Strategies to Thrive After Stroke

[@andylim3810]

Being a stroke survivor for 7 years, I was so mentally strengthen, when I told my hospital therapist I will recover. The therapist challenge me by saying " do you know how many muscles you have to activate from the tip of your head to your toes " . It made me even more determined. Today, the current therapist told me to go home , to continue to work on your balance, as I m advance in the stage. I have a fractured femur in 2020, my affected leg is one each shorter. This will not stop me from reaching the best.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@andylim, It sounds like you are really motivated to reach your fullest potential! I am proud of you! Keep going ❤️

[@VernonRhem]

I had stroke it got me in right eye and ear big balance problems. I need good brain doctor to see if I am getting better still off balance one year later

[@greg9255]

It's amazing that you never had a stroke but you know exactly what we deal with thank you for this channel is very important to my recovery and I'm sure others thank you so much..

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@gregoryhancock, You are so welcome. Again, I'm just so glad you're finding it helpful. I think a lot of therapists, especially occupational therapists, tend to start out as pretty empathetic people. But I've made it my work to try and really understand the lived experience of survivors by listening to what survivors are dealing with on a day-to-day basis. And I'm glad that it's able to help others through this channel ❤️ - Elyse

[@dimills9959]

I am1yr on since my stroke. I can walk, and do so daily, do lots of chores myself but have periods of deep depression and reclusivity. All I want on days like that are to watch Netflix. Thak you so much for videos which I try daily.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

It's great to hear about your progress! Experiencing depression is unfortunately relatively common after a stroke. Make sure you reach out to someone, a friend or physician, when your in those periods of deep depression. ❤️ I'm cheering you on!

[@Jackie-yw9ws]

Wow I feel the same. Sometimes my stroke was two years ago so much depression. I still deal with an anxiety after watching these videos and reading some of the comments. Learning that you have help makes you feel so much better.

[@gajacooks4079]

I am 18 months post stroke was in rehab for 2 months had to learn to do everything again was in wheelchair Now im walking..cleaning..cooking..baking.. I had to really push myself daily i refused to feel sorry for myself and tell my family when they want to help me no let me first try and dont enable me to stay partially disabled.. i must do it myself.. and so far so good . Believe me it was not easy .. bit with every milestone achieved i felt so proud of myself it just motivated me to do more And that it is possible I am grateful beyond measure Thank you for you videos I went dancing over the weekend with my husband and daughter that felt great A life of possibilities

[@beccapears7573]

i can't do anything as i did before my stroke!i love to cook, work in my yard and chop firewood, clean my house and I worked as a technical support agent. I have hobbies like gardening, working with wood, and making planters. i cant use the right side of my body. tell me what hope I have of having of a life worth living. i need constant supervision. i can't walk, use my right hand, nor can I stand safely. give me some that will give me hope of being me somehow. Please. your videos are good for anyone who has survived a typical stroke. what about us that has had our lives stripped from us? How do we make it through and find a way to continue on? that is what I'm looking for. and no one has a video for us. i may never recover much, but I want to enjoy each and every day I am allowed to see the sunshine. i am only 60 years old. i have a lot of living to do. i may be hopeless as far as the Drs think. my brain still works. it's my body that doesn't. Maybe some tools will help live me with only one hand, a way to stand safely. some tricks can't tell me that they arent available, where to find them. where to find people like me to talk with. i cant be the only one.

[@vagabondcaleb8915]

I hope you find someone to talk with. My brother just had a stroke yesterday at 34. I've been trying to look in to what might help him with recovery. Not sure how far into recovery you are, but if you continue to exercise you may be able to regain some functionality and either way, you can adapt. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy might help you. Also Huperzine A and Noopept as well as other peptides might show some promise in helping with recovery. I also know it's very important to be getting Omega 3. Hope you can find some answers. Peace and love be on you, brother.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@beccapears7573 Thank you for your feedback. You're not the only one who is experiencing this amount of change after your stroke. Would you insurance cover the cost for a return stay to a rehab facility, outpatient therapy, or home health therapy? You could ask them to cover adaptive strategies with you to help you with your independence. They may be able to show you ways to continue with adapted cooking and indoor gardening. I would also recommend reaching out to a mental health professional. This is a huge change and it can be helpful to talk through it with someone. I wish you the best. Please keep me posted if you were able to access any of these resources! ❤️

