The Typical Stroke Recovery Timeline And Why Yours Might Be Different

Recovering from a stroke isn’t like recovering from a broken bone. Let’s talk about what the typical timeline for stroke recovery looks like and why your timeline might be different.
➡️ Maximize Your Recovery with Neuroplasticity: • The Best Ways To Build...
➡️ Interview with Stephanie: • How To Make The Most O...
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Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:08 Stages of Recovery
02:57 The One Year Myth
04:17 Why Your Timeline Might Be Different
05:32 Plateaus And Backslides
06:51 Outro
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Medical Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a physician or qualified healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise or therapy regimen.

[@angelic7007]

Yes I’m 55 years old and a two time stroke survivor and just took my first steps in nearly two years. Boy was I stoked.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Congratulations!!! 🎊🎉 That is amazing!!

[@K-Fred]

I'm currently 58, white male, currently 5 years post hemorrhagic stroke deep in the thalamus. Right side of body paralyzed (left side of brain). PT, OT and speech therapy until last month. Currently personal trainer 3x a week as well as home exercize program. Have had acupuncture and chiropractic treatment as needed. Still no feeling on right side, but 85% function. I continue to see small improvments daily. I have no plans of stopping. Never give up!

[@legineacahill4785]

Great outlook. Keep up the good work

[@thornyrose1954]

@K-Fred:Thank you for sharing, I am currently in my 26 yr old's hospital room. 7 months ago he had hemorrhagic brain bleed Rt side of brain (AVM) best guess. He has movement only on right hand, recently moving rt arm also after starting PT at a rehab facility. Hospital In house PT & OT was next to nothing. Luckily my husband & I have not left his side a single day & have been doing ROM so his hands, arms, legs & feet are in very good shape except left had a little stiff sometimes. We will keep encouraging him..& hope he can speak soon & tell us what he feels. He will go craniplasty in a few days🙏 Best of luck to you & keep up the good work. Again thank you for sharing ❤

[@K-Fred]

@@thornyrose1954 I am so sorry for what you're going through. Please know that he will make progress, even if it seems very little is happening on the outside, there is much happening on the inside. Much love and comfort ❤️

[@christopherseivard8925]

Thanks very much. Survived the first year, not giving up!

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@christopherseivard8925 You are so welcome! Keep going! I hope you can find more resources with Post Stroke to help you continue your recovery ❤️

[@zeezeejax8560]

Keep it going! I dont remember my first year at all, yet now I can remember 40% up to 4 days ago. Yet oddly, things get pushed into 4 - 5 month long term memory. Just focus on tomorrow, and then a month, then months, then a year from now. Make your goals and do your best. Snack frequently, every hour to 2 depending on size of snacks. Sugars & protiens 😀 and rest frequently as well 20 min at least every couple hours. It Just let's the brain rest and proccess.

[@pipertarin68]

Finally! Someone, who says the Truth, about Stroke Recovery! I am a Cerebellum Stroke Survivor 2016. I, can't tell you how frustrating it was that" Everyone" expected me, to be " Normal" after 3-6 Months Post Stroke!

[@ikestoddard2458]

Me, too, October 2015. I second everything you wrote!

[@cormethakitchen9075]

I'm in a 2 year and counting recovery and most people who don't understand the recovery process always ask some stupid questions

[@omfug8593]

I’m in a year and a half post stroke left side, I still can’t walk unaided except for very short distances around the house, I’m not afraid of falling anymore, now I rehab all day long by myself, my stroke happened during open heart surgery

[@omfug8593]

I still wish I didn’t go through the heart surgery, I’m in massive debt and having to rely on people sucks, I buy everything off of Amazon and online order my groceries getting disability isn’t a reality even though I paid into my whole life

[@stevenlengyel9701]

I hear that, “how long” was the most common question, I guess since I was able to come back to work after back surgery, they expected me back after an air bubble went to my brain.

[@hemasookram4655]

I got a phone call the other day from someone asking me "u get over ur stroke yet". Like wtf I had an ischemic stroke with left side paralysis I've only gotten as far as I have because of this wonderful woman and what she's doing for us❤. The ignorance of ppl continues to astound me !

[@chrisspurdens244]

Thank you

[@derekterrell3465]

We can do it never give up

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@derekterrell3465 ❤️🔥

[@ikestoddard2458]

I am 68 y.o. white male, stroke on/about 10-10-2015. My recovery continues. Physically, I have residual misbalance (no vertigo!) and sometimes can trip when I walk. I got a Rollator this past fall to help with walking to a healthier condition. (Did not realize I could order one from Medicare Advantage.) This makes me 100+ months into recovery. Never gonna stop!

