My stroke recovery journey

 Recovery from stroke is a lifelong process. For many people, recovery begins with formal rehabilitation, which can restore independence by improving physical, mental, and emotional functions. It is important for you and your family to know that no matter where you are in your recovery journey, there is always hope.


          "When you think of the word ‘stroke’ you picture a caress, like stroking a cat. Well, it’s nothing like that! A stroke is devastating!  Having a heart attack didn’t bother people that much. Heart attacks aren’t crippling like strokes. It’s so embarrassing! When I was first in rehab they wanted me to draw lines on paper. I didn’t want to work on things my grandkids could do! I didn’t want to be seen in public with a quad cane or a leg brace. The last thing you want is sympathy.

At first, when people would hold a door open for me I thought they just felt sorry for me. Now I know they are just being considerate."

"I used to feel that if someone had a stroke, that’s it… it's the end of the line. Now I know you have to keep fighting. I think once you have a stroke you have to get to the point where you accept the fact that this is the way it is…and rather than saying ‘I can’t do it,’ start looking for ways to do things."

"Now,  I wear simple shirts with buttons that are easy for me to button them up and my shirts always have big pockets. I keep the portable phone in one pocket (in case I need to call for help.) I also have my personal bag with me all the time, I have softballs, tamarind seeds [ for practicing my picking up small items, a book, not just for reading but to practice open through pages no. that you can think of. My reading glasses, my medicine, a small bag of cosmetics, Yes! We still think about looking nice and clean. Napkins in case you are eating and the food keeps dripping from your lips or sometimes leave a piece of food on your chin, My brother wipes my lips and my chin for me when we’re eating out, He says “We can only dress you up” and I always wipe my chin when I see someone touch their chins, I thought they were implying that I had food stick on my chin.

"What I miss most is losing my handwriting."

When I had to open a new banking account, I could not sign my signature; it took me 20 minutes to write my name with my left hand. The bank people don’t accept fingerprints if you want to have an ATM. Card with your account as well. I still write a lot now but with my notebook, of course. I write to my friends by E-mail. I still help translate news from Thai into English for our website. I keep my own room clean and do laundry, all with the help of my relatives, my trying to help, makes the family nervous. They worry about me getting hurt or overdoing. My right arm still hangs as I pop thing in the oven. I always keep moving. I fall sometimes. In many ways, my caretaker says it would be less worrisome if I would give in and use the wheelchair…but that’s not me.

I know I grieve over the loss of the person I was or at least some of the things I could do. But my family all celebrate the person I am and marvel over the many things I can do.

Now I can ride a bicycle!, YAHOO!

To enhance your quality of life after a stroke,you have to learn as many details as possible about stroke and recovery. There are resources and information you and your caregiver can make as much progress in recovery as possible.
by checking through iHOPE and Living After Stroke – two convenient and easy-to-use tools for survivors and caregivers!

» Visit iHOPE

» Learn more about Living After Stroke