Every stroke is different. Healing and recovery is also different for every stroke survivor. Although I was able to walk out of my wheelchair 4 weeks after my stroke after rehab , I went home still weak and tired and not able to take care of myself. Everything was a big struggle.
The things that I can normally do for myself is impossible to do now. I have to rely on others to survive. Little things that we take for granted like getting out of bed, taking a shower, putting on clothes, combing your hair, preparing meals, cooking for your family and walking outside with your family are not so easy to do anymore.
So every time little by little when you slowly manage to remember how to do them by yourself, they become your simple victories. I guess you'll never know how much you miss them until you experience losing them. And you realize that they are not little things but they are miracles.
THE FIRST TIME I WAS ABLE TO TIE MY OWN SHOES
After my ischemic stroke, I was not able to use my left hand . Three years later, after therapy and practice after practice I gain some movement . It is not back 100% yet but it can move although limited . For long time I can't seem to tie my own shoes so I only wear slip on shoes because it's easier for me. But 3 years after , here I am trying to tie my own shoes and I think I did good. Still slow but I did it! #celebratesimplevictories #lifeafterstroke
BEING ABLE TO TUCK IN MY OWN SHIRT WITHOUT HELP
It's a simple I know, but for me it's a big thing. Haven't been able to wear my denim pant for a long time was not really a big deal for me. I learn to adopt and adjust after my stroke .One thing I can't do after my stroke is tucking in my own shirt. So, I tried to avoid it. Today, 3 years post stroke I decided to try to tuck in my shirt . And even with limited movements, my arm did it! So it's a victory! #celebratesimplevictories
BEING ABLE TO BUTTON MY OWN PANTS WITHOUT HELP.
After my stroke 3 years ago, I learn to focus on what I can do rather than what I can't. Having limited movements in my fingers make it hard to do a lot of things that I can normally do before my stroke. One of them is being able to button my pant or shirt. I always ask my husband to help me do it. But here I am 3 years after my stroke trying to button my own pants without my husband's help. And it might be a big accomplishment for most people but for a stroke survivor like me, it's a big one. #celebratesmallvictories
BEING ABLE TO EAT MY PAPAYA USING TWO HANDS
After my stroke my left arm has been affected. I have limited use of it so I have been used to eat with one hand for years. But here I am 3 years later eating my papaya using my affected left hand. It's still slow and weak but that's okay. It's moving and there's hope.
BEING ABLE TO CUT WATERMELON MYSELF
Never in many years that I can imagine myself being able to cut a watermelon by myself again. It's not perfect and it's messy but I did it. And for me that's a victory!
What I have learned from my 3 year journey living as a stroke survivor is patience and perseverance. To live one day at a time. To focus on my ability and not my disability. To make therapy fun. To make life fun and colorful because life is what you paint it! We are the artist of our own life. Don't give your paint brush to someone else. Be the artist of your own life.
And I hope you choose to make it bold and colorful. Because you are enough and you are worth it! LIFE IS A MIRACLE!
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