[@kicknowledgesmith8608]

The best thing you can do is not compare yourself to others. I compare myself to my earlier stages and see how far I've come. I can do things today that I couldn't do a year ago. I can now walk outside without a crutch. I can now switch legs walking up and downstairs. My arm/hand is still nonfunctional, but I can move it a lot more compared to a year ago. I had 2 brain surgeries over this past year, so my brain is still recovering. I won't stop until I get my body back. I work out and do repetitions daily.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@kicknowledgesmith8608 Thank you so much for sharing this! It's so important. You should be so incredibly proud of yourself for pushing even though you've gone through so much ❤️

[@kicknowledgesmith8608]

@@PostStrokeOrg Thank you! That's exactly what keeps me going. In the beginning I needed help eating, bathing and standing. Now I can walk and do those things on my own now. So compared to those days, I'm doing pretty good and still making progress a year later. I go out walking on a rocky dirt trail with hills with my wife and son. The first day was tough, but I got used to it and can walk longer distances. Now I'm working on my arm/hand. I had a stroke due to an AVM, and they removed the AVM 5 months after my stroke, so I'm still recovering, mentally, emotionally and physically. AVMs are extremely rare, so I was in shock for months.

[@DanOne1513]

​@@kicknowledgesmith8608 stay strong!....you are doing outstanding from your description and present day status...at your rate, full recovery will happen soon so enjoy...the hand recovers from he slowest most people report but bits and pieces count...think about the days of needing help bathing,..now you do it on your own... don't worry about perfection and precision of anything... often the handicapped do better because they found a way and so it!...you inspire, and that is a gift!... sometimes inspiration is the most valuable gift--remember that! Stroke is by comparison a broken bone...it just needs more recovery time...the irony is, you were given a gift...strokes don't come wrapped in pretty paper but they inspire the right people to expose greatness...you are already proving that!

[@krishnansmile]

This video is very much needed for me, I was 42 when I survived severe brain hemorrhage and had hemiplegia in the yr 2020 yes during the covid peak and the therapy was out of my reach .I am still recovering ,the good part is I am seeing significant improvement even now .Never lost hope . thank you and appreciate your video

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@krishnansmile I'm so sorry. I've heard so many stories like yours who had a stroke during the pandemic and couldn't access the therapy they needed. So frustrating. But I'm so glad to see that you are continuing to make progress! Keep me posted on how things are going ❤️

[@legineacahill4785]

I had a pontine hemorrhagic stroke March 18th 2020 at 2am the day that COVID shut everything down. It was so hard dealing with the stroke but doing it without my husband by my side through the majority of it was so hard The rules about visitors kept changing minute by minute. I'm 4 years into recovery and stuck in spasticity phase. I have no sensation on the left side I was wondering how to combat sensation issues and bring it back

[@thornyrose1954]

Thank you for sharing, it gives me hope for my 26yr old son who had severe brain bleed 7 months ago...even though it was not during pandemic I have to say he got very little PT. Therapist always "busy" or my son was recovering from yet another "bump on the road". He has gotten more consistent PT at his rehab facility. He will have craniplasty surgery soon.

[@joycezaid3909]

Finally home this past March, but later had a major psychotic break the day after the eclipse; wasn't doing well due to still not having home health care, the financial emotional and physical effects, and increasingly frustrated that the people in my life who should KNOW better saying that I wasn't trying hard enough to get better, I should have been back at work since I didn't "sound like" I had a stroke. I came home almost 3 weeks ago, and I told the psych team I wasn't leaving the hospital until my home health care was set up. I couldn't endure any more delays (not having insurance OR income). The next week, I have in home PT OT, Dietary, and Mental Health/Social Work. Speech therapy is coming soon. I agreed to participate in a partial hospitalization program, and my disability claim was approved, and it's going back to the day I had my stroke. Tonight I am crocheting a hat, because I lost interest in EVERYTHING when I came home 2 months ago. I had to put the KZbin channel on transcripts, and wrote the instructions in a way I could understand them(my concentration/comprehension took a beating). Not finished, but the point is that I DID it, and I had FUN. My social worker is gonna be proud of me taking up her challenge!!! I needed to hear the truth (though I already knew it) and you are on point. I WILL be contributing to your channel because you changed my life, and even told my stroke recovery group about you. Thank you for being here!!!

