Learning to use your limbs again

[JayKay]

My sister-in-law switched me on to this blog after my SAH - the author is a University Professor who had a stroke earlier this year. She writes so well, and this recent post is particularly interesting because it describes what it is like to learn to use your arm and leg again. Fascinating!!

[zoe1zoe1zoe1]

Thank you for sharing this article. Rich has left sided paralysis so it is nice to read about how he could be feeling and what he is going through.

[Tina]

Thanks Jen...very interesting article xx

[blueday]

JayKay….many thanks for your discovery and your observation.

Many thanks as I read it as I am moderately paralysed too. I think physically as far as arms and legs are concerned you are fine, so thanks for sharing and thinking about us.

I used to call you the 'Journalist on the Spot' now I see I should change it.
With Aphasia I cannot remember names easily so I do it by association to help me.

Journalist on the Spot....BTG.....Jaykay........Jen, but maybe it's not accurate.

The Photographer...BTG....JayKay... Jen.

More accurate because as your father said "You have a good eye"....means you spot things which others may miss, observant, paint a picture for us to see. So thanks for spotting that article, taking a picture of it in words for us to see it, to share.

[momo]

Thanks for this Jen, quite fascinating reading....keep up the good work.

[JayKay]

Aw Blueday - thank you I know, I've been lucky and don't have probs with my limbs but I know some of you do, and of course my mum went through it after her stroke, although she is using her right arm and leg ok now.

Yes, it's very interesting to have someone's perspective, who is very articulate and who can make us realise what it is like. Glad to have helped

[blueday]

Yes this can be quite common at certain times.

I am semi-paraplegic mainly with my right leg and arm.

The frustration for the patient as you start to recover, the question is why is this. I am my own patient now, I know for sure my leg and arm is fine. I was a runner and a footballer (no surprise then). So why is walking difficult? The word paralysis indicates a problem with my leg and gait (walking style). There is nothing wrong with it...the tool I have misplaced is in my brain. So I don't work on my leg, I work on my brain.

I had good success recovering my arm very well... when you 'think' about your fingers and hand and arm you become more complete. The downside is fatigue.

Working on my leg is another challenge.... my mini mountain.

As we always say we are all individual people. All our strokes and SAH are exactly that totally individual. I'm sure a lot of our team have no problems with mobility or arms and legs...some mild....some worse. I can guarantee that if you have the desire, we will all be dancing again, its just an awakening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHhXZvcCzlM

Dr. Stephen Silberstein M.D

[blueday]

To assist walking and increase mobility some require Braces or Calipers.
I still have to wait for my Caliper as to prepare it takes a long time.

I don't want to criticise the Medical people...but, as we know people make mistakes. To see someone, make an appointment, wait weeks for it and it takes weeks again before anything happens.Tieing the Doctors with the Orthotics together....takes weeks. You see how time marches on before you have any results.

Since my SAH and Stroke I am paraplegic on one side with drop foot and hyperextension knee regarding mobility and other problems, when I was sent home, I was home and that was it. Nothing was addressed. OK, so for two years just manage yourself. Probably my own fault being in denial and not understanding. Trying to walk and learn myself I aggravated my knee...and in time it affects your back if your gait is bad. So after two years the Orthotics fitted me with a brace. That was just a dream, but do understand at the time I did not want a full Caliper for obvious reasons. I tried so hard for another two years just with the Brace. Now I can't wait for the Caliper...hoping reduced pain in the knee, walking more again, no back ache....taking the dogs for walks again. Now I don't care...

[JayKay]

Oh Blueday - such a long time to wait Good luck with the callipers!!

I went looking online and came across this website that looks interesting, it's called Stroke Rehab online.

Interestingly, Tai Chi is supposed to be good:
Any type of activitity that stimulates or activites the brain can play a role in stroke recovery. Physical activities such as Tai Chi can help speed recovery time for some stroke victims. The slow controlled use of sequential movements can help with reactivating areas of the nervous system associated with motor (movement) skills. The added benefit of improving memory is achieved through the learning of the Tai Chi routines. A lot of the actions of Tai Chi are also great for improving balance, which is a vital skill to help with gait and mobility for stroke recovery. Research has also shown some added bonuses for the mind with improvements in concentration and calmness with regular practice.

[michelle C]

Hi Blueday,

I also have foot drop left foot, and wear a splint also my knees give way if i walk far which is not a problem as i cant. Anyhow mine is a AFO maxi toe off splint i need help walking though but al leats it keeps my toes from going underneath my foot when i trip....you have to laugh dont you...dont fancy crying much......hope they get you sorted soon...did they have to do a emg nerve conduction test on your foot/muscle??
All the best take care
Michelle C xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx