Post stroke cycling

[Navrig]

I appreciate that strokes and their impact vary enormously however I am just trying to find out if anyone here has returned to cycling after a stroke?

My wife has had a stroke. I was described as minor and, certainly, there is no cognitive loss just some left and arm issues. A rehab physio programme starts next week.

Anyone been there and got back in the saddle?

[emleyman]

I don't know where you're based, but in Kirklees we have an organisation called Streetbikes who operate cycling sessions on the running track at Spen Valley. There are cycles of various kinds including trikes and different types of adapted cycles. We have a few people come along who are recovering from strokes and can use trikes or standard bikes and cycle round the track in a safe, controlled environment.
Something like this might be a good first step to regain confidence and identify any ongoing balance issues.

[Jdsk]

Good to hear that you're lined up for the rehabilitation programme. Usual advice for that: write down your questions in advance so that you don't forget any, and tell them how important cycling is to you.

There are lots of available modifications for bikes and other HPVs and some experts on these. Do you think that's going to be helpful for your arm?

Have you thought about how to exercise if you can't cycle for a bit?

Previous discussions:
viewtopic.php?t=119272
viewtopic.php?t=159015

Jonathan

[Navrig]

I don't know where you're based, but in Kirklees we have an organisation called Streetbikes who operate cycling sessions on the running track at Spen Valley. There are cycles of various kinds including trikes and different types of adapted cycles. We have a few people come along who are recovering from strokes and can use trikes or standard bikes and cycle round the track in a safe, controlled environment.
Something like this might be a good first step to regain confidence and identify any ongoing balance issues.

Thanks, good idea. I'll have a look locally - East Lothian.

[Navrig]

Good to hear that you're lined up for the rehabilitation programme. Usual advice for that: write down your questions in advance so that you don't forget any, and tell them how important cycling is to you.

There are lots of available modifications for bikes and other HPVs and some experts on these. Do you think that's going to be helpful for your arm?

Have you thought about how to exercise if you can't cycle for a bit?

Previous discussions:
viewtopic.php?t=119272
viewtopic.php?t=159015

Jonathan

I have. We are fortunate that I have built a wee gym in the garage. She has her own turbo trainer plus we have an elliptical trainer and a rower as well as some dumbbells and a bench. She had been going to a PT for resistance training for the last 2 years so her core and leg strength are very good and her arm strength reasonable.

Good idea about questions. Once we get a feel for what the physio recommends we can start. I'll take photos of our "gym" to the first assessment session.

[Audax67]

Had a TIA in June last year. No physical impairment but some words take longer to emerge than they used to, as if they're going round by Hell to get to Worcester - there's been an impressive bit of re-routing going on there, and your wife's brain is probably beavering away just now to do the same.

Best wishes to you both, and I hope she'll be back on the road ASAP.

[maanderx]

we have an elliptical trainer and a rower as well...

Which rower do you have?

[Navrig]

we have an elliptical trainer and a rower as well...

Which rower do you have?

Concept C2. I bought it in a fit of enthusiasm and when I had money in the bank

[TrevA]

Quite a few years ago now, a female club mate of mine had quite a severe stroke, limiting use of the left side of her body and affecting her speech. Her husband was also a regular cyclist and they bought a tandem. She had to be lifted onto and strapped to the tandem, but they were able to continue cycling and touring as a couple.

[cyclop]

Hi.I,m sorry to hear about your wife,s stroke but it sounds as if you,re both determined to continue leading an active life.I had my stroke 2 years ago at 70 yrs old.As a 100 mile a week cyclist it came as a shock to say the least.Blind in my left eye for 60yrs,the stroke robbed me of 50% field of view in my right.Game over I thought as my balance was poor .....nonetheless within 2 months I did get back on the bike and do so to this day.Physically 100% but can,t drive anymore .I,m fortunate on three counts;a very supportive wife,living in S.Scotland i.e.great cycling on empty roads,have ridden with a small mirror clipped to my glasses,an absolute essential.Every stroke surviver has their own story of recovery ,the ones whose glass is still half full do the best in my opinion.Chapeau !

[Navrig]

Hi.I,m sorry to hear about your wife,s stroke but it sounds as if you,re both determined to continue leading an active life.I had my stroke 2 years ago at 70 yrs old.As a 100 mile a week cyclist it came as a shock to say the least.Blind in my left eye for 60yrs,the stroke robbed me of 50% field of view in my right.Game over I thought as my balance was poor .....nonetheless within 2 months I did get back on the bike and do so to this day.Physically 100% but can,t drive anymore .I,m fortunate on three counts;a very supportive wife,living in S.Scotland i.e.great cycling on empty roads,have ridden with a small mirror clipped to my glasses,an absolute essential.Every stroke surviver has their own story of recovery ,the ones whose glass is still half full do the best in my opinion.Chapeau !

Thank you for sharing your experience and I love the name

We are East Lothian so quiet roads here too.

[cyclop]

Thankyou.I,m now thinking of changing it to semi-cyclop or maybe even hemi-cylop to be more accurate:roll: What do you think.?

[cyclop]

Had a week at Yellow Craig in our van a while back.Beautiful,quiet spot.Took the bike.