[@pauljohnson7770]

Excellent video as a 76 yo male who had a cavernous venous malformation in the left cerebellum. I recovered most skills by 6 months but plateaued however the next year had 7mm thalamic stoke. Another plateau. 5 years out had the oozes from the cavnoma hence more ataxia and left side numbness and balance so back in my rehab mode. Fortunately I’ve operated on the rehab and die attitude most of my life since early 20s. 5 years later, so far so good. Thanks

[@olafborkner]

Here is my report, maybe it will help someone. A little over three years ago I suffered a stroke (right thalamus). I was immediately taken to the hospital in Passau, but apart from a CT scan and an MRI scan, nothing else was done. I then stayed in the hospital for a week for observation, but the various neurologists couldn't help me either. I had problems coordinating the left side of my body, problems walking, and gripping with my left hand was a bit difficult. All of this happened during the Corona period and a therapy place was simply not available. I then looked for instructions on how to deal with this impairment and found your website. For three years now, I have been doing your seven exercises every day, I also train my left arm with light weights and walk 10,000 steps every day. My dear wife is Italian and we eat a Mediterranean, low-salt diet. I try to coordinate my daily routine as normally as possible and have actually regained all of my abilities. I could actually be happy, but I still have a very weather-dependent nausea that is very disturbing. I have trouble concentrating and unfortunately I can't continue with the two book projects that I've left behind. I work every day to improve my situation and hope for further recovery.

[@leahgepielago2114]

😊❤😊I am a Basal Ganglia Stroke Survivor. Was hospitalized again after 2 yrs and 8 months. Was so sad because I have to repeat my exercises again but I don't want to give up even though most of the time I cry. My right affected part from head to foot is very painful especially my foot then my hand. Can't sleep well too. Was believing that despite of all the, my difficulties, I know that GOD will help me overcome. ❤😊❤

[@ozogula64]

Amen in Jesus name.

[@chrisspurdens244]

So sorry to hear about your setback. Rehab HQ channel has helped me too. Stand. Stand some more

[@angelic7007]

Yes finally someone who answers my question.

[@Michael-ht3ox]

I am 6 weeks into recovery, with very good overall progress. There is a lesson that I have learned the hard way during recovery: one has to be reasonable. There were two occasions when I asked to much from my body: one was a visit at a thermal spa with the kids and the other one a training routine at the physio gym for 90 minutes effective training. I felt fit enough, but had a few hours later a body reaction, that reminded me at the moment when I experienced the stroke. Horror. All, be cautious.

[@chrisspurdens244]

When things are going well. Don't stop training and rehab xx

[@joshporter8286]

Im 2 years post stroke and I have platoed with spasticity shown but I am also finding out more about myself everyday

[@zeezeejax8560]

Would you please do a video on on diet for brain recovery?! Snacking (small snacks like protine drinks, yogurts, nuts, crackers with meat and cheese, and small soda from time to time )with protien and sugars through the day, like hour to two has helped me soo much. Providing fule to the brain recovery so to speek. Also a video about dopamine for brain brain recover would be cool too.

[@supervelinYT]

Great explanations as always!

[@wonkyganu72]

wish i saw this before i had my stroke and also called 911 when i first noticed something's off

[@onehandedwonders]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@rizvanaisya5229]

Thank you! always looking forward to your videos very informative ❤️.

[@VernonRhem]

Mines is in the upper head dizziness, and balance can't hear or stabilize eye is still crippling me

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@rizvanaisya5229 So glad you find them helpful!

[@texaseagle1991]

So you're telling me that even 16 mos post stroke I'm not finished recovering? I've had a lot of wins in that time period...I was a hoyef transfer but now can actually get up & walk with a walker or hemi walker at times. My goal is to eventually just need a quad cane !! I'm 57 yrs old...is there still hope for me?

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@texaseagle1991 I am! Our brains continue to adapt and change long after an injury happens. It sounds like you've made some amazing progress!! You should be so proud of how much you've accomplished and how hard you've worked. There is always hope ❤️

[@pipertarin68]

Fellow Stroke Survivor here. I had My Cerebellum Stroke in 2016. It honestly took a long while to see, major improvement but it can & does happen. So, don't give up❤

[@K-Fred]

Never give up, you're just getting to the good part!

[@user-yc4fz7vv6u]

I am the same age as you and 17 months post stroke. I am continually surprised by actions that my affected arm just starts doing again, even with moves I haven't been practising. |You can do it!

[@user-jd2hu3dv3h]

You learn slower, you still learn. Im 2 years post stroke and am still learning. I get impatient, i give up but i keep exercising.

[@nerissamatel8236]

I am a stroke survivor for three years. I can do few household chores but my affected leg is still in worst condition, i can walk but just inside the house. I just had my ankle foot orthosis and I can walk easily with it. You think i can walk correctly in due time?

[@patriciarathbun4829]

My only problem is if I’m tired my left leg will skim the step when walking down stairs and occasionally I feel off balance when stepping on uneven ground. We gave been doing some yard work and it’s been fun walking over earth mounds. All in all I feel blessed and thank God every day that it was mild. Oh I’m left eye blind but that was long before the stroke.

