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I'm feeling pretty down and looking for inspiration from UKC posters. You're often an inspirational lot. I had a "small" stroke last week after a great few day's climbing in Devon and would like to hear from anyone whose regained reasonable fitness after a stroke. My friends and family all say I'll get better, but I'd like to hear from people who have.I'm in my early 70's and reasonably fit , or was til now, but in these early days its hard to believe my unyeilding body will mend. Please help....
In reply to l marsh:
You shouldn't give up. A friend of ours; Mikey Cleverdon had a stroke a few years ago. He has gone through the past few years with an amazing attitude and is back climbing in the font 8s again. It has been a long and hard road back again but more than you think could be possible again. I wouldn't tell Mike he was inspiring but in all honesty he is. Climbing again after injury, illness or traumatic events is hard as your body and mind don't do exactly or nearly as they did but it is important. It keeps you in the places you love with the people who understand and these things are worth more than any of us realise before adverse turns in our lives. I wish you every luck with your recovery. Keep us posted.
James
You shouldn't give up. A friend of ours; Mikey Cleverdon had a stroke a few years ago. He has gone through the past few years with an amazing attitude and is back climbing in the font 8s again. It has been a long and hard road back again but more than you think could be possible again. I wouldn't tell Mike he was inspiring but in all honesty he is. Climbing again after injury, illness or traumatic events is hard as your body and mind don't do exactly or nearly as they did but it is important. It keeps you in the places you love with the people who understand and these things are worth more than any of us realise before adverse turns in our lives. I wish you every luck with your recovery. Keep us posted.
James
25
In reply to l marsh:
A good friend of mine had a stroke a couple of years ago, a complication after a mountain bike accident. She was in hospital at the time so it was identified very quickly. She was super diligent with a rehabilitation exercise regime (including aqua walking and even learning ukulele! ) and was back climbing within a year. She's in her early fifties. I know it's not always straightforward but it seemed to me that, certainly in her case, determination to be back out doing what she loves was a great motivator to work hard on her rehab. Very best of luck to you!
A good friend of mine had a stroke a couple of years ago, a complication after a mountain bike accident. She was in hospital at the time so it was identified very quickly. She was super diligent with a rehabilitation exercise regime (including aqua walking and even learning ukulele! ) and was back climbing within a year. She's in her early fifties. I know it's not always straightforward but it seemed to me that, certainly in her case, determination to be back out doing what she loves was a great motivator to work hard on her rehab. Very best of luck to you!
9
In reply to l marsh:
I'm sorry to hear that. I know little about strokes, and hope that will not change, but I have a story which might lift your spirits.
About 15 years ago I went on a sea kayak trip with a group including a guy well in his 60s called Ron. I hadn't done a huge amount of sea kayaking and when we paddled through the Gulf of Corryvreckan we got close enough to the developing whirlpool to see 'the plughole'. I was pretty freaked out but Ron stuck with me and gave me a lot of confidence and generally put me at ease. After a camp on the west coast of Jura, in the morning everyone was muttering "Keep an eye on Ron, make sure he's ok." I thought maybe he was hungover or maybe they thought he was getting on a bit and was tired. As we left the beach, Ron paddled up alongside me and said "They're all watching me, y'see I had a wee stroke last year, but I'm feeling fine really."
I never saw much of him after that but he was doing lots of fairly big sea kayak trips for very many years to come.
------
Also, two friend's mothers have had strokes over the past few months. Both in their 80s, both recovering and reclaiming a lot of function that initially appeared to have gone. It's taken them a bit of time and a lot of work but they are getting it back. Hopefully you will too.
Good luck and courage.
I'm sorry to hear that. I know little about strokes, and hope that will not change, but I have a story which might lift your spirits.
About 15 years ago I went on a sea kayak trip with a group including a guy well in his 60s called Ron. I hadn't done a huge amount of sea kayaking and when we paddled through the Gulf of Corryvreckan we got close enough to the developing whirlpool to see 'the plughole'. I was pretty freaked out but Ron stuck with me and gave me a lot of confidence and generally put me at ease. After a camp on the west coast of Jura, in the morning everyone was muttering "Keep an eye on Ron, make sure he's ok." I thought maybe he was hungover or maybe they thought he was getting on a bit and was tired. As we left the beach, Ron paddled up alongside me and said "They're all watching me, y'see I had a wee stroke last year, but I'm feeling fine really."
I never saw much of him after that but he was doing lots of fairly big sea kayak trips for very many years to come.
------
Also, two friend's mothers have had strokes over the past few months. Both in their 80s, both recovering and reclaiming a lot of function that initially appeared to have gone. It's taken them a bit of time and a lot of work but they are getting it back. Hopefully you will too.
