What Does “Better” Look Like in Stroke Recovery? 

I had 2 strokes December 2022 and was in the hospital for 1 monthand rehab for another month I couldn't stand or walk . 9 months later I can walk a little and stand. I have a lot of joint pain. But I'm alot better than before. It's a tough road but I know God is in control. Bless everyone recovering

One day at a time. Most people will never understand what a stroke is and the healing process.

I had a stroke at 24, right side (dominant)affected. I am a singer and dancer and would say that 5 months after, I am almost recovered now. If it wasnt because of my profession i probably would have felt totally recovered after 3-4 months or so. (This is to say that all recoveries look different and it can vary on your age and previous awareness of your body). After few weeks after, people told me I looked fine, even my at the time boyfriend would say that (if they didnt see me sing or dance obv). Even people that didnt know what happened were unable to tell. it was so frustrating because every step I took was so hard, and some times i needed some accomodations and felt so annoying cause i wasnt walking with any aids so iwould always have to overexplain my situation to someone just to get a chair at an event or something . After 3 weeks I was already going alone to places and taking public transport by myself. It was scary cause i still had problems walking and staying in balance so I was afraid i would fall, and as a 6ft tall young black woman in europe i felt like nobody was gonna help me so it felt isolating and vulnerable , but I guess doing these things also pushed me to get better. And luckily I never fell which was literally my biggest fear back then.

I count myself as a high-functioning stroke survivor. Recently, I was signing up for a bicycle ride with other stroke survivors and I was faced with the question of whether I was a volunteer or an adaptive athlete. I thought about it a bit and wondered if I was an adaptive athlete. I have switched to riding a recumbent trike recently from riding an upright bike for years and I tried to think of what was adaptive on the trike. It suddenly dawned on me that the trike itself is adaptive even though I don't have any specific adaptive parts installed, e.g. double-pull brakes. Sometimes it takes a while to realize how affected we are or how functional we are after a stroke.

I'm not worried I'm making my body work it's way back to normal. I'm one of the lucky ones. I'm slower at doing things but it's getting better by the day. I drive do my arts and crafts taking classes on line. JUST DO IT

Just do it..Don't stop,it's a day to day routine,don't quit..

It's been months since my stroke l get very emotional from sad to angry my head is tingling all the time my arm is heavy constant reminder lonely place people don't understand 😢

Yes patience is a struggle for me but I am grateful to the Lord who brought me this far. It has been nine months since this stroke. I am able to walk help around in the home, I wash dishes, help with the laundry. When impatience try to challenge me I just thank the Lord for where I am now.I surely thank you for your videos and your encouragements. May the Lord richly bless you and to all stroke survivors we have come this far by faith leaning on the Lord .God bless us all.

Thank you. I needed to hear this. It's never taken me so long to get well before, I know I've made progress, but not as much as I wish I had. I do get frustrated a lot and my husband (who's my caregiver) gets annoyed with me, it's just that I don't want to be a burden for him. He's never said I was I just don't think it's fair to him. I do keep trying to get better. If I could just walk without using my walker would be a miracle come true. At least I'm not dragging my foot any longer.🙂

I feel like everyone gave up on me I know my husband did nothing is the same! I knew it wouldn't be my kid have there life And I understand! I just can't give up on myself I must keep going keep trying to be the best I can be with the Lord help pray for me because it's hard living with these people I call family!

These videos helped so much it makes me not as depressed

Do the best you can, no matter what, keep trying, it pays off.

Five months and looking forward it’s daunting looking back it’s a cakewalk.

I am a 72 year old male who up until June 6th of this year, always took my good health for granted. That all changed when I had a stroke on June 6th. To be honest, I didn’t even realize that I had a stroke, as it happened in my sleep. I woke up with this tingling on my right side. After taking myself to the hospital, I was admitted after tests revealed that I had a stroke. I have been working hard on my recovery, walking my dog daily and keeping active. I will start physio hopefully starting next week. I am so determined to beat this thing. Thanks so much for your videos.