[@sajanninan4520]

I love the way you put things across. I wish I could just hug you right now. I really could not express myself. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@sajanninan, I’m so glad! I’m sending virtual hugs to you❤️❤️

[@chanwhite8576]

thanks so much for the encouragement I really needed to hear this right now. I had a massive stroke that left me hemiplegic. thanks you are so sweet and motivating. you've made my heart smile. ♥️😍💓

[@howardjones638]

Do your best and pray daily

[@priscilladamon3059]

Yes you are great Tara...Thank you❤

[@mikaj80]

I have found that I still enjoy going out for drinks. It’s different now because my limit is two drinks BUT I still do enjoy getting out and being seen. It’s absolutely phenomenal.

[@howardjones638]

Do your best and pray daily it has helped me alot

[@teresastuart5881]

I love you Elyse, I watch your videos daily they have helped me tremendously, their wonderful, Thank you.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@teresastuart, That is so kind! Thank you so much ❤️ I'm so glad you're finding the videos helpful! - Elyse

[@patricktrudeau758]

That was an amazing video! Thank you 🙏 I feel very validated from it, thanks again.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@patricktrudeau, I’m so, so happy you found it validating ❤️ sometimes that’s just what we need. Hope you’re well😊

[@priscilladamon3059]

Getting encouraged

[@priscilladamon3059]

Not being criticized and put down...

[@garrettdavis6857]

Thanks you for sharing

[@daveoraye6472]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@DaveOraye, You’re so welcome. I hope you found them helpful❤️

[@nicolasst-laurent7746]

Not long after I got a stroke, I wrote on my blog that it will make me a better human. I need to develop patience, humility and compassion. I don't define myself as a stroke survivor. Someone who survive from a plane crash for example won't define himself as a plane crash survivor. I got a stroke. My life get upside down. But it was what I needed to live. The important thing is what I will make from it. Some days are harder than other. But every day is different. Maybe tomorrow I will be in less pain or have less spasticity. Some folks train to run a marathon or climb a mountain. I train to walk better, to use my hand better, to be less spastic, to feel less pain. Maybe it's less impressive, but it got a big impact on my life. And I don't forget to laugh about my clumsyness. A laugh every day is garanteed !

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@nicolasst-laurent, I think we all react very differently to the situations and things that impact us.You're attitude is amazing. And I can truly say that laughter is healing. 💛 Thank you for sharing your experience and perspective!

[@nicolasst-laurent7746]

@@PostStrokeOrg At first, it wasn't like that. I suffer from a depression once I return at home. Sooner or later we must make a choice : deplore all that we have lost or make the best of it. I choose the later after some time.

[@SimonHarrisPMP]

Hi 100% agree; I survivED but I'm not defined as a survivor. Nor is REcovery a adequate term - I'm engaged in capability development, some because of ability loss but I'll never revert to prestroke I'm a different person due to new experiences

[@49lucky]

I feel the same way. I had one in January of this year, and I had a goal to drive my new truck, I had just bought before I had the stroke. Well it's June now and I'm driving and doing everything but a lot slower but I'm doing it.

[@priscilladamon3059]

Tara you are a tonic.. Thank you. IM down and out.1yr post echeamic stroke and

[@priscilladamon3059]

have zero help or finances.lost everything.......no more home,transport or courage,left side affected Any advise?

[@PostStrokeOrg]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm in the United States and am most familiar with resources in this country. If you live in the U.S., reach out to the social security office and apply for disability. Getting on your state's Medicaid plan for insurance could be incredibly helpful to get healthcare services. You also may qualify for food stamps and free transport provided by your state, which the social security office can likely talk with you about!

[@victoriatuibeo161]

You're very inspiring! 😍🤩 God bless us always!