Good luck and courage.
11
In reply to l marsh:
Brains are remarkable things, if you do the rehab you'll be surprised at how fully you recover.
You still 'are' reasonably fit.
Edit, I've found things often seem worse in the hours where it's late at night or early in the morning, if you can avoid listening to your fearful thoughts during then, things will feel cheerier.
Brains are remarkable things, if you do the rehab you'll be surprised at how fully you recover.
You still 'are' reasonably fit.
Edit, I've found things often seem worse in the hours where it's late at night or early in the morning, if you can avoid listening to your fearful thoughts during then, things will feel cheerier.
Post edited at 23:03
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In reply to l marsh:
Make sure you get good advice from Physios and OT's, this can make a world of difference to your recovery.
Make sure you get good advice from Physios and OT's, this can make a world of difference to your recovery.
2
In reply to james mann:
Yeah Mikey is the man, Mann - a proper inspiration.
My Mum had an aneurysm last summer, was touch and go in ICU for a week and was left with terrible balance and headaches and a cocktail of painkillers on release. She seems to have almost entirely recovered now however and has even learned to juggle.
Keep your chin up OP, you'll get there
Yeah Mikey is the man, Mann - a proper inspiration.
My Mum had an aneurysm last summer, was touch and go in ICU for a week and was left with terrible balance and headaches and a cocktail of painkillers on release. She seems to have almost entirely recovered now however and has even learned to juggle.
Keep your chin up OP, you'll get there
5
In reply to l marsh:
I was a very keen climber and had a near fatal brain haemorrhage two and half years ago which left me hemiplegic for three months. You have probably been told about brain plasticity and the fact it is less plastic with age but don't let that put you off. The key to recovery is do as much as you possibly can and sadly it just takes time, but never give up.
Fatigue is the biggest pain in the neck but again you need to continually push the boundary of what you can do, not too much as you suffer the next day. It is a bit of learning curve but you will figure it out. I presume it has affected one side? very important to keep the good side strong, that is the bit you can hang the rest off so don't let it get weak.
I don't really climb anymore, I probably would do, but we moved to the Forest of Dean and I now run a Cub Scout group which is all consuming and equally rewarding. As I said never accept what has happened as the end of the road, ignore anybody who tells you not to push yourself and good luck with your recovery.
Matt
I was a very keen climber and had a near fatal brain haemorrhage two and half years ago which left me hemiplegic for three months. You have probably been told about brain plasticity and the fact it is less plastic with age but don't let that put you off. The key to recovery is do as much as you possibly can and sadly it just takes time, but never give up.
Fatigue is the biggest pain in the neck but again you need to continually push the boundary of what you can do, not too much as you suffer the next day. It is a bit of learning curve but you will figure it out. I presume it has affected one side? very important to keep the good side strong, that is the bit you can hang the rest off so don't let it get weak.
I don't really climb anymore, I probably would do, but we moved to the Forest of Dean and I now run a Cub Scout group which is all consuming and equally rewarding. As I said never accept what has happened as the end of the road, ignore anybody who tells you not to push yourself and good luck with your recovery.
Matt
6
In reply to james mann:
http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/item.php?id=70356
Interview with Mikey and other stroke sufferers who are now back climbing coming soon...
http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/item.php?id=70356
Interview with Mikey and other stroke sufferers who are now back climbing coming soon...
3
In reply to Natalie Berry - UKC:
Don't wish to sound negative but he had a very mind stroke, it is great article but the deficits that most stroke survivors suffer would make it hard to even return to climbing at all never mind the 8's. He lost a lot of sensation in his foot but he has not suffered any lastly strength or co-ordination problems.
Don't wish to sound negative but he had a very mind stroke, it is great article but the deficits that most stroke survivors suffer would make it hard to even return to climbing at all never mind the 8's. He lost a lot of sensation in his foot but he has not suffered any lastly strength or co-ordination problems.
2
4
In reply to l marsh:
Play this song until it's lodged into your subconscious, and replay as required if motivation feels low.
youtube.com/watch?v=ia6Tvpj6dPw&
It's a good 'trying song'.
Highly recommended!
Play this song until it's lodged into your subconscious, and replay as required if motivation feels low.
youtube.com/watch?v=ia6Tvpj6dPw&
It's a good 'trying song'.
Highly recommended!
