The Most Common Misconceptions After Stroke & Why They're Wrong

Recovering from a stroke is hard enough, but these misconceptions make it even harder. Let’s talk about the most common ones I hear and why they're wrong.
And if there’s someone in your life that’s said or done one of these things to you, make sure you share this video with them.
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Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:15 Misconception #1
02:00 Misconception #2
02:57 Misconception #3
04:31 Misconception #4
05:29 Misconception #5
06:30 Misconception #6
07:32 Misconception #7
08:16 Misconception #8
09:10 Outro
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Music from epidemicsound.com
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.

[@willyb943]

Long-term disability insurance companies should watch this video and stop treating us like we are not sick. I'm tired of fighting with Guardian insurance for my disability check every month. 😒

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@willyb943 Ugh, I'm so sorry. That must be incredibly frustrating ❤️

[@user-mv5bu2kk8b]

I agree

[@eddieedentertainment131]

Same here Hartford is a pain in the behind. Those people have no idea what we go through daily

[@laurak65]

Same here! I had a OT insurance video call abd he has said I'm for for work. He didn't ask any relevant questions, only things I can do. Not any questions of how it affects me. I didn't know it was a back to work assessment either. His only physical exam was to open and close hands! I am now fighting this, it is really awful that it's about money and not the human being that has suffered a life changing brain injury.

[@knowledgeberakah1728]

Get a lawyer

[@Coolmike19]

You never lie about it." It feels like a marathon " especially after just a walk to the car 😅

[@kicknowledgesmith8608]

I had a stroke due to an AVM. The doctors didn't know the cause at first due to the blood on the MRI. I remember my doctor told me I need to be healthier. Some people were lecturing me about taking my health more seriously. This was frustrating for me because I was a gym rat and ate healthy every day of the week and drank plenty of water. I just got my 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo a week before my stroke. 5 months after my stroke they found the AVM and removed it successfully. My stroke had nothing to do with my health. AVM is something you are born with, usually no warning signs. This made me even more depressed because this wasn't something in my control. Some get warnings and get them removed. Most get no warnings until it actually ruptures, and some can't get them removed because of the location of it and have to live knowing it's there and it can rupture at any time. Many don't live to tell their story. I will keep fighting for myself and for all the ones that didn't make it.

[@user-jd2hu3dv3h]

Every child should get a mri before 3 so if they have a avm, fibroid, calcifications, or cyst in their thyroid brain uterus groin oh wherever it can be seen and found. Mri sould be taken every 7 years till adult then every ten years. Just makes sense

[@user-gu1jg8qm1u]

Hi, my name is PETER ROUSE, I had stroke 18 months ago have watched many of your Videos, never have I seen one that hits the spot so we[[, BRILIANT. thank you so much,

[@user-jd2hu3dv3h]

Yes they thought i was exactly like i was before the stroke. I wouldnt even call my wobbly walking at home walking, they dont see it. They also dont see my exhausted sleeping. Or how hungry i get. They also dont notice my personality changed and they really dont wanna hear about my fears or my thoughts on my future. Its so frustrating.

[@marziaserena4247]

So sorry to read this…I wonder whether they pretend not to see, or don’t see as they are unable to understand what it means to suffer such a traumatic experience, for the body and the mind. However, whatever is the case, it’s very sad… You could try join a post stroke organisation where to find some moral support from those who share similar experiences and state of mind.

[@user-jd2hu3dv3h]

Marzia, thank you, i have thougt about it. I just dont know, complaining about others dont change their behavior. It just gets old fast. They care about their lives and wants and im obliviius in their eyes. So mayb its something i have to understand about them and not get mad about it.

[@christopherseivard8925]

Thanks very much. I am a 5 year stroke survivor. I agree with ALL the other advice. The best advice I have m be patient, never Give Up!

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@christopherseivard8925 Thanks so much for sharing your advice!

[@annieknight71]

I had a stroke 6 months ago. Besides not being able to walk without using a walker the emotional changes is what others me the most.

