Stroke

[macd69]

Hi, I got back into cycling 5 years ago, cycling to work and up until January was doing around 150k /week, but was hospitalized at the end of January and diagnosis was a stroke due to vertebral artery dissection (V.A.D.), which is often seen in road traffic accidents, but in my case was spontaneous. I initially had huge problems with balance and coordination and a slight one sided weakness, but these are improving, and I walk a couple of miles every day. I bought a turbo trainer and have used it a few times, but due to problems with blood pressure I have been advised against strenuous exercise. My main aim is to get back to cycling, and I was wondering if anyone else has had or knows anyone who has had something similar, and if they eventually managed back to cycling and if so how long before they did?

[oldmanonabike]

I can't answer your question but I admire your attitude

[hondated]

I can't answer your question but I admire your attitude

+ 1 definitely.

[macd69]

Thanks guys, was just hoping for some reassurance that I would be able to get back on a bike, had a few falls the first couple of months, but been OK since then, but still bump into things if I am not concentrating which wouldn't be great on a bike Lol. Was actually tempted to try last week, I picjed my bike up after repairs in Edinburgh, took it home by train, then was refused access to the bus due to the bike, so had to push it home the last mile or so up hill, so was tempted to try it, but thankfully resisted the temptation. Would have been really stupid on a twisty country road, first time I try will probably be on grass.

[Vantage]

I haven't had one myself (yet) but I do know of a few chaps in my club who, from what I've heard have had strokes and average 15mph on the A group rides. They're into their 60's and 70's some of'em I've no idea how long it took them though.
Keep up with that positive thinking

[Vorpal]

Cycling doesn't have to be any more strenuous than walking. Ask your specialist if you can cycle with a heart monitor if you keep your heart rate below a level s/he recommends.

Sometimes people with balance problems find it easier to ride a bike than some other activities; at least that's true for someone I know.

If balance does prove to be a barrier, maybe you can try a recumbent and/or trike?

[OldBloke]

If you are having trouble with balance and coordination what about trying a recumbent trike?

[macd69]

Thanks everyone, go said that 6 months to a year may be when the final recovery kicks in and usually after a year there is little or no recovery, so I will see if I feel brave at the end of the summer and maybe give it a go, the type of stroke I had has little to no chance of recurring as it was pure chance and not related to lifestyle or any weakness in the artery, so once my blood pressure settles down I am not too worried about strenuous exercise, I should manage as long as my balance and coordination improve. It is good to read of others who have got back to cycling with balance problems and post stroke, gives me a glimmer of hope, so thanks, and I never thought of a recumbent trike, so if all else fails I may have a plan b now

[Vorpal]

Good luck with it I admire your determination. Come back and tell us how you get on.

[[XAP]Bob]

There is probably a forum member with a bent trike somewhere near you - to give you an idea of what they feel like (fun btw)

[georgew]

Following my stroke I found that I had an embarrassing habit of falling forward on my face when crossing the road.....usually in front of an admiring crowd at a busy road crossing. Now that was bad enough, but even more embarrassing was being helped up by a nice young man, brushed down and helped across the road.

I've never felt so old in my life.

Best of luck with your recovery.

[macd69]

Just in case anyone re visits this thread or searches it out for info, I managed back on the bike yesterday, tried it out on grass first and managed fine, so decided to try a bit of off road cycling, managed a couple of miles, only problem was when I looked behind me I had a serious wobble, but managed to stay upright (just) tried again today and again practiced on grass and found looking under my right arm caused less of a wobble, so managed a bit further today.

[Vorpal]

Glad to hear. If it helps any, I had a few Bikeability students who had trouble with looking over their shoulders. I told them to look down at their elbows, then just turn their heads and look around their shoulders. It's a bit harder to get a proper look back that way, but it's less likely to induce a wobble.

[macd69]

Thanks Vorpal, tried a few things, and managed by looking under rather than over my shoulder, and it's easier if I don't do it to quickly too.

[Flinders]

Glad to hear you're getting going again, well done you, and best wishes.