Post edited at 15:36
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In reply to matthew_henson:
A new friend had a near fatal brain haemorrhage, it was close to her brain stem and she went into a coma for a while, it's changed her short term memory and processing abilities, and she had to relearn how to talk and walk, and she made a remarkable recovery. Her balance is a little bit off still, and her right hand isn't quite right, but we're going bouldering sometime this summer when we get organised, and she's making a success of being a single mum and getting back into teaching, and is back driving again. She discharged herself from hospital early and got back into walking by pushing her wheelchair along and sitting down when she was tired. Quite remarkable considering she woke up almost blind, with slurred speech and having to relearn how to walk and basically function well enough to live again.
A new friend had a near fatal brain haemorrhage, it was close to her brain stem and she went into a coma for a while, it's changed her short term memory and processing abilities, and she had to relearn how to talk and walk, and she made a remarkable recovery. Her balance is a little bit off still, and her right hand isn't quite right, but we're going bouldering sometime this summer when we get organised, and she's making a success of being a single mum and getting back into teaching, and is back driving again. She discharged herself from hospital early and got back into walking by pushing her wheelchair along and sitting down when she was tired. Quite remarkable considering she woke up almost blind, with slurred speech and having to relearn how to walk and basically function well enough to live again.
Post edited at 15:36
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In reply to Timmd:
That is what happened to me except the blindness, no speech, couldn't read or sort words in my mind, plus zero right side movement. Mine was in the brain stem (usually fatal) too. You just have to be very determined and push yourself forward. I had my stroke as a result of running up a hill too fast (7 min/mile pace up a 1 in 6 hill for a mile ) and desperate to run again, after 2 1/2 years I am nearly nearly there! just have to be patient.
Glad t hear she is on the same path, your have to be a real fighter to get back
That is what happened to me except the blindness, no speech, couldn't read or sort words in my mind, plus zero right side movement. Mine was in the brain stem (usually fatal) too. You just have to be very determined and push yourself forward. I had my stroke as a result of running up a hill too fast (7 min/mile pace up a 1 in 6 hill for a mile ) and desperate to run again, after 2 1/2 years I am nearly nearly there! just have to be patient.
Glad t hear she is on the same path, your have to be a real fighter to get back
2
In reply to matthew_henson:
She is a real fighter, she's 41 now and had her's just as she'd nearly qualified to be a teacher in her early to mid 20's, so I dare say she's got as far as she's going to, but it's very impressive still. She's finally got to the same place career wise to do with that, but in the meantime she's become really well qualified in psychology and NLP and hypnotism and other different therapy based things. I find her inspirational, she's a determined varmint.
She is a real fighter, she's 41 now and had her's just as she'd nearly qualified to be a teacher in her early to mid 20's, so I dare say she's got as far as she's going to, but it's very impressive still. She's finally got to the same place career wise to do with that, but in the meantime she's become really well qualified in psychology and NLP and hypnotism and other different therapy based things. I find her inspirational, she's a determined varmint.
Post edited at 17:48
1
In reply to matthew_henson:
My friend's vision 'wobbles' when she walks due to what happened to her, and she partly has to rely on her sight to help with her balance, which is why she likes cars - she's said, with the smooth suspension her vision doesn't wobble. That she occasionally runs down a grassy bank for the fun of it is pretty cool - given all what's gone askew.
My friend's vision 'wobbles' when she walks due to what happened to her, and she partly has to rely on her sight to help with her balance, which is why she likes cars - she's said, with the smooth suspension her vision doesn't wobble. That she occasionally runs down a grassy bank for the fun of it is pretty cool - given all what's gone askew.
Post edited at 19:53
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In reply to l marsh:
Hi Marsh, I'm a stroke rehab therapist, actually termed as a specialist if you must know. Recovery after stroke is dependent on many factors of which I won't go into but what I will say is, if you have physical function and cognitive perceptual abilities then USE THEM! Stroke recovery is all about encouraging what you don't have to begin to work again and if you do have movement then strengthen those pathways by continuing to move. So be encouraged all is not lost.
I'll end it hear but I trust you are seeing an Occupational therapist and a Physiotherapist, they should know your case and be guided by theirs and the doctors advice and instruction. Climb on buddy if you can!
Hi Marsh, I'm a stroke rehab therapist, actually termed as a specialist if you must know. Recovery after stroke is dependent on many factors of which I won't go into but what I will say is, if you have physical function and cognitive perceptual abilities then USE THEM! Stroke recovery is all about encouraging what you don't have to begin to work again and if you do have movement then strengthen those pathways by continuing to move. So be encouraged all is not lost.
I'll end it hear but I trust you are seeing an Occupational therapist and a Physiotherapist, they should know your case and be guided by theirs and the doctors advice and instruction. Climb on buddy if you can!
