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Help: I want more information about stroke rehab
Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases | Last Active: May 1, 2019 | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
My first question is why a rowing machine? I have no remembrance of either of my strokes, I was in the hospital - for other things - when I had both of my strokes. I was told a doctor was with me when I had my first stroke in November of 2014, the second one was a month later. I had feeling in my right side I just could not move it, my left side was not much better. When I was sent to rehab I could hardly stand let alone walk. With lots of determination, and no rowing machines, today I can walk on non-carpeted floors without my walker, (eighteen month old babies walk better than I do) live by myself, I do not drive, I continue to knit, answer questions to the best of my ability, and I am happy - most of the time. I have physical therapy, to work on the areas of my body that still need help.
As far as feeling, what are you talking about? The mobility you once had on your right side? Knowing if you touched something HOT or ice cold? If you do not know what is hot or cold, run, don't walk, to the nearest hospital. Getting the mobility back could depend on what was damaged in the brain and how willing you are to do the correct PT and OT. I started knitting again my second week in rehab, because I knew that was one way to get my hand/fingers working again. Typing was not easy. I started using one finger, I still have to look at the keyboard to make sure I am going to hit the key I want, not the one next to it. Can you use a pencil/pen? Adult coloring books with good colored pencils can work wonders. Did you enjoy puzzles before? All puzzles can stimulate the brain and open up some of the areas that were damaged from the stroke. Different types of puzzles work different parts of the brain. Start at the beginning, don't just jump in and do adult puzzles, you have to work up to them.
I do not think I answered your question about waking up one morning having the feeling you once had. It is a long process, each morning you might notice a small change, do not disregard it because it's not what you want, you should thank your body for the small changes. Without the small changes we cannot have the big ones. mlmcg
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Lol, I bought the rowing machine because it was good for working my arm and leg at the same time! I wanted anything that would help my body! I found a cheaper one on Amazon and have been pleased with it. My therapy is pretty much over as they don't feel they can help me anymore. OT helped me for a while, but as for sensation of hot/cold, well, they just say it will take time or might never come back.
As time is going on I am getting somewhat better about waiting, I have so wanted to be "normal," but perhaps that will never happen. I am 52 feeling like I am 65. I don't want to wear diapers (pelvic therapy is the only pt I am still in) and walk while dragging one leg around. But, as you said, I need to be thankful for each little thing. I am out of a wheelchair! I can walk!
I am doing puzzles, started with 50 pieces, and now am up to 300. I also do word searches, and try "finding words," for instance I pick a letter, usually going in order of the alphabet, set a timer for five minutes, and write each word I can find in my brain until the timer beeps. I started at about 4 words per minute. Now I do about 8, so not a ton of improvement, but some!