two years on
Entry posted by alansd
1,078 views
I just recently reached two years since my stroke. I have come quite a way in recovery, but not yet satisfied.I have explored and used many devices, programs, exercises, OT and PT, and all this has contributed to my present state of ability.I often hear"you look great" Or" you are doing well." But people don't see the daily struggle to do simple life tasks, and how hard it is to stay motivated to progress.
I go to a gym....LA Fitness, every other day, on a regimen.When I first went a year ago,it was very hard to do any exercise machine.Now i do all the machines.
It helps my strength, attitude and I meet so many people there,it is very motivating.
Ive just begun to use my left ( affected) arm to use 4 different machines. I can hold the handle with my hand, sometimes aided at grabbing it with my right .
I am pulling a weighted pully across my body both left and right and then up and down.My shoulder has improved, and my elbow gained flexibility.
Still, I only use 3 to 5 pounds.I will add weight when I can.What is gratifying is that I can get down on the floor and do stretches.I am able to get down and back up on my own, sometimes painful, but tolerable.It truly helps my back and overall feeling to do this.
What ia new is my volunteering as a stroke peer helper at our very large local hospital.This is just beginning, and I have a bit more training to attend, though i have done some already. I am a bit nervous about my mental-emotional stability when I meet someone who is experiencing all the effects, and might have the pseudo-bulbar affect in full swing,I surely don't want to join them in a crying jag.
All in all I deal with each day and what it brings,always optimistic and seeking some recovery I might see, that is too subtle for anyone else to notice. Its great to be alive. I add prayers every day for full recovery and healing. Ive been led to many thing by listening to people I have met, and showing genuiness and thankfulness.I now do acupuncture once weekly which came about from a chance meeting.In the past months I had an opportunity to participate in a college clinical trial, and use a Saebo flex glove,as well as try a hyper-baric chamber for a month.
.
8 Comments
Recommended Comments