Hi Mary,

Glad you came here as a resource. I had my cerebellar stroke in Dec 2015 (clot not a bleed). I had physio at home weekly for 2 months when I wasn't allowed to drive. After those 2 months, I continued with the same therapy exercises for months on my own with a family member supervising as I continued to improve. I don't have physical symptoms like yours (my issue had been balance and is better) but in other groups I belong to, therapy seems to be the answer to regaining (hopefully, no guarantees) feeling/control.

It is true that every person is different with both their symptoms and their recovery. I found that very frustrating to hear and it sounds like you've been told the same thing. There doesn't seem to be a straight answer because it all depends on where the damage is in the brain and how severe it is.

I would suggest reaching out to your local Heart and Stroke office for more information on what to expect. I'm assuming you are in the US (I'm in a Canada) so I'm not sure what other resources you have available to you.

What kept me positive was an attitude of gratitude. For the first whole year after my stroke I tweeted about something I was grateful for each day. It kept the focus on positive things. I have read many stories about people feeling discouraged and struggling with depression after a stroke. Keep your focus positive to help avoid that. Sounds so simple but really is proven to work.

Good luck with your recovery.