3
In reply to l marsh:
Here you go, hope this inspires a little bit...
http://www.differentstrokes.co.uk/index.php/survivors-stories/stories-by-ag...
Here you go, hope this inspires a little bit...
http://www.differentstrokes.co.uk/index.php/survivors-stories/stories-by-ag...
2
In reply to drsdave:
Thanks for that Dave, Ive only been home a couple of days but am doing the exercises with my partner, which totally knacker me. and I'm grading my challenges i.e dressing is 6b, laybacking the stairs 5a etc. The emotional bit was hard to take but apparantly thats normal. BTW i'm a lady-buddy, not that that makes any difference.Lin
Thanks for that Dave, Ive only been home a couple of days but am doing the exercises with my partner, which totally knacker me. and I'm grading my challenges i.e dressing is 6b, laybacking the stairs 5a etc. The emotional bit was hard to take but apparantly thats normal. BTW i'm a lady-buddy, not that that makes any difference.Lin
5
In reply to l marsh:
I just want to thank everyone for their inspiring and encouraging postings. I knew you wouldn't let me down.
love to you all, Lin
I just want to thank everyone for their inspiring and encouraging postings. I knew you wouldn't let me down.
love to you all, Lin
4
In reply to l marsh:
Hi Lin,
I'm sorry to hear that. I don't know much about the medical side of your situation but from what's been said it sounds like the future looks pretty good.
However I do know a fair bit about what climbing and life in general is like after 'serious' illness and put simply it's absolutely bloody brilliant! You know how food tastes amazing when you haven't eaten for ages and are really hungry? Well that's how it feels to get back to climbing, walking or whatever it is you enjoy. You'll really appreciate how much fun it is once you're back to it.
Wishing you well in your recovery.
Hi Lin,
I'm sorry to hear that. I don't know much about the medical side of your situation but from what's been said it sounds like the future looks pretty good.
However I do know a fair bit about what climbing and life in general is like after 'serious' illness and put simply it's absolutely bloody brilliant! You know how food tastes amazing when you haven't eaten for ages and are really hungry? Well that's how it feels to get back to climbing, walking or whatever it is you enjoy. You'll really appreciate how much fun it is once you're back to it.
Wishing you well in your recovery.
3
In reply to l marsh:
Hi Lin, cool I like your attitude sense of humour. Emotions yes. Be good, be kind on yer self and little n often can be the key
Hi Lin, cool I like your attitude sense of humour. Emotions yes. Be good, be kind on yer self and little n often can be the key
Post edited at 23:12
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1
In reply to l marsh:
Hi Lin - my dear friend - you have been , and still are, an inspiration to many people - by striving towards your goal you will continue to be an inspiration. I love your grading of different tasks - you should write them down so that when dressing becomes a 4a you can look back to see when it was a 6b! See you later, Gill
Hi Lin - my dear friend - you have been , and still are, an inspiration to many people - by striving towards your goal you will continue to be an inspiration. I love your grading of different tasks - you should write them down so that when dressing becomes a 4a you can look back to see when it was a 6b! See you later, Gill
2
In reply to l marsh:
Lin, it's very inspiring to hear your story and the hard work your putting in to living life to its fullest, whilst everyone's experience of and affect of such a life changing experience is so very individual, the common factor I believe that aids in recovery from anything so traumatic is Psychological strength and an undeniable belief that the end is not the end until you have decided that for yourself.
I have had countless people, doctors and consultants tell me it was unlikely I would regain any sensation in my right side and certainly not to expect to "reclaim" any of my former ability's, strength or life before that day, I was simply "lucky to be alive", I do not disagree with that latter, were all lucky day to day to continue living and breathing, knowing how easily it can be taken from you certainly makes you appreciate every day!
The brain and the universe for that matter has the incredible potential for amazing things to happen within it and to it, I think to make an assumption on what may or may not be possible for you compared to another would be a step in the wrong direction. Life is full of possibility.
Whether it's pronouncing a word,standing on your own two feet by yourself, identifying something your holding without looking at it, remembering a moment from earlier in the day or a name of some one you just met, EVERYTHING can improve with practice and hard work, it's certainly not easy but life would be boring if everything was.
I agree with RockingGill, write down those "current" grades of things you struggle with, it's so easy to have improved loads and totally lost perspective of how far you have actually come, I have taken and still do take a lot of motivation from this reflection of myself and the inspiration of story's from others fight to recover or continue doing what they love after a serious injury of any form.
I wish you and everyone contributing all the best, do not give up, this is your life.
Peace and love.