[@cg167]

I had a stroke in July 2022. Yesterday, while at work, I had a seizure. My first one ever. It was scary. After the seizure, my coworkers were asking me questions, and it was weird because I could understand everything they said and even formulate an answer, but I could not verbalize it. I never had aphasia after my stroke, but I feel like this is probably what it feels like.

[@pakjohn48]

Thank you very much Elyse. As a stroke survivor of 5 years I recognised almost every misconception by both myself and other people. I know that every stroke is different but mine is characterised by loss of short term memory capacity. I had very good treatment in a stroke recovery ward by doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists and this continued when I went home after 3 months.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@pakjohn48 Thanks so much for sharing a bit about yourself. I'm so glad that you had good care! That makes a huge difference ❤️

[@poolmotorrepairguyFL]

are we having fun yet? 5yrs me too.

[@cr8786]

Neuro fatigue is very real for me....had a TIA October 25, 2023. Lost half my vision but it has returned about 95%. All you discussed in video, I can relate to. I went back to work 6 weeks after my stroke because I was in need financially. It's been a struggle but thanks to your channel, it has helped me tremendously.

[@berttroubleyn3475]

6 weeks is so short. I remember being completely exhausted for at least 3 months after my strokes. I hope you're feeling better now!

[@FiddlerCrab1964]

A misconception I've been subjected to is the assumption that exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity are equivalent to conventional muscle exercises. There are similarities, but they're not the same. I've tried explaining the difference, but I've yet to come up with a compelling explanation. It's frustrating. Also, because of movies and TV, people think that rehab is all about getting yelled at to "Push, push, push!" The actual therapy sessions are much less dramatic, although they can be very challenging. 😅

[@fbawaterdragon4592]

I had a hemorrhagic stroke August 27, 2022 Saturday. I was 39 years old. I couldn't walk, and barely could talk at first, but I could clearly understand perfectly what was being said. Despite my stroke, I didn't suffer no memory loss. I remember everything just as vividly before I had my stroke. I started walking around December of 2022, and my talking was getting much better. Fast forward to today, and my walking, though could definitely use some more work, is much better. I don't need no walker or cane to get around. Also, my personality and behavior never left. I was the exact same person before I had my stroke, and I would be exactly the same person from here on out for all the days of my life. The only issues that I have are slight supinated ankle, stiff leg, (right) and impaired right arm and hand, which gives me the most trouble. Once I have these issues dealt with, I'll pretty much be back to normal, which technically is almost like that now. Anyways, thanks for the advice. Yera💧.

[@mamatheresachannel9172]

I had a stroke 5 months ago and the affected area is my left eyesight. The doctor call it semi-hemianopsia. I have trouble in my left peripheral views, there are blindspots in my left peripheral views. I look so normal as if nothing really happen that's why some people don't treat me as a sick person.

[@joshporter8286]

Thank you so much. I am a 2 year post survivor and I am learning a lot from your videos. Knowledge is power

[@sonqasawa2622]

I had a TIA in December last year, and despite regular exercises my left leg still wants to buckle beneath me every time I walk. But I will continue to walk as much as I can. It must look very odd to people who notice it.

[@JakeSanchez23]

3 months into my recovery I had it in Feb. I am 29, all of these are hitting home.

[@patdenham9392]

I appreciate not having to ask for help. Those people who offer help or just open the door or whatever, I appreciate.

[@user-yc4fz7vv6u]

It can be a bit tricky with doors. If I am using the door to help me with my balance then it is unpleasant for someone to suddenly take the weight away by opening it further. Last week though I was very grateful to the lady who realised that i was stuck in the heavy door with my shoulder bag behind the doorframe and the rest of me in front of the door frame. It is nice though when people open doors for you *before* you get to the door.

[@deejae8295]

It’s so strange that my family keeps saying aren’t you better yet, you are so lazy, when will you ever drive again? But people outside of my family compliment on my Road to recovery. They often say you are doing so much better than I thought you would.

[@status-xk8kr]

What a timely video for our family member who had a pontine stroke and has expressive dysphagia. Many people falsely assume that he's mentally challenged when he's not.

