Walking Post Stroke. When is far enough, far enough?

Walking Post Stroke:

I was asked by my Physical Therapist while at Inpatient Rehab, what is your Goal, or what do you want us to concentrate on while you are here?  I was in a wheelchair, unable to get out of bed.  My answer, "I want to walk out of here at the end of my stay at Toronto Rehab".  So, that is what they did.  It was a struggle, but with the help of 3 therapist, I walked or stumbled out.  I wouldn't change that answer in a million years. 

Here is the Time Line progression of my Stroke Recovery, which is ongoing, as a work in progress.

MAY 2016 IN A COMA FOLLING HEART SURGERY AND MY SECOND STROKE IN TWO WEEKS

JUNE 24, 2016, GETTING ENGAGED WHILE IN CONTINUING CARE

 

SEPTEMBER 2016, LEARNING TO WALK AT TORONTO REHAB

Guy walking 4 months Post Strokes, September 2016 - YouTube

JUNE 24, 2017, WE GOT MARRIED

OCTOBER 2017 TRYING TO WALK WITHOUT A CANE

WALKING OCTOBER 2017 - YouTube

I would try to walk further and further every day, week and year. 

JUNE 2020

Guy walking the dog, June 2020, 4 years Post Stroke - YouTube 

JULY 27, 2023

But now 7 years later, I walk between 5-7 kilometers a day.  This is how far I walked on July 27, 2023,  7.1 kilometers or almost 4 1/2 Miles.  

So, now the question is, when is far enough, far enough?

Henry Hoffman asked me that very same question, several years later, what was your goal in Rehab, and I gave Henry the very same answer, I just wanted to walk out of there.  To which he replied, how about your arm and hand, aren't they important as well? 

Back then, I didn't quite get it, but now I do.

Don't get me wrong, the fact that I am able to walk that far, alone, with only a single post cane, is a miracle in itself, but now it's time to say, that's far enough.

Why is it far enough?  Simple, it's time to switch my focus, from walking to getting the function back in my arm and hand.  Now, I have been faithful in my Range Of Motion Exercises, along with several hours of Electrical Muscle Stimulation in the evening of each day, everyday.  But, it's time again to get back to picking up 4" Poof Balls with my SaeboFlex. 

Many will think, it's been seven years, seriously, isn't it to late?  No it isn't. 

How do I know? 

Saebo recently posted a video about their SaeboStim One, a wearable, wireless Stim device, see here:  Another Stim One success story!⚡ - YouTube

I have the SaeboStim One, but since I had the SaeboStim Pro, I put it on the shelf and actually forgot about it.  Well, after seeing this video, I started using my SaeboStim One for several hours a day, in exactly the same position as in the video, then not long afterwards, completely by accident, I started to yawn while lying in bed, and for the first time in over 7 years, I lifted my arm straight up back over my head, flat down on the pillow.  Wow!  I couldn't wait to show Jane, and I proudly did it again and again.  Another Plateau broken through!!  I still cannot lift my arm over my head while standing, but that's only a matter of time.

So as soon as summer is over, and we complete our move in September, I'm back to working with the SaeboFlex.  I will continue to work on my balance, wear the SaeboStim One, do my ROM Exercises, walking, and use EMS on my arm, and hand.  I am not going to worry about distance traveled, but concentrate on getting to the next stage in my arm recovery. 

Here is what I have learned in the past 7 years with Stroke Recovery. 

-  Plateau's are just Plateau's, you have to find a way to break through.  It isn't easy, but it's not impossible.  

-   Always stick to the Basics.  ROM, EMS, and remember, Motion is Lotion, so keep moving.

-   Television?  Don't turn it on until after Supper or after 6:00 pm, and while sitting watching television, use EMS to reduce your Spasticity, Increase your ROM, and re-educate the muscles in your arm, hand and shoulder.

-   Switch up your exercises, and you will be surprised with your progress. 

-  The most important thing that I have learned is that: Your Recovery will only stop on the DAY, you STOP trying to recover, so never ever give up!!

 

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.   Many opinions and viewpoints are based on my own Personal Stroke Recovery journey.  As every Stroke is different, so is every Stroke Recovery.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Reliance on any information provided by the JGH Rehab website is solely at your own risk. 

Also, never use Electrical Muscle Stimulation if you have a PACEMAKER!!