tenda Health

The Blow of the Thief

A stroke takes away more than just your brain; it takes away a part of your identity. You frequently feel like an alien in your own body as it skirts the edges and lashes out at your skills, memory, and speech. It literally steals our identities, taking away our freedom and the colorful selves we have grown to love and know.

My Case: My Beloved Uncle.

He is my kin, my flesh and blood. He had a stroke, a few months ago. I saw him struggle to speak, to communicate with us, with himself. It hurt me deeply, and it still does. I believed he knew our words, he understood what we said. His eyes, his smile, his laugh, they told me so. But I don’t know for sure, I can’t be certain.

He can’t say much, he can barely form a sound. He tries hard, he fails often. He suffers silently, he cries inwardly. I fear for him, I worry about him. What if he didn’t understand, what if he was confused? What if he was lost, for months, for years? Alone, in his mind, in his prison

The Fightback Begins

We do not have to allow the stroke keep its spoils, even though it may take away a piece of us. It is still not over, folks. It’s crucial that you perceive this battle as one you’re capable of winning. Psychological toughness is more important in this case than mere physical healing.

Case of Recovery for Uncle

Behind my uncle’s confusion, there was a will. The will finally showed him the way. He fought back, he didn’t give up. He reclaimed his identity, his voice, his self. He worked hard, he practiced daily. He learned again, he improved gradually. He spoke more, he expressed better. He connected more, he related deeper. He healed more, he recovered stronger. He was himself, he was whole.

Reclaiming Control: Practical Ways to Bounce Back

1. Rehabilitative Therapy: Recovering from a stroke isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. Physical, occupational, speech, and cognitive therapies offer methods to help retrain our brains and bodies. Each small victory alongside dedicated therapists brings us a step closer to reclaiming our stolen identities.

2. Brain-Boosting Diet: They say we are what we eat, and never does this phrase hold more relevance than post-stroke. Consuming nutrient-rich foods like Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and lean proteins can fuel brain recovery.

3. Steady Exercise: Exercise within your comfort and safety limits. Gentle cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises are instrumental in rebuilding strength and enhancing coordination, critical elements stolen by stroke.

4. Mindfulness Activities: Yes, a stroke strikes the body, but it also impacts the mind. Incorporating mindfulness activities like meditation, deep-breathing, or yoga can fortify emotional wellbeing and combat depression, a common side-effect of stroke.

5. Robust Support System: The road to recovery can feel isolating, so lean on your support system. Engage with your loved ones and don’t shy away from joining stroke survivor groups—sharing experiences offers comfort and fosters hope.

Stroke Research Project by Centre for Doctoral Training

This research is about creating new devices that can help stroke survivors to recover better. One device is a sit to stand training system, which helps people to practice standing up from a chair or a bed. This can improve their balance, strength, and mobility.

The other device is a low cost upper limb de-weighting system, which helps people to move their arms more easily. This can improve their coordination, dexterity, and function. These devices are designed to be simple, cheap, and user-friendly. They can be used at home or in the community, without the need for a therapist or a clinic.

The research is done by the Centre for Doctorial Training, which is a group of researchers and students who work on stroke rehabilitation. They want to make stroke recovery more accessible and affordable for everyone. They are doing a great service for stroke survivors and their families, don’t you agree?

Conclusively

A stroke aims to rewrite your history, but remember—you’re the author of this story. Though the pages may contain struggle and tears, they also harbor victory and resilience. It’s about gradually reconnecting with yourself, rediscovering your identity piece by piece, and coming back stronger. No matter how slow the journey may seem, remember that growth is growth. Keep fighting! Take back your narrative from the identity thief.

References

Hartford, W., Lear, S. & Nimmon, L. Stroke survivors’ experiences of team support along their recovery continuum. BMC Health Serv Res 19, 723 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4533-z

Grefkes, C., Fink, G.R. Recovery from stroke: current concepts and future perspectives. Neurol. Res. Pract. 2, 17 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-020-00060-6