[@idachau1080]

Thank you for your help on these misconceptions. I had a TIA and fortunately, I didn't end up having physical disabilities but I have the neuro fatigue. Outwardly, I look 100% ok but at times it is hard and depressing feeling so down. I try to go for a walk each day but it is short walks as I get the feeling of instantly in need of sleep. Thank you for your help, I couldn't understand why I was feeling the way I do.. so I accept that if sleep is needed, that's what I do. 👍

[@berttroubleyn3475]

Sensory overload is a big one for me. Especially because it's unpredictable. Some days I can end up in a noisy place and feel perfectly fine, but on other days somebody tapping their fingers on a table out of boredom can hit me like a sledgehammer. And there is no way somebody with a healthy brain can relate to what you're experiencing. Thank you SO MUCH for your videos. They are an absolute goldmine to me for getting a grasp on my situation.

[@user-yc4fz7vv6u]

I get something similar. I have been *trapped* in the toy section of my local KMart, which I visit regularly, by unexpected drumming (Chinese New Year celebrations). My affected leg just refused to move. I ended up buying a small stuffed toy so that I could distract myself by stroking its fur.

[@marziaserena4247]

Thank you Elyse! ❤

[@Coolmike19]

This was a very good video on the misconceptions after stroke 👍

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@Coolmike19 Thanks so much! ❤️

[@welcomehabe]

People treat us as if we are mentally disturbed.I am recovering from but under stressful circumstances

[@K-Fred]

Great video Elyse. Thank you for what you do. ❤️

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@K-Fred So welcome! And thank you for the kind words ❤️

[@user-ec5ik2lg8t]

Thank you😂

[@kieronwalters3120]

Bless you and thanks a million.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@kieronwalters3120 ❤️

[@TorgerVedeler]

Thank you for this. I survived a stroke seven years ago and the fatigue was brutal. On top of this, my idiot department chair decided that I was lazy and pushed me so hard I nearly died. Please, everyone, understand that this is hard, and that listening and compassion go a long way.

[@jackthames6951]

Great video! Thanks for posting. Stroke survivor 4+ years

[@poolmotorrepairguyFL]

you sound OK. but I"m not it's been 5 years and 5 mounts to be exact. I tell myself everyday- I"m getting better.... thank you for your video !

[@dpaul5457]

Thank you. This is a gem. I didn't hear you mention chronic pain .

[@misteriguana2748]

In my case the things I was able to do without thinking too.much about getting a job done now I can't remember what the he'll I'm supposed to do. It sucks and I know I will never be able to do the things I love to.do!!! One is working. I love to work physical jobs... Now I simply cannot do those. Hobbies are another one. Kayaking.... Now I'm stuck at only.going out for 20 minutes instead of hours on end. Fishing..... Prior stroke I could be on the boat for days now I'm lucky if I can make it 4 hours out. And that's just trolling aroumd. Not much thought in it.at.all but physically cannot.do it. Basically anything outdoors is a no go because I physically and mentally.cannot handle it.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@misteriguana2748 I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm glad you're still able to do some of those things even if not as long as you'd like, but I know it must be very frustrating to not be able to do them in the same way as before your stroke ❤️

[@misteriguana2748]

@@PostStrokeOrg main issue is my age... only 51 years old

[@Xofi7]

THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU !!! THANK YOU !!!

[@49lucky]

This is the EXACT reason why I don't tell people at work that I had a stroke😮. I tell them I limp because of a skiing accident. Works

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@49lucky I don't blame you! I just hate that you feel like you have to do it ❤️

[@49lucky]

They will treat u differently if u don't. Plus u may not get hired at a job. I need to work even at 75. What a country...

