If you want a more direct answer from your doctors, you'll need to ask a more focused question and collect better data on yourself.
I advise that you record the amount and intensity of your exercise over the course of a week, make sure you don't do more than 5% additional as you increase your exercise. It may be helpful to record your heart rate and blood pressure during exercise (or mid-session), as well as to write down observations on how you feel, perspiration, respiration, etc., as you move through your routine.
You can get better advice from your doctors if they have more to consider. You can also ask your doctors to send you to physical therapists or physical rehabilitation programs where medical professionals will monitor you as you exercise and advise you on your intensity and routine.
Bear in mind, you should discuss this with your doctor as well.2 -
I have had a stroke two years ago at age of 43. I have atrial fibrillation and I take Lovenox twice a day.
I have a hematologist (blood flow), cardiologist (heart), and neurologist (brain). While you may get a general practice doctor, I strong urge you to have all 3 doctors while you're investigating your stroke. One of them might have a guess at the stroke's cause.
Exercise: Recovering from a stroke, you need exercise. You need it to be brain-healthy and body-healthy. I have stationary cycling, rowing, circuit training and since one month after a stroke. Whatever you feel capable of doing. Since I have been lucky - as to physically, I'm ok. My legs not been affected and my right arm was affected for largely a month. My brain has aphasia and apraxia
Rehab: My YMCA has a program "Project Recovery" is an adaptive group exercise program for individuals who are orthopedically multi-handicapped, moderately self-ambulatory (i.e. 6 months or more post stroke), or living with other health impairments. It's $45 12-time group exercise (12 weeks) and a $52/monthly.
Stop smoking.
Prevent or control high blood pressure
Control blood sugar.
Eat healthy.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Manage cholesterol.
Get support now! Stroke survivors group, aphasia survivors, all the hospitals have one.
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And another thing, 13 months after I had my stroke, I was diagnosed with epilepsy. Stroke, the gift that keeps on giving 3
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You're only two months away from a stroke? And you're lifting weights and speaking/talking on a online forum? Go, girl!3
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candylilacs wrote: »You're only two months away from a stroke? And you're lifting weights and speaking/talking on a online forum? Go, girl!
I had some issues with my speech, but that has improved quite a bit.
I still stutter now and then and get lost in my sentences often. Forget words, names etc
But for the most part it's much better.
As for the physical aspect.... as soon as I was able to walk again, I started going to the gym to do very light/short cardio workouts, just to try to regain some strength. I think it was the best thing I could have done. I feel like it sped up my recovery.
As I felt stronger, I started do a bit more each time.
I was lucky that the stroke hit the memory part of my brain, so there was no long term physical damage.1 -
In 2012 I had a stroke after a chiropractor clipped my vertebral artery. I was barely wiping my own butt at the 3 week mark as the clot went to the base of my brain leaving me totally paralyzed but after about 6 months they recommended I start doing free weights as a way to recover some balance and I was still on warfarin/cumodin. I would talk to your neurologist because depending on your INR bruising can be a huge problem. Best of luck xx1
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6 months: Your brain inflammation should go down and the aphasia should be improved.
1 year: Gradual improvement.
2 year: Gradual improvement with sustained brain neuroplasticity.
Testing for Aphasia
You should see a doctor if you have trouble speaking or understanding what people say. A doctor will determine if there is a medical cause for your problem. A speech-language pathologist, or SLP, will test your speech and language skills. The SLP will ask you about the problems you have and what you want to work on. The SLP will test how well you:
Understand words, questions, directions, and stories.
Say words and sentences. The SLP will ask you to name objects, describe pictures, and answer questions.
Read and write. The SLP will have you write letters, words, and sentences. You will also read short stories and answer questions about them.
Find other ways to share your ideas when you have trouble talking. This may include pointing or using other gestures and drawing pictures.
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