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@victoriatuibeo, Thank you so much

[@micheljolicoeur4873]

Hello, I was hit by two stroke fall 2016 and after the second one I heritate spaticity on my left arm , hand and leg with curving toes on the left foot and when walking my left side I walk on my heel it is frustrating to not be able to have a normal walking I am always using a quadripôle cane for security reason .After about 2 months in hospital they send me in readaptation center they kept me there for about 16 months and then the release me even if I was still with handicaps example for shower I need a bench to sit because I was not able to stand up and then the pandemia arrive I decided to take a daily walk when I first start I was walking about 500 feet and I had to rest for about 15minutes before I return home after couple of days I decided to try to walk little bit more and adding distance daily until I reach a total distance of one mile but I am doing it only when it nice weather no rain no snowing Now it is about 2 year’s I am doing it and I did help me to be able now taking my shower stand up without bench. in fall times when raining I am utilizing a indoor exercices bicycle and also in the winter because we’re I leave there is no sidewalk and waliking in the street is to risky it is to slippery but as soon the warmer weather comes back a t spring I restart my daily walking routine. So now my goal will be to try to walk outside without the cane and do the same one mile distance if this does not work at the beginning I will try to walk with walking stick on each hand. This last summer I get caught a few times by sudden rain the problem with this I can’t hold a cane and a umbrella with my right hand so I try to avoid going out when there is risk of rain . you are right the more we try to utilize the handicap member the better chance for us that the normal functions returned . even if it is a little step after a couple try it is getting to a graeat step .Good luck everyone don’t loose confidence if we don’t do it ourselves no one will do it for us and it will be longer to get back normal functionning. Best regards everyone !

[@tjharris6530]

For me independence is huge, so even if I can't do things exactly like I did before I do what I can by myself for myself. I also dink aound on the piano as a former and hopefully future guitar player like she said to sccratch that creative itch

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@tjharris, Yes, that's great! And that's a perfect way to describe it. Finding ways to "scratch the creative itch" 😊 - Elyse

[@danmartin888]

Great video! I am learning so much. I will continue to watch and learn so I can get to my best life

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@danmartin, I’ll really glad you found it helpful ❤️ thanks for your kind words. Hope you’re doing well!

[@octoberopal8419]

HI, I TRY TO KEEP GOING AND REMAIN POSITIVE!! I FIGURE I COULD BE MUCH,MUCH WORSE OFF THAN I AM NOW! I HAD A BRAIN-STEM STROKE THAT AFFECTED BOTH SIDES OF MY BODY BUT THE WORSE WAS ON MY DOMINATE SIDE-THE RIGHT! IT IS SOOOO HARD WITHOUT AS MUCH HELP AS I FEEL I NEED BUT I REMAIN THANKFUL FOR THE HELP I DO HAVE! I TRY TO REMEMBER THE HURDLES AND HARD THINGS I HAVE OVERCOME IN MY PAST AND JUST REMAIN TENACIOUS!

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@octoberopal, You have an amazing attitude and I promise that will get you far. Keep rockin' it, my friend. 💛

[@mindyallred4906]

I love these strategies! Any suggestions for helping my teen who is recovering to be motivated and face and deal with these hard emotions??

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thank you for the kind words. I'd definitely recommend getting your teen connected with a support group of peers around his age. There are lots of Facebook groups with young stroke survivors you could look into. I'd also recommend checking out local rehab hospitals and the American Stroke Association for support groups (local and online) as well. If your teen hasn't already had any mental health therapy, it could be extremely beneficial. We know that post stroke anxiety and depression are relatively common (25-30% of survivors) and finding ways to cope with everything going on, especially at their young age is so important. I hope that you are both doing well as you navigate this time ❤️

[@deliaalleyne751]

Good information thanks

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@deliaalleyne, So welcome! 😊

[@victoriatuibeo161]

Wow! An amazing video! Thank you for this video. I want to join a stroke an online support group for stroke survivor. I need it to share my feelings and thoughts and at the same hear and learn from others stroke survivors success story.

[@samanthasims7123]

Thank u maam

[@nerissamatel8236]

I am not fully recover but i do some household chores already. I can cook, was the dishes, sweep the floor, fold the clothes, etc. Thanx for your videos💖

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@nerissamatel, That is so awesome! Congratulations on your progress, it sounds like you're doing really well! ❤️ - Elyse

[@nerissamatel8236]

@@PostStrokeOrg i am thankful for what i am right now but i can hardly walk naturally, my affected foot is feeling so heavy.

[@nerissamatel8236]

@@PostStrokeOrg thanx for noticing my comment. I learned a lot from you. God bless..

[@ma.cristinaceles3710]

Same here.

