Thank you! You're welcome, I don't mind sharing about my experiences, especially if someone else can benefit.
After brain surgery, I lost 34 pounds, 25 of that in 12 days. I had to learn how to swallow again because I would choke a lot and all of my liquids had to be thickened with this powder called thick it. I realized after coming home that my appetite had changed drastically, I even joked with my neurosurgeon that he "put something back together the wrong way!" Haha! It's true, I hardly ever eat anything fried anymore, my stomach turns at the thought of greasy foods unless I have a very specific craving, and I legitimately crave vegetables and fruits.
Exercising helps keep me relaxed and I need that in my life! I was only 24 when I had my stroke and my blood pressure is normal now, but we know it consistently ran high pre-stroke. There's also some familial history of brain aneurysms through my mother's side, I just happened to have one and it ruptured. I'm alive, but not without struggles!! My point is, exercise helps me feel more in control, it keeps my mind feeling clear which definitely helps me during "bad brain days." The mind-body connection is more real and important than its given credit for.
Haven't yet gotten back into lifting heavy, but I will once I have my diet back to something consistent. It's just volatile because of the parts of my brain that were most affected! I do work with a dietitian and nutritionist, and having that guidance kept me off of another medicine I would've had to take to stimulate my appetite. I can't explain it, but if I didn't make myself eat on a schedule, I wouldn't eat at all. I rarely ever actually feel hungry anymore and this is tied to my brain and anti epileptic medication I have to take.
I'm always walking a fine line, trying to balance! One day at a time and if I keep my mind right, there's nothing (except what is medically harmful) I can't do. I've come very far in the almost 4 1/2 years (next month is the halfway mark) since I've experienced a stroke, emergency brain surgery, acquired a brain injury and became a survivor. There are good days and bad days, and my neuro team and I have learned a lot from and about each other from my case, because I'm definitely not textbook.
I just kinda roll with the punches and take steps back for perspective when I become frustrated with my brain not cooperating with my body. Mindset is everything!
