"Vertigo, very tired. Shopping makes me feel crazy weird. And it's hard to deal with people expecting me to be back 100% because I look normal. My anxiety is over the top." Been there on all fronts with the exception of vertigo. I used to get the same in stores or places that are very busy, my understanding is the uninjured brain filters out most of what is going on around you, brain injuries sometimes cause a situation where the brain tries to process everything at the same time causing anxiety or just an overwhelming feeling. Stores were awful, used to get what I needed quickly so I could get out. There have been a few discussions on this recently in this forum. Hang in there, it gets better!

Hi, @ajweb93, Your symptoms of vertigo, pain in neck etc were very similar to mine.
Short term effect for me were dizziness, tiredness, mood swings. When in a car, the sense of motion would last a couple of seconds after the car had stopped, a very weird feeling.

Long term, minor memory issues, more to do with daily things, as an example, putting the rubbish out, If I don't just do it, it won't get done until I suddenly remember about it again. Luckily I don't have vertigo. Crowds are ok. I don't seem to have a tolerance of people so much now, although I am working on it, my inner voice has accidently slipped out on the rare occasion.

My concentration is not what it was considering my previous job was in IT, I have decided to change career, when I do find a job 🙂 My grammar is not too hot anymore either.

Every now and then I get depressed, having witnessed my wife recover after her SAH I know these things are for the most part normal.

My point of view is that I am not 100% recovered or 100% better but that I am different now and this is the new me - for better or for worse. I relish the challenge and will make the best of life, because life is a gift that I still want to enjoy. I now go running and go to the gym (don't tell my cardiologist). I still enjoy a bit of wine now and then too.

Try not to concern yourself with peoples expectations, why are there expectations anyway? There is no time limit to this journey, My wife after seven years, still doesn't really like crowds, so we keep it to a minimum. You will improve with time, don't let anyone tell you otherwise, stay positive and if you need to make changes, then so be it.

This is a wonderful community with lovely supportive people, you are not alone.

Hello, it’s been a while since I visited this site and have just noticed your entry. I had the same symptoms as you experienced at the time of the stroke and reached one year after my stroke on Halloween. I still experience severe tiredness, occasionally feel a little off balance and just feel a “ bit off “ on occasions which often last a week or so. I consider myself so lucky to have survived without any outward symptoms and yes, I get a little annoyed when people expect my to do things as if nothing has happened. Supermarkets remain difficult for me to visit, I get what I need and get out. Driving, I’m fine and confident I’m safe. The main reason I got in touch was the PFO. I had the same, a PFO and, in my case a ASD and had them closed under four months ago. Surgeon bagged them both with the same amplatzer device. I feel no pain at all, I feel no difference inside but I am hugely pleased that I have had this route for blood clots reaching my brain firmly closed off. In my opinion, if you are suitable for this procedure, grab it with both hands would be my advice. It’s reassuring to know its there and working and the heart specialist has kept my on clopidogrel as well, as he says, it’s a belt and braces job. Stroke team at the local hospital have now discharged me from their care and Im grateful for a second chance given that it could have been a lot worse. I still marvel at this amazing PFO closure procedure. I sincerely hope all goes well for you whatever you decide.

My stroke was August 26 of this year and I was hospitalized for 2 weeks. Everything you’re describing sounds familiar w/ the exception of cause. Mine came on with 2 first-ever seizures (one a 20 minute grand mal) and Vertebral Arterial Dissection. So, Neurologist said it was “spontaneous” ... and no direct cause can actually be confirmed. I definitely have some cognitive impairment as well physical. I “appear” as a “normal” person but I feel different. I get flustered and confused when too much is coming at me. And I cry - I wasn’t much of a crier before, but happy tears too! It’s bizarre. I’m not as sharp as I used to be and I find the constant tinnitus-like buzzing irritating, but when it becomes loud I know it’s a sign to rest. So many other little issues which add up, like pins and needles and loss of blood flow (Reynauds). Still, I’m glad I can walk and talk and live a life. Not sure what kind of life as of yet, but life, at any rate.