[@hemasookram4655]

I couldn’t have a convo without crying uncontrollably. I was never a cryer. When it happens I cannot turn it off but I’m trying

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@hemasookram, Emotional changes are normal after a stroke. I know they can't be pleasant, but you're not alone. ❤️

[@erniedelgado6013]

I had a stroke 6 months ago. I'm marathon runner and completed 3 half Ironman races. Walking has been slow but steady. I never imagined running a marathon and had never heard f Ironman races. I've run Boston marathon 3x. So what's stopping me now besides a stroke? Me!!! I decided to use my exercise training mentality to get motivated and serious about balance and Walking more. I'm doing an annual 5k walk October '23. It's too soon so I'll walk and use wheelchair when needed but my goal is take 6,250 steps for a 5k race probably '2024. It'll be just like my first marathon. Can I really do this? Of course I can. Anything is possible. This 5k may be more challenging than Boston or Iron man but I am going to give it my best shot.

[@tarunmukati9092]

I. Have lacunar infract what can i do

[@abilarzsantos3769]

im a stroke patient until now i recovered but not fully

[@allanastudillo943]

GOD BLESS

[@IADCC]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate this video. I don't have depression or anxiety which I am so thankful. My upper limb is still taking a ton of time. I cant take my hand to my back. My elbow joint is a bit floppy and so is the wrist joint. I have graduated to using the weights anc gymn with the assistance of my physiotherapist. However I did see the nuerologist but I did not find the medicine helpful. I had food poisoning and it resulted in a relapse with severe ataxia . I have been doing the ataxia excercises in your video as well. Having said this , my mother was worried about atrophy that over excercises can be damaging. My physiotherapist says I got to have 4 hours rest post excercise. Iam just worried that my upper limb has not atrophied. Is there any way to find out?

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thank you so much for your kind words and your questions. Unfortunately, I can't give a specific answer to your questions. It's very difficult to know how to answer that without working with you as a clinician and understanding your medical history. Maybe ask your physiotherapist if you haven't already! ❤️

[@samanthasims7123]

I have a question is spinach and fish good for the body

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@samanthasims, Great question! Generally, yes when prepared simply, perhaps with olive oil and a little salt/pepper and garlic. Fatty fish is excellent at providing Omega-3 fatty acids and spinach is high in fiber and vitamins/minerals. However, everyone has different dietary needs so check with your doctor first!

[@samanthasims7123]

@@PostStrokeOrg thank u so much my mom eats fresh spinach whitie and tialipia a lot

[@heatherg-thatsme]

I’m struggling to find your videos after you changed the name on your account. If I type in Post Stroke it brings up hundreds of videos, and sometimes I can’t find yours in that list. Am I doing something wrong?

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@heatherguill, I'm so sorry for the disruption. If you search post stroke org, we should show up. Unfortunately, someone is holding onto the handle "poststroke" so we had to use poststrokeorg. I hope this helps!

[@sajanninan4520]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@sajanninan ❤️

[@chanwhite8576]

💓

[@abulkalamazad6437]

Request you to kindly let me know the treatment of Legs.

[@cjnthn]

the weirdest th is how different strokes a...

[@sbenjapong]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@siambenjapong, 😊❤️

[@DogsaladSalad]

🐈‍⬛

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@dogsaladsalad 😎💛

[@legendary8838]

I feel if some of the spasticity would reduce I’d feel 100 times better and less depressed.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@legendary88, I'm sure it would definitely help. Spasticity can be a beast. If you haven't already, consider talking with your doctor about medications or Botox injections to get some relief. I also have a few videos on daily spasticity stretches you can do that you may find helpful. 💛 Spasticity Stretches for the Hand: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaPXfpWnjpx9o6M Spasticity Stretches for the Entire Arm and Hand: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXavdJ2mpNuMis0 Spasticity Stretches for the Hip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ-ag6OCf6tpeck

[@SimonHarrisPMP]

I deal with mine using splints & stretches everyday. If you not doing both then they are fruitful avenues to try. Botox helps some folk short term benefits but has downsides in the longer term (im told). Elyse has vids for spasticity like "Best hand stretches for..." and "improve hand spasticity after..." for upper limb. There are plenty of lower limb equivalents

[@AJ-cg7zc]

To much extra talk,