AnaJ

Alan, Congratulations on your continuing progress towards recovery! Yes, stroke recovery is long and HARD, but you're getting there, one step at a time, one day at a time. And it looks like you are having a very active, fulfilling life while you're doing it! Your positive outlook will take you far in life! What an inspiration to us all!

Hi, Chris, Please remember that your anger and frustration are absolutly normal, and you must vent somehow. That is important for your mental health. Also remember, and one of the things that I've learned with stokes is that nothing is cut and dry. There are no time frames for anything as far as healing from a stroke go. It's a major lifechanger, for sure, and definitely the life you didn't ask for. My heart goes out to you! Also, please take care of yourself. Do something you enjoy while your husband sleeps, read a book, go to the gym, etc. I don't mean to sound corny, but we also need to look for and be grateful for the small steps that your husband might make in his recovery. Stroke recovery is long and hard, in most cases. For all parties involved. But is's still very much possible! Everyday is one step closer to that. I hope this helps you!

Hi, Sue! I'm so sorry that you felt unsupported as a caregiver. Yes, it can be lonely at times, but we just have to remember that there are so many others out there going through the same. Sometimes it can be hard to reach out to others. I am not the type of person who likes to put my feelings out there, but sometimes we must step out of our comfort zone and do just that. Caregiving for a loved one is just too important a job to let our own self-care slide. Our loved ones depend on us, and it is the most important job we will ever do. Before my husband suffered his stroke, I've always wondered how caregivers managed to do what they do. Now I know that they do it out of love.