As we all know by now not all strokes are the same. My recovery will not be the same as everyone else. But despite of that we all have one common goal and that is to get better right!
Like most survivors my recovery was difficult and slow. But as 3 years go by I find ways to keep it going. So here they are and I hope this will help some stroke survivors like me.
TAKE CARE OF MY MENTAL HEALTH FIRST
Post stroke depression and anxiety are common after a stroke. It is considered the most frequent and important neuropsychiatric consequences of stroke. Approximately 1/3 of stroke survivors experience major depression and that includes me. I think it's because we feel anxious about having another stroke and some feel depressed that our stroke has left us with physical disability that interrupted our work and social life. Depression and anxiety can have an adverse effect on our recovery and survival after stroke. It sure happened to me and I was struggling when I came back home from the hospital. I was feeling overwhelmed and lost. I was feeling lonely ,sad and angry at the same time. So when I told my doctor about it she had me tested and evaluated. That's how I found out that I had post stroke depression and anxiety.
My depression and anxiety affected my recovery in many ways that I am sometimes feeling like I don't want to go my Physical therapy sessions because I just don't have the motivation to fight anymore. I don't like to go out or do anything because I am always scared that I am going to fall down, going to get hurt or going to have another stroke. I was scared of everything! That's when my doctor recommended me to see a mental health counselor so I can get help and support.
My doctors and therapists emphasized that the first 2 years is crucial for my recovery and I can't missed physical, occupational and speech therapy if I want to get better. So it's important to take care of my mental health issues first so I can focus on my physical recovery. They were right and I am glad I listened to them because after 1 year of mental health therapy, I was off my Lexapro medication and was feeling much better. Sadness and loneliness still come and go but now I know what to do with all the negative emotions. I learn to focus on the things that are good for me and things that give me joy and happiness. I learn to appreciate the little wins in my recovery and just be thankful for it big or small victories in my recovery.
2. MAKING THERAPY AND EXERCISES FUN AT HOME
After graduating from Physical Therapy and learning some leg and arm exercises for 1 year I was ready to do it myself at home. Well, I thought it was easy but it was not. I actually reached into the point of burn out and boredom. Doing the same exercises by myself everyday was not motivating for me anymore. I started back sliding and losing interest. But I was determined to get better after stroke so I asked my family to help me make my therapy and exercises fun at home. Here are some of them.
a. FAMILY GAME NIGHT
Every Saturday we play one of our favorite board games. It helps with my arm exercise and brain exercise. My children will recognize it when my affected arm moved to pick up something and we all smile and laugh because it is moving without me knowing it. And every game night my affected arm will keep surprising us with movements that it can't do before. I'm happy because it makes my children happy and hopeful about my recovery.
b. NATURE WALK
Taking a walk outside instead of just doing leg exercise at home. It's a great mental therapy and helps me forget that I am actually exercising my leg to make it stronger. My husband will bring me to my favorite nature trail to relax the mind and do my walking exercise.
c. VEGETABLE AND FLOWER GARDENING
I called it my happy therapy. I can't do a big garden yet so I just plant vegetables in a container or big pots. It helps with my depression and anxiety. But also exercise for my affected arm. I actually saw my fingers move for the first time when I was planting the tomato and every year it just keep improving.
This is one of my favorite things to do during the summer time.
d. ARTS AND CRAFTS PROJECT
Although the arm has limited mobility doing simple DIY project has been therapeutic for me. You just can't believe what your stroke arm can do when you are having so much fun. Projects don't have to be perfect. The important thing is that you are having fun and without knowing it you are doing your therapy and exercise fun at home. The best part is...you'll never get bored doing it!
e. TURN ON THE MUSIC AND JUST DANCE LIKE NOBODY'S BUSINESS
After my stroke I noticed that I don't have rhythm anymore. But as I started walking I figure out that it doesn't matter if I have rhythm or not. As long as I can stand with my 2 feet I am going to shake my booty and move! No rhythm no problem! It's good exercise for the affected leg and arm and I am having fun. The best thing about having fun is that you forget your disability and you begin to move like you can do anything. Doing it over and over again can make your brain remembers the movements and soon all your limbs start to move and they too start believing that they can move because you made them BELIEVE!
3. DOING EXERCISES LYING DOWN IN BED IN THE MORNING BEFORE GETTING UP
After my stroke I learn that I can move my leg and arm and do my exercise much easier when I am lying down in my bed in the morning. So everyday for 3 years I have been doing my arm and leg exercise lying down in my bed in the morning before I get up. During the first year when my arm can't move yet I used my good right arm to help the paralyzed left arm to move up and down and sideways. I also learn that it is okay not to hurry. As long as you're doing the exercise and moving your arm and leg everyday, it is going to improve. Patience is the key to recovery.
4. USING THE AFFECTED ARM DOING FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES AS MUCH AS YOU CAN
It's important that even if you have limited arm movement that you include your affected arm in everything you do in everyday life. It is hard but functional activities like washing dishes, combing your hair ,folding laundry, making your bed, and preparing your meals are very important to help gain confidence and independence. Always remember to USE IT OR LOSE IT!
My arm up in the air 3 years after my stroke. That's when you know hard work and strong determination pay off if you don't give up. Blessing to you all.
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