Recovering from a stroke can take a LONG time

 

Just when I thought I had it all together 😏

    Since my stroke I had developed an excellent routine in my stroke recovery journey. I began riding my bike that my husband who is a leading bike specialist in our area prepared for me; a good bike and correct positioning. I started small, I rode around the block, literally around the block maybe 2 kilometers. During my group rehabilitation, my balance was one side effect that made me lose my confidence in anything exercise related but improved with allied heath professionals encouragement. A bike for me was perfect and all of my allied health professionals were excited because they knew that it is an brilliant way for stroke survivers to recuperate. 

However, as per usual for someone like me, I took it too far after regaining my confidence and pushed the limits. 15 kilometers and climbing. I downloaded STRAVA and tracked my rides to watch my progress. With all my exuberance I noticed that when I rode past a certain length my foot started to go numb. Paresthesia This was confirmed by my stroke specialist.

This paresthesia progressed to pain in my muscles from them spasming. These spasms are small enough not to see them happen but enough for the pain to be real and eventually head up to my whole right side. EXHAUSTING. This took me weeks to recover from. Did I give up? DANG NO!!! I waited until I recovered, tested distances and found my sweet sweat spot and stopped there, I just ride that distance more often. 15 kms is just too far. 

We are fearfully and wonderfully made - The gift of neuroplasticity

 Do I really have to go to rehab?

In one word - YES

Depending on what part of the brain was effected and what side, stroke affects EVERYTHING!

While I was in the accute stroke ward I was monitored 24/7. What does stroke effect?

https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/understanding-the-brunnstrom-stages-of-stroke-recovery

• Blood pressure
• Oxygen saturation
• Blood sugar levels
• Heart rate
• Pupil dialation - vision
• Paralysis on one side
• Speech
• Anything sensory
• Emotional stunting and disregulation
• Memory
• Balance
• Spasticity - muscle spasms due to the brain misfiring to the paralysed muscles - this hurts

Everything on this list I was effected by, yet the brain is incredible. IT ADAPTS

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke/effects-of-stroke#:~:text=Right%2Dsided%20weakness%20or%20paralysis,organize%2C%20reason%2C%20and%20analyze%20items

As soon as I was given the green light I was told to get out of bed and start moving. 

So move I did. BUT I was also doing things while lying still in bed that also added to working my brain. I played games on my phone. 

This worked my:

1. concentation
2. co-ordination
3. processing speed
4. muscle memory
5. muscle strength - this was hard because I couldn't feel my finger hitting the glass on the phone and I had to hit hard for my brain to send the right message to my right hand.

https://rehabandbeyond.org/rehabilitation/video-game-therapy-for-stroke-and-brain-injury-survivors/

Rehab and group therapy - worth every second

No one is going to understand what you are going through except those who are going through the same thing!  

What happens at rehab in an outpatient setting?

Basically - with the supervision of nurses, occupational thearapists, physiotherapists and social workers - you are relearning how to do everyting again and building new pathways for your brain to send messages to your body bypassing the damaged areas that were effected by the stroke. This is - Neuroplasticty - at least 8 weeks

Every week, twice a week you need to get stronger, faster, last longer and smash a personal best. 

Does it hurt? sometimes

Is it worth it? Yes a million times - DO NOT GIVE UP

 Balance and stairs for balance and                                                              strength

 Co-ordination and balance and Ergo for                                                       arm strengthening

 Building muscle

Next blog: The benefits and pitfalls of social support. 

Feel free to share to help anyone who may benefit from stroke and stroke rehabilitation.