I had the opportunity to change the path my life was on. Things are going to change in your life but that's not necessarily a bad thing. When I was in rehab my focus was too much on wanting to get out. Focus on making the most of the time you have there to learn and work hard on your therapy. Rehab is like a cocoon. It's safe and comfortable and you have a lot of people at your side to help you. When you do get out, your brain needs lots of rest to heal - so rest. Your brain also needs activity to stimulate the 're-wiring' so do your outpatient therapy and the homework they assign to you.
Keep a positive attitude. Try to avoid feeling sorry for yourself. Things will improve. Don't do too much too fast. You get better day by day. Take one day at a time. Remember how you are today doesn't mean that's how you will always be. Healing never stops but it can be slow. There are lots of ups and downs. Keep trying.
Tom and Cheryl's Story...
Tom,
Survivor and written by Cheryl, Caregiver.
Tom had a brain stem stroke in 2004. He did not feel as he
had much hope. Through his faith, doctors, therapy and the Stroke Support Group
he became a SURVIVOR. Tom was often discouraged however he never gave up. As his
wife and caregiver I gained so much information from the other caregivers in
the Support group about how to relate to Tom and his needs.
Gloria's Story....
Gloria, 34
year Survivor
My “stroke story” started with me having headaches then
migraines around Christmas time 1983. After 4 days of an extremely painful headache
- I had pain into my jaw and through out the left side of my head. Mark, my
husband noticed he could not understand my words. He arranged for our friend to
watch our young twin daughters so he could take me to the hospital – that was
December 4, 1983 at 4:10pm. The doctors kept me for observation then later that
evening when I tried to walk my right leg was numb. I was taken down for an
angiogram (dye injected into my arteries). I remember having to lie very still.
After further tests it was determined I had an ischemic stroke on the left side
of my brain.
I started Physical
Therapy while I was still in ICU. They stressed to me it was important to keep all
my muscles moving. I had a “triangle” hanging over my bed so I could assist in
moving my body. Eventually, they worked on my balance and strength and
practiced walking steps and getting in/out of a car. Occupational Therapy worked with me on dressing myself then
they had me working in the kitchen.
On Christmas Day 1983 (with a temperature of minus 12) I went
home to spend time with my family. It was exhausting.
On 12/31/83 I was discharged from the hospital to home. Mark
needed to go back to work and the girls were back in school so my parents came
to be with me. It was a team effort as people from my church would drive me to
therapy 3 days a week. During my outpatient therapy they decided it was time to
start Speech therapy. They had all kinds of activities for me to do. I remember
flash cards, crossword puzzles, reading and memory tasks.
I was anxious to drive and with time I was able to do that. I remember I got exhausted easily and needed to learn to plan
one big job per day. I did well that first summer using this plan. We also
moved to a one story home.
Even though I developed Atrial Fibrillation in 2005 and had
to start new medicines I have stayed active with my family, church activities,
and 2 stroke support groups and traveling with my husband. It has been 34 years since my stroke.
