You are "lucky" because you have a great attitude and you make your own opportunities and you deal with life, post-stroke, realistically. A lot of people don't do that. They are waiting for things to go back to "normal" and they never do that without the effort people like you put in. :cheer:

So :congrats:

Sue.

Hi, Christine; belated congratulations on being a survivor! I am a caregiver, and I thought "impatient" was a new middle name that you acquired as a result of the stroke. LOL My husband Sam has absolutely no patience, and remains frustrated as a result. I pray for him and other survivors (and their caregivers!) daily.

Thank goodness you have such a positive attitude, as we know that is the most powerfull mover of all. And buying shoes! Such a great spirit lifter for us girls I look forward to reading about your success stories. Keep up the good work.

Kathy

hey Christine:

you got great attitude, with attitude like that only positive things are possible. For me personally OT was nothing, since I didn't have any movement in y hand though due to movement in shoulder & elbow I use my left hand as a fist in lot of my ADLs. I feel wit stroke recovery repition is a key, more you do, easier it gets. Now I feel can trust my ankle while walking on any surface. I also feel integrating your exercise into your daily routine will also make you feel much better about yourself.

keep up the good work & atay active on board too that will help you battle your depression.

Asha

Christine: your question about doing all your exercises, every day is a running thread here, with survivors and caregivers, as well. Our Ruthpill posted some time back about 18 or so pages that the OT gave to William and her. Then you have to tack on speech and PT. You'd have to get up at 5am, maybe skip lunch in order to finish up in time for bed-lol. We laugh because recovery is always first on the list, but it is not the only thing on the list.

My goal for Bruce at home was two hours PT, two hours OT-his Right arm/hand still have no response, but we continue to work and an hour of speech, only because Bruce has a command of the language, reads at least an hour a day and conversation also counts. As things slowly progressed, we'd work a bit longer on the positives-walking, dressing. Whatever was working. He also Estims for an hour and a half every day.

Your attitude and willingness to do any work is a wonderful positive because anything you do will pay off, simply because you did not give up or get frustrated. Sounds to me like you have a terrific gam plan in place. Please keep us up to date. Debbie

I did them daily for 5 months while still in the hospital and rehab. I have had OT/PT off and on for 7 years but Medicare will only approve two sessions of 4 weeks at a time! Something is better than nothing. I also use the military gym machines much as I want to do!

Fred!

Hi Christine: You should get a daily routine that is comfortable and stick to it. You're doing a great job, and we all get frustrated at times. Rest is very important, because when we're asleep those neurons are hard at work forging new connections and building on what we've done in therapy. Some fresh air every day to me is essential. Recovery takes time and we have to accept that fact.

Ask the shoe store about shoes with velcro straps. They've saved my life! All the best, and keep posting. Henry

Christine: your question about doing all your exercises, every day is a running thread here, with survivors and caregivers, as well. Our Ruthpill posted some time back about 18 or so pages that the OT gave to William and her. Then you have to tack on speech and PT. You'd have to get up at 5am, maybe skip lunch in order to finish up in time for bed-lol. We laugh because recovery is always first on the list, but it is not the only thing on the list.

 

My goal for Bruce at home was two hours PT, two hours OT-his Right arm/hand still have no response, but we continue to work and an hour of speech, only because Bruce has a command of the language, reads at least an hour a day and conversation also counts. As things slowly progressed, we'd work a bit longer on the positives-walking, dressing. Whatever was working. He also Estims for an hour and a half every day.

 

Your attitude and willingness to do any work is a wonderful positive because anything you do will pay off, simply because you did not give up or get frustrated. Sounds to me like you have a terrific gam plan in place. Please keep us up to date. Debbie

Ha ha.....18 pages. That's crazy. I think my OT knows I'm growing inpatient and need something else to focus on. I like walking, so I do that a lot more than the PT home exercises. It's easy to work on the things you like, and they are usually liked because those things are coming along. I can't believe you do e-stim for an hour and a half. My therapist is looking into getting me one for myself, that I can do daily, for the opening of the hand.