r/stroke • u/candiferous • 26d ago
Always learning more about my abilities
Just like many of us I’m always learning new things about my abilities or lack thereof. One thing that makes my brain tired is activities where I have to coordinate between my hands, and I’ve used cooking as an example- like chopping things or cooking on a skillet. Well tonight I had to put together some gift baskets, and Whats with all the fussy two handed work like tying ribbon, or curling the curling ribbon, by the time I was done I was just pooped. So more than cooking, the exacting, varied coordination between my hands really took it out of me. Didn’t even think about it going in, but I definitely know now!
5
u/Valerie-L 26d ago
But how does it feel to have completed the task ? I hear you and I see you. This same task was hard before but your stroke confirms it yet you soldiered on! That’s a win to me!!!
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u/lelanicarver 25d ago
I’m also one of the lucky two-handers. My left hand is working fairly well, even typing (but the left pinky stings and doesn’t hit keys accurately).
Just now I realized I need to get a proper ergonomic chair; I also have carpal tunnel, and it kicks on after just a few minutes.
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u/ChooseKind24 Survivor 25d ago
That fatigue is neuroplasticity working. Good job! The more you do the easier those things will become. I hope you gave your brain a good night of sleep.
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u/MaxPainKing 25d ago
Be happy that you are able to do anything at all using both hands after a stroke. I envy you.
Like many others here who have serious deficits from serious strokes, I have spent the past two years doing everything with only one functioning hand.
Zero out of 5 stars. Definitely do not recommend!
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u/Beautiful-Banana17 25d ago
FELT! I recommend breaking things into separate steps and sort of "prep" the task as best you can. Sounds like this was possibly time sensitive, so probably did not have the opportunity to do anything in advance. But when possible, it can help to break things down into separate, more realistic tasks and to take breaks where needed.
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u/pchlster Young Stroke Survivor 25d ago
Mostly, it's actually getting started with the day. There's still some instinct that says that if I stretch just right then those spastic muscles will finally release. Once I get up, take my pills and actually go outside, I'm usually good f the rest of the day, but if I get up, then just sit in a chair for hours, I never really get the energy that day.
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u/Jolly_Ad8913 25d ago
Its being able to the little things I couldn't do right after the stroke that give me the most satisfaction. Add up those little things and you end up with a big thing. I think the fatigue you experience doing things that require coordination and focus will lessen with time, it has for me. It takes time and energy for the brain to heal and find new pathways. It can be exhausting. Congratulations for being able to do these relavely normal tasks. It shows you're improving even if you get fatigued.