Today, a long time after this video was gifted to us, and 1 week after my stroke I read these words from poet John O'Donohue may they bring people on this thread peace of heart. You have traveled too fast over false ground; Now your soul has come to take you back. Take refuge in your senses, open up To all the small miracles you rushed through. Become inclined to watch the way of rain When it falls slow and free. Imitate the habit of twilight, Taking time to open the well of color That fostered the brightness of day. Draw alongside the silence of stone Until its calmness can claim you. Be excessively gentle with yourself. Stay clear of those vexed in spirit. Learn to linger around someone of ease Who feels they have all the time in the world. Gradually, you will return to yourself, Having learned a new respect for your heart And the joy that dwells far within slow time. --John O'Donohue,

Hi Elyse! Thank you for all your videos and your weekly newsletter in my inbox. It's really a big help and my source of inspiration in my stroke recovery journey. I am 48 yrs. old and I'm 1 year and 7 mons post stroke. I'm having a hard time explaining to people how better I am in my recovery. Actually, I don't know how to define what fully recovered mean is? Because people see me normal on the outside but I can't explain to them what's happening or how I feel on the inside. Others will said to you that's it's only a stroke than you can be back to your normal life. My recovery is progressive. I can almost do all the household chores, can travel on my own and back to work soon. I know that recovery is different for each survivor. I read a lot to be able to fully understand this illness and self advocate that makes my recovery faster.

Hi! I’m 23 years post stroke!! Left side affected. I just love these videos!! I bought an exercise table like yours, and daily do the leg/hip exercises. Thank you Dr. Newland.

Thank u so much for all ur videos. Ur such an inspiration and ray of hope for all stroke survivors. Its been more than 15yrs since i hd a stroke. Initially i hd a lot of complications post stroke. But since 5 yrs i hv improved a lot bcos my health has improved and can do a lot more things on my own. And since i found ur channel. I religiously see each n every video. Work out regularly. Walk and do all exercises. Hope all others can relate to this bcos. Still after 15+ yrs I’m improving day by day. Keep learning and relearning. Our brains hv to learn the things taken for granted all over again just like a small child. Hope this helps. 😊

I'm enjoying your videos it really encourage me

I’m 2 years post stroke. 48 years old and. Left side affected. While I’ve made huge gains from zero, my left side is only 30-40% recovered. I do make small gains, but I’ll never be 100%. This has been hard to accept, but I adapt and continue to work toward improving.

My 6yr Bilateral Thalamic Strokeaversary will be August 27th. I hear this all the time. However, I'm healing with many setbacks, but yes, even after 6 years, I'm still moving forward.

Tnx for the valuable advise,, im stroke survivor, for more the a year now, today i can walk, with my hand arm are moving, one thing i long more to heal is the numbness letf part of my body...hoping the God will restore everything.. tnx

This video is so spot on for me, Thanks

When I just begun my rehab, in my head appear one cool thought: "ocean consist of droplets", so when my relatives and friends nagging me with slow recovery I have what to tell them. I have a stroke in 2018, in 2020 I began to walk with cane, now I learning to walk without cane and reactivating my affected hand and I like my results. My progress may be slow, but it's exist and I'm progressing every day.

The biggest obstacle for me in recovering has been dealing with the medical providers and the stress of navigating the bureaucracy to get support or benefits that aid in recovery. It has been a nightmare and highly frustrating at a time I do not need stress or additional frustration.

I had a stoke about 4 weeks ago, it affected my left side somewhat. i still had strength in my leg and arm, but the corridiation was off. and was drifting. i was in the hospital about 4 days, and went to rehab for a week or so. i couldnt walk right after because of my leg, , rehab i walked with a walker. i have been home about 3 weeks and i am not using the walker any more. i still have a hiccup in my leg and walking isnt back to 100% but i ha1ve come a long way since the hospital and rehab. my left hand is still somewhat tingly and fine motor control is getting better. but not totally back. but in less than a month i have made so much progress. i am very thankful it wasnt much worse and i am doing my meds and religiously and eating a lot better than before the stroke.

