Cycle Options after a stroke

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PVDavis
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Joined: 31 Dec 2017, 3:16pm

Cycle Options after a stroke

Post by PVDavis »

Yesterday, I learned that I have probably suffered a stroke.
An Ataxia that has spoiled my balance.
I was advised not to cycle as I now have problems starting and stopping. I have also been told not to drive for 30 days. I need a MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis as the CT scan showed no bad signs.

I have started on Tablets to thin my blood and to reduce my cholesterol which is now high. It was OK when I was previously tested.

I am a Cyclist, Gardener, and Dog walker who thought he was fit until my balance went suddenly 2 week's ago.

Am I likely to regain my balance in time, or should I be considering a Tricycle?

What are my best options please?
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Tigerbiten
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Joined: 29 Jun 2009, 6:49am

Re: Cycle Options after a stroke

Post by Tigerbiten »

Both an ICE Adventure or a Hase Kettwiesel are top of the range recumbent trikes that fit the bill on both being reasonably easy to get on and off while being reasonably stable around corners at silly speeds.
A lower bent trike (ICE Sprint/Vortex) will be faster but are slightly harder to get on and off.
A low end upright trike (sit up and beg position) will be a lot slower but easier to get on and off due to the much higher seat and no crossbar. Ok for pottering around the block but not for any real distance.

Luck .......... :D
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531colin
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Joined: 4 Dec 2009, 6:56pm
Location: North Yorkshire

Re: Cycle Options after a stroke

Post by 531colin »

I would wait for the final diagnosis and prognosis of your condition before making any big decisions.
Could it be Menieres disease? https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menieres-disease/
PeterJ
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Joined: 11 Aug 2010, 10:59pm

Re: Cycle Options after a stroke

Post by PeterJ »

I had a stroke in Spring 2016. It was caused by a clot reaching the brain (which showed up on an MRI but not a CT).

I was doing OK with my recovery until about 3 months post-stroke, at which point I suddenly started to get quite severe dizzy spells (to the extent tht looking at a patterned carpet would make my head spin).

This resolved over a week or so. My consultant and GP both explained that a stroke should be regarded as a severe brain injury and that the initial recovery can take 6-12 months. 'Relapses' like mine were not uncommon. Fast forward to today, and it's fair to say that I now feel off balance occasionally, but it is almost insignificant. I cycle and ride a motorbike. I'm 99% back to where I was before the stroke.

In a nutshell, I would say that it's far too soon after the event for you to make any decisions about your future capabilities. I'd also say that it's probably important to work hard at improving any areas where the stroke has left you deficient (ie, in my case, I lost the ability to do handwriting, so I practised writing out the alphabet repeatedly every day and after about a month I had recovered my usual appalling handwriting). I was very impressed with my brain's neuroplasticity.

You might want to talk to a physio about how to work on your balance, but try not to be discouraged if things don't improve quickly - stroke recovery can be unpredictable and is characterised by setbacks.

You're welcome to pm me.
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Tigerbiten
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Joined: 29 Jun 2009, 6:49am

Re: Cycle Options after a stroke

Post by Tigerbiten »

If you want to get a trike so you can still work on going out to keep fit, then second hand recumbent trikes hold their value.
Find a good Hase/ICE/Catrike model and if not needed then sell it in 12 months after you know what's happening for most of your money back.

Luck ....... :D
pete75
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Joined: 24 Jul 2007, 2:37pm

Re: Cycle Options after a stroke

Post by pete75 »

Tigerbiten wrote:If you want to get a trike so you can still work on going out to keep fit, then second hand recumbent trikes hold their value.
Find a good Hase/ICE/Catrike model and if not needed then sell it in 12 months after you know what's happening for most of your money back.

Luck ....... :D


Plus they're very good fun to ride.
'Give me my bike, a bit of sunshine - and a stop-off for a lunchtime pint - and I'm a happy man.' - Reg Baker
PVDavis
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Joined: 31 Dec 2017, 3:16pm

Re: Cycle Options after a stroke

Post by PVDavis »

Thank You all for giving me feedback. It is still very much a shock.
The tablets were unpleasant at first, but a week in are less so.
I am due to see the Stroke specialist in February so will know more about the damage suffered by then

Fortunately my employers are letting me work from home, which is tiring, but means I feel less disabled; and do not need to worry about the money side of things.

The recumbent Trikes look fun, though I do wonder how well they would go up hill. I live near Malvern and love climbing the British Camp and the Wyche Cutting. Certainly an option though. I might even be able to keep with my Brother on the descents with one.
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Vantage
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Re: Cycle Options after a stroke

Post by Vantage »

I had a stroke late October and haven't been on the bike since. Balance issues and fatigue.
You can expect to be seen by the nhs stroke recovery team and get help from Stroke UK (I think that's the name anyway). Both will visit you at home for as long as you feel their need. You may be offered physio classes to aid in your recovery.
The answer I've been given by every doc, nurse, physiotherapist and specialist I've asked about getting back to normal has been "There's no set time. The effects differ from person to person."
Hang in there. I went from barely able to walk to managing to walk my dog over the moors within 2 months. Still terrified of crashing my bike but I'm getting there.
Bill


“Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride.” ~ Eddy Merckx
It's a rich man whos children run to him when his pockets are empty.
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