Mikey
Lin, it's very inspiring to hear your story and the hard work your putting in to living life to its fullest, whilst everyone's experience of and affect of such a life changing experience is so very individual, the common factor I believe that aids in recovery from anything so traumatic is Psychological strength and an undeniable belief that the end is not the end until you have decided that for yourself.
I have had countless people, doctors and consultants tell me it was unlikely I would regain any sensation in my right side and certainly not to expect to "reclaim" any of my former ability's, strength or life before that day, I was simply "lucky to be alive", I do not disagree with that latter, were all lucky day to day to continue living and breathing, knowing how easily it can be taken from you certainly makes you appreciate every day!
The brain and the universe for that matter has the incredible potential for amazing things to happen within it and to it, I think to make an assumption on what may or may not be possible for you compared to another would be a step in the wrong direction. Life is full of possibility.
Whether it's pronouncing a word,standing on your own two feet by yourself, identifying something your holding without looking at it, remembering a moment from earlier in the day or a name of some one you just met, EVERYTHING can improve with practice and hard work, it's certainly not easy but life would be boring if everything was.
I agree with RockingGill, write down those "current" grades of things you struggle with, it's so easy to have improved loads and totally lost perspective of how far you have actually come, I have taken and still do take a lot of motivation from this reflection of myself and the inspiration of story's from others fight to recover or continue doing what they love after a serious injury of any form.
I wish you and everyone contributing all the best, do not give up, this is your life.
Peace and love.
Mikey
7
In reply to matthew_henson:
Hey Matthew, whilst I appreciate the point you are trying to make and that putting my life on the internet and on show in articles is certainly going to attract some negative comments or a lack of understanding due to having such a "hidden" disability (sort of the point in someways), I would like to point out that you clearly know very little about my situation and that your small assumption, whilst expected, is still quite hurtful and unfortunately it doesn't take a lot to affect my anxiety, depression and ultimately my chronic psychological, mental and physical fatigue, with this being an example my day is pretty much over and I will spend most of the afternoon asleep whilst I "re-charge" so I can function again tomorrow, fatigue is the greatest thing I suffer from nowadays and is still a struggle to deal with day to day, bringing back ALL (not going to list all of these here) of my original stroke symptoms caused by the bleed when I become fatigued. Something people rarely see and is usually kept behind closed doors. I have also had my brain shot with large doses of radiation that will continue to have changing affects on me for the rest of my life, my choices were this, die when I likely have another stroke or have invasive surgery with a GUARANTEED paralysis of my entire right side.
I don't expect the lovely comments or high regard people have shown me, I appreciate them immeasurably though! and I only reply to your comment, not to gain sympathy but because it's a common assumption I receive.
I'm very sorry to hear you have suffered so much in your personal experience too, but am really happy to hear you are finding rewarding experiences that make you feel good and you are continuing to live your life to it's best.
Mikey
Hey Matthew, whilst I appreciate the point you are trying to make and that putting my life on the internet and on show in articles is certainly going to attract some negative comments or a lack of understanding due to having such a "hidden" disability (sort of the point in someways), I would like to point out that you clearly know very little about my situation and that your small assumption, whilst expected, is still quite hurtful and unfortunately it doesn't take a lot to affect my anxiety, depression and ultimately my chronic psychological, mental and physical fatigue, with this being an example my day is pretty much over and I will spend most of the afternoon asleep whilst I "re-charge" so I can function again tomorrow, fatigue is the greatest thing I suffer from nowadays and is still a struggle to deal with day to day, bringing back ALL (not going to list all of these here) of my original stroke symptoms caused by the bleed when I become fatigued. Something people rarely see and is usually kept behind closed doors. I have also had my brain shot with large doses of radiation that will continue to have changing affects on me for the rest of my life, my choices were this, die when I likely have another stroke or have invasive surgery with a GUARANTEED paralysis of my entire right side.
I don't expect the lovely comments or high regard people have shown me, I appreciate them immeasurably though! and I only reply to your comment, not to gain sympathy but because it's a common assumption I receive.
I'm very sorry to hear you have suffered so much in your personal experience too, but am really happy to hear you are finding rewarding experiences that make you feel good and you are continuing to live your life to it's best.
Mikey
> Don't wish to sound negative but he had a very mind stroke, it is great article but the deficits that most stroke survivors suffer would make it hard to even return to climbing at all never mind the 8's. He lost a lot of sensation in his foot but he has not suffered any lastly strength or co-ordination problems.
4
In reply to l marsh:
Other end of the age spectrum, but take a look at this: https://wanttoclimb.com/
Other end of the age spectrum, but take a look at this: https://wanttoclimb.com/
1
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