Thank you if and when I become Gamefully employed I will send something to you. Very appreciative and thank you so much for what you do. I’m in recovery for a year and two months What are your thoughts on Botox for Fash Spasticity In arm and leg?

I had a stroke injuly 2023,spent 2 months in rehab now 6 months later i walk with the aid of a cane i can get in and out of bed by myself i can now sit up without toppling over the wait is hard though thanks for sharing about patience i need to work on mine

On July 20, 2023, my 9th year strokeversarry, still I have difficulty in walking & speaking, I'm 67 years old on November. Can you suggest , what exercises at home

Ely you touch those topics..wow. you are the real mcoy..❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏

Thank you. You videos always give me hope

I got rid of frustration when I decided it was going to take whatever time it took, letting the process unfold is maddening and has taken a few silent talks with my self, this stroke is no longer a curse I have to live with, there have been plusses, I remind my self of that, slowing down was something I needed to learn to do, it hasn't killed me.

Thank you for this video. I just suffered a stroke at 48 years old 4 months ago and have made huge progress was completely paralyzed on my entire left side and now I’m walking on my own but just heard the ohysio say I have plateaued and that word did upset me because I feel I do have more progression. To do and will do!

Hi this short video couldn’t come at a better time Im recovering from a minor stroke since July 22 Following some of your videos and doing pool sessions It feels like my progress is going nowhere been frustrated number of times but now I understand I must say there has been some progress but I think Im at the slowing down period My left side and balance my problem area My life has been 100 mph pre stroke now its 1mph post Stroke and thats been hard to take and Im the most impatient person on the planet😊😊 But watching the video has made me realise I have a very different injury that really needs a day at a time approach thnx

I’m on 2 years 🤦‍♂️ ughh it’s difficult for me

Thank you for this video I suffered a massive stroke in January with a brain bleed and brain swejjingmy speech is very good came along way my left arm is giving me trouble still which ishas caused me to be frustrated at times I have started to walk without a device

what do you know about pse treatment? (perispinal etanercept)

I think sometimes my husband gets frustrated with my slowness , understandably but he doesn’t understand how I have to think through each action to be sure to do it properly. I look perfectly okay now but inside I’m still quite fragile.( 4 years post stroke)but as you say if I look at my progress so far it is amazing how far I’ve come. I have felt impatient with myself at times but trying to notice my victories more. For instance at a funeral the other day I was a lot more confident speaking to groups of people. Sometimes I feel very nervous in unusual situations. Thank you for your video. Ruth

God bless you for your videos they just popped up when I went to you tube gogods way of speaking to me

I’m effected on my left side with leg functioning somewhat back, and very limited arm functioning (almost no finger movements). It’s been almost 5 years. Really appreciate you being transparent with how unpredictable recovery can be and that plateau can happen. It was something that was hard to learn and accept when progress “stopped”

I just discovered and subscribed to this channel to continue my education about my own long term recovery from my stroke. I know ALL about the impatience because I have always been hard driven. I was blessed to make a “full” recovery, but I still have to be patient with myself about some things. I feel for my dear wife, she has gone through so much with this. Not being a burden to her was a major motivator for me to be diligent with my therapy and recovery treatment.

My stroke has affected my right and left side, my right side is numb and tingling like novacaine. My left side doesn't feel hot or cold or feel pain ... weird...I'm 65 years old and I'm pretty scared...I'm not sure how too process this event...i know don't pick up hot frying pan's, lol

Im a 5 yrs stroke patient and trying my best to recover more😢

I’m slowly getting there I just had hernia surgery and it’s very hard to maneuver with that

I am a stroke survivor 1 yr 3 months. My experience towards my healing process is 1 FAITH 2 DETERMINATION 3 PERSEVERANCE DONT GIVE UP IT HAS NEVER BEEN EASY my recovery will be different from yours just continue to stay positive