[@deborahann6912]

Dear madam I've just entered the seventh year after I got a stroke I would like to know can I do a shock treatment for my affected shoulder is it ok

[@TamLe-eo6zo]

We are appreciated for your knowledge sharing, advising. Also, thank you for your professional attitude, please dont try a stupid happy face with stupid smiling, laughing look like others therapists on youtube channels , we are dealing with very very sad , unfortunately event in life nothing to be funny, not happy , nothing for celebrating .. we need help, please dont make fun on us .... thank you

[@S.nongbsap]

My left eye ball can't move

[@briangode1381]

The same as I had with my past automobiles on things different shops and stories on it I get the same on my stroke one says operate one says no operation only be worse who is right or wrong tho my past visits health medical care who to believe I see I pad videos no one will look at tv ads I am still not ready to give up opions please

[@TheChaz2011]

Are you familiar with the drug Gabapentin? I'm on the drug better or worse? Had my stroke in August 2023. My recovery has been an experience of success and struggle. Which continues! Sleep is making recovery difficult.

[@legendary8838]

I make 4 years in September

[@francisbaker1713]

Amen

[@whiteshieldenterprises]

Nice..

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@whiteshieldenterprises ❤️

[@tracyboyd4445]

❤❤❤

[@briangode1381]

This is my repeat January 2014 small stroke two February 2014 rehabilitation nursing home still bad left arm all of plus left side well I had it with sepsis urin infected not proper care but still breathing now I believe on my stroke proper care not done tho some things were my skin cancer I never liked cared for home dentist went to outside private dentist 100x nicer mucho caring so nicer just as is my senorita amigo 34half years this world has it all those who care do things properly or just want your money $$$$$ since last four plus years pandemic not even mucho times outside world or doing mucho at nursing activities sitting around too mucho yes no stiff body donot walk best all alone even right using hemi aid dressing help needed somewhat bad left hand use well I know I believe somewhat better nicer could be done for this myself 100x perfect well not sure ten years here never married some volks worry over my past I never did as average volks do leave home sooner dating long time love relations we are all somewhat different

[@sajanninan4520]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@misteriguana2748]

My timeline is totally broken I'm actually going backwards its slowly going but it is. July 31,2023 was a major stroke. I was on my jobsite and dropped in the driveway while talking to my client. My employee noticed the signs right away and drove me to the fire station down the street. They took me by helicopter to the hospital. I only remember being in the drivewzy. I was told the rest. After waking up I kinda remember the doctor showing me a picture of the clot they removed and it was in 3 pieces. Here's where my brain fog comes in and the timelines aren't matching up. Maybe 2 weeks after that major.stroke I had a minor stroke. Then.about 3 weeks after that was a pulmonary embolism. I believe the cause of all this was from having surgery on my left kidney from chronic kidney stones. This stone was the worst I ever had and it was large enough to completely block my uriter inside my kidney. So I had a nefrostomy tube sticking out my left side for urine to.drain. I had complications with that and had to have it changed out to a larger one while they left the original one in place.( a piece of it.anyway) But I was making progress initially after the stroke. Went to my therapy at all times that I didn't have.a Dr appointment etc... They said I didn't need more therapy so I didn't go.any more. With all the drugs they had me on none for.pain but.all other things I just found out yesterday on just how bad.stating drugs.are for the body and.I stopped.taking those. I'm no longer on blood thinners. Because.my imsurance.dropped me last bill I saw.from the hospital was 667,000.00 that.was.for the month of november. So now.... My right hand wants to keep.a.fist.and.wrist wants to.curl up most of the time. My memories from the past are still there up.to the time of the.stroke... But not really after. They.pretty much come and go on an hourly basis. Depression.and.anxiety have set in. Its very difficult to understand. My speech.really isnt.effected. but my understanding is very much so. I'm independent but relying on my girlfriend for a ton of things mainly.mentally. I've since been not.really.able to work because at times I cant.remember what things.are.called.and it.takes me.5 minutes to remember what something is called... Like.a.sheet of plywood.. I can point.at it but.can't remember what it is called. Its been going.downhill for.about.6 months now and have.an appointment with my neurologist next month to.see what's happening.and hopefully.get some answers. I drive myself around but never alone just in case something happens. So my recovery seems to be in reverse now.

[@mega00760]

too much talking

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@michellemclaren5422]

Obviously bitter ...at least she cares... if it's too much talking stop watching kmt

[@michellemclaren5422]

@@PostStrokeOrgignore the negative nellys your really helpful .... your appreciated❤