In the past, when people have asked me what I can see, I explain that I don’t see print and other details of central vision. This explanation usually suffices. Sometimes though I will go on to say that I don’t see as well in certain lights, or when I’m not feeling well, or when I’m tired. I know this to be true although I’ve never thought of putting any sort of measure to the phenomenon of fatigue.
With speech, this fatigue factor has been way more obvious. I might be conversing close to my pre-stroke normal speaking voice when out of the blue, my speech becomes quite broken and hesitant. Although I might not be feeling tired physically, I now know that this change is a sign of fatigue. It is my brain telling me that it has had enough and needs time to rest.
I am sure that this brain overload can happen in many ways and for many reasons. Most of us realize that our reactions are not as quick when we are tired. Now as I am recovering from the effects of my stroke, I have become more aware of this phenomenon. I realize that I need to pay attention to the signals my body is giving me.
It has been a hard lesson for me. Although the words of a familiar song tell me otherwise, I have learned that I am not invincible. My brain does get weary of all the demands I make on it. The feeling of fatigue and the changes in my speech are a definite reminder that I need to take a break. Although it has been a hard lesson, it’s also been a, good one and I find that I am more balanced because of it. Giving in to fatigue, taking a time out and coming back refreshed is a good strategy for all of us.
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