Progress

"Don't tell people your plans. Show them your results." – Anonymous

Recovery starts with taking the first step(s).

It all depends on the plan your doctors and therapist have put together for you.

It may be getting out of bed and taking a walk, as my therapist did with me in the ICU.  It could also be occupational or speech therapy.

There are three stages to recovery.

The first is from the day of your stroke through the first three months. That’s when there is the most progress, and when the brain heals spontaneously.

The second is from three to six months. The pace of spontaneous improvement starts slowing down, and rehab is critical to maximize function.

The third is from six months on. Your brain continues to learn and adapt, but not as quickly. Progress at this stage often requires dedicated, long-term therapy rather than spontaneous healing.

For me, progress was working for customers again. I was pretty uneasy, sitting down in the chair in front of the computer where I’d had my stroke.  

But after a few deep breaths, I was able to get back into my routine.  I was very conscious of how I was feeling, and if I got tired or a little bit off, I stopped right away. 

Knowing my limits made all the difference.

Work with your doctors and therapists to find what's best for you. If something doesn’t work, ask them what else you can do. Keep trying until you figure it out.

Every goal you reach is progress, no matter how small it seems.

Celebrate your success, look forward to the next one, and keep going.