[@marziaserena4247]

I agree and I tell them I have got a knee problem, which is also true, but it’s also useful as I don’t have to talk about the stroke.. Best wishes

[@briangode1381]

I had a small stroke January 2014 3half days hospital then February 2 2014 nursing home over ten years I have had some hospital for skin cancer stroke some pt gym here or outside But as I know or see things not enough being done for proper rehabilitation on my bad left side 100x bad no but even if not perfect I believe better could be done no I was never in the health medical field my dad was I go by my hospital times pas doctor visits tv I pad videos newspaper reading and times in my life seeing things with out trying to I really think there is something that coul be done I try but this type of living life style has restrictions going out visitors I ask for help on somethings and get nowhere at times what is bad for me to do or try your opions ideas please I pad shows way too long for stroke rehabilitation I have been living here thank you

[@tomuchfunwithgas846]

You hit it right on the head with this one. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@supervelinYT]

Thanks for talking about mental health, neurofatigue, sensory overload, and AVMs! You do amazing work

[@agohio8366]

Appreciate you. Thank you ❤

[@crystalgoodall9164]

Well said !!

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@crystalgoodall9164 😊

[@knowledgeberakah1728]

Its been 3 years n im still healing! I had alot of stress in my life but people treat me like im tough! I had to cut alot of people out my life cause i wont put up with crap now.I wanna travel now but i was nervous at first

[@user-eh9li5tx7h]

Excellent video. Keep up the good work!🙂

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@user-eh9li5tx7h Thanks for the kind words 😊

[@joycezaid3909]

After nearly 7-8 months of lack of income/insurance, I FINALLY got my SSDI reinstated, got home health care(following a major psychotic episode, because I was home with no care whatsoever AGAIN), now working on getting a state waiver program to help with services the home health agency doesn't always provide. This whole experience has been DIFFICULT, and people haven't always been kind since I had a "MILD" stroke, anything but mild about it!!!

[@andyjones-lg9ro]

Thank you do much Elyse. This is a brilliant clear easy to understand explanation of how others make assumptions that are wildly inaccurate.

[@paulsilverio-benet3507]

Thank you

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@paulsilverio-benet3507 ❤️

[@bhavaniganesh7555]

Thanks a lot, very useful

[@njeboroland7539]

Thanks so much for your help

[@theemilyelizabeth]

Thank you!! Spot on, for real!!

[@ganaatsendsuren897]

Thank you love. Now i can share this video to people. It explains better than i can do

[@RosaBrandDesigns]

Girl! You hit it on the nail! I love you, man!

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thanks so much! Sending love right back to you❤️

[@hemasookram4655]

U nail it every time😊

[@paulinematthison721]

Thank u

[@kcoovi]

I had a stroke 2 months ago, and trying my best to recover. I can't speak properly yet and people think that I'm doing it on purpose

[@lavernerandolph5478]

Very good

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@lavernerandolph5478 ❤️

[@kerickwalters2749]

My biggest battle right now is everyone and I mean everyone is writing off an injury I suffered AFTER I had a stroke as being oh this is because I had a stroke . So the injury to my tendon in my foot remains unattended to because every doctor I try to see goes straight to the computer and reads what all the previous doctors concluded and goes right to prescribing gabapentin. Ignoring everything I try to say as to what is happening .

[@bettymotilal2713]

I have had a stroke last April but l feel so so week on my left leg.Can you give me some advice on how to improve strength on my left leg, it also affect my hand writing on my right hand.lt is affecting my whole body , my speech and all but l can still do alot of things on my own.Thanks.

[@rodolfocedeno599]

I disconect sometimes some one talks to me naot always but sometimes it takes a second or two to register what was said to me also my visual percebtion is slow or confusing does it get better??

[@MrsMaria82]

Stroke 🥹

[@angelawest1077]

Any tips for remembering to use your affected hand in everyday life when it’s your non dominant hand by the time I remember I need to use it my dominant hand has already done the job

[@cormethakitchen9075]

I have stroke almost 3 years now my hand is find but I have difficulty walking even if I'm doing the exercise it's just seems like I'm not doing anything and that get me very frustrated because I want to work again 😔😔 😭

[@sajanninan4520]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Momoftwo205]

❤❤❤❤

[@PostStrokeOrg]

❤️

[@starlutu7929]

❤🙏🏾🫶🏽💯

[@luke7523]

Do you have TikTok ?

[@leg414]

Thank you for this most valuable information, and i hope more see this content as a learning tool and for educational sharing to those people and companies that need it. Peace