😊

Hello Elyse, y our videos are very helpful and being a caregiver to my son who had a stroke 2 years ago which affected his right arm/hand, dominant, he’s now getting 1/2 hour of OT and PT, which he says is not enough. Would going to a gym help him and is it expensive to hire a private in home therapist and where would I go to find one? Hope to hear from you soon! Priscilla

thanks

I'm 39 and six weeks ago I suffered a mild ischemic stroke. I was fortunate to not have lost the use of my limbs, but my speech and memory has been compromised. I wish the doctors and neurologists were more transparent when I ask them questions about involuntary muscle twitches or when I feel slight pings in my head. I hospitalized myself twice since because of anxiety and they've prescribed buspirone 5mg. I've included a lot more fruits and vegetables in my diet and I'm trying to cut down on my meat intake. I'm afraid to have a drink of red wine, eventhough my release papers says that I could (up to 2 drinks) and I had to stop smoking marijuana because I don't want to introduce smoke into my system. I'm scared to even workout, as I'm afraid of raising my blood pressure to a dangerous level. Are there any books that you can recommend that touches on these subjects, if not, in your opinion, what are the best books to read when it comes to stroke recovery and/or what to expect from your body when recovering? I'm currently on plavix, atorvastatin, 81mg Bayer and the buspirone. I also take 250mg of vitamin B1 and 500mcg of B12 (Edit: I just realized its MCG and not MG). Are there any other vitamins I can take for my recovery? Oh, and green tea. I'm also drinking at least 3 cups of straight green tea a day. Glad to have found your channel. Looking to learning more.

I hear this constantly…I’m coming up on a year on July 23rd and it hurts. It hurts to hear constantly. I’m trying every day.

Hi Elyse! I'm a new subscriber trying to find good ways to help my dad. I left a comment and you gave me some great ideas and encouragement at the beginning of the year. My dad is the minister for almost 40yrs I wrote to you about... he had a stroke 3yrs ago now and thankfully he has no issues with movement or walking but rather with conversation at times. He loops his stories, and covers up some confusion when you talk to him (he's extremely good at it, you can't even tell sometimes lol). But I'm thinking that the sentences seem to scramble up sometimes even though he jumps back on track very quickly, but i notice it. I'm trying to find words games or exercises he could do to help strengthen that. I hope you remember me if not I understand lol.... anyway my question is how do you deal with denial in the survivor? Because I believe that we can't make progress if you deny that it even happened and that you don't need to do anything because you're fine. My dad drives, he still goes for walks like he always has, he does everything but with conversation I would like to work on that. He doesn't get confused often but it's enough to where I notice a difference. The little progress with him that my mom and brother and I have made I have noticed also though, I just want him to make better progress.

I made significant recovery un my walking but then u ended up having a seizure wgixh led me being hospitalized then I kinda lost that progress it had frustrated me so much but thanks for this video I will not give up

Can I have a stoke and not even know it's happening?? I feel normal except for my crooked smile and awkward trying to eat or drink.

At 1:10 you say to check out this☝️ video why there is allow progress from the first 3-6 months after a stroke. Where's the video link?

I got amnesia for 2years and God bless me with the help of my family and my sisters 🌞🌞. Now is 6 years of patiently waiting to be normal again,

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Its been more than 6 years now after my stroke,do i qualify in getting better still or am i too late now thank u

I just got out of a coma I had a brain aneurysm follow ed by a stroke it left me wheelchair bound but I had the stroke it didn’t have me thank you for your videos they are helpful for people like us. you need to know how much you’ve blessed us with these it means a lot. you didn’t have to. ur you did I thank th lord for your kindness. all of this is new and confusing but these vimskes it better so with the deepest gratitude. thank you!!!!!!!

Five time stroke survivor

I really fancy her.

it has been 2 weeks since I had my stroke, so I guess I need patience

Hi I'm 10 months post and my left side is affected I tried passive stretching but just seems to make zero progress. Also trying to walk with a walker but my affected area just refuses to work also have severe pain in my affected foot.. help?

thank you, Elyse

❤ patient is a song by guns n roses..... I am 31 days into recovery. And I am taking any victory I can get. I caught myself using my left hand to pick up my water glass..m then I found myself walking away from the Walker..... Hey.mmthat's why I'm supposed to use that thing... I keep forgetting that I had a stroke......