Gene’s Story of Stroke Recovery
Gene’s Story of Stroke Recovery
Sometimes the only thing that can motivate us when we are going through the biggest trial of our life (such as recovering from a stroke), is to know that others have been in the same hole we’ve somehow fallen into, and have climbed out. That’s why I asked Gene to let me share his story with you. I like to think that I know something about stroke rehab (through my years of being a physical therapist), but Gene knows what it’s like to HAVE a stroke…..actually, he knows what it’s like to have THREE of them!
Gene was only 56 years old when a series of three strokes within a 5 week period rendered him completely paralyzed on his left side, partially paralyzed on his right side, and unable to sit up, speak, or even swallow. He quickly went from an active job and playing with his 2 young grandchildren, to lying in a hospital bed, unable to operate the tv remote.
He recalls his first symptoms began when he was at the health club, and noticed a brief period of slurred speech, blurred vision and weakness of his left leg. He went home and fell asleep on his couch. When he awoke, he realized something was wrong because he could barely stand up from the couch! He was taken to the ER, where he was diagnosed with a stroke.
Gene says, “My mental state at that time was depressed, but in the first week I made a decision,feeling sorry for myself wasn’t helping my recovery so I centered my focus on rehab.” In his first few months in the hospital rehab unit, he only managed to stand for a few seconds at a time, and to sit up on a therapy mat table. After his time in the hospital, he was sent to a nursing home and was given the grim news that if he didn’t start showing progress in rehab, they would not be able to continue rehab services!
- Unfortunately, in a world of finite healthcare resources, insurance companies and rehab professionals often have to make the tough decision of when to end services for those who aren’t showing progress, so that they can focus their efforts and resources on individuals who will benefit from them. Many times, a person’s motivation and determination is a crucial factor in whether their progress plateaus and rehab is discontinued, or they find a way to push past that plateau and continue the work of recovery.
In Gene’s case, his mind was still very clear, and he realized that he could use his strength (of mental focus and clarity) to overcome his weaknesses…which were just about everything else at that point! He began using visualization, or mental practice, in his rehab efforts.
The first time he remembers using visualization was to work on lifting his toes for taking a step. (in other words, trying not to drag his foot, which is a common condition called drop-foot). He began using a technique that he knew was used frequently in sports, in which he would mentally rehearse every aspect of the movement he wanted to perform. He used visualization to gradually improved his hand and finger movements, as well. Gene says that “after weeks of trying, I got my index finger to move on command, barely noticeable, but enough to take my spirit to a peak.”
Seven months after his stroke, Gene returned home. Although he could barely walk with a walker, his speech was not understandable, and his “left shoulder was frozen,” he had accomplished one of his goals of getting out of that nursing home and sleeping in his own bed again! But he knew the work was not finished.
One of the toughest parts of his recovery was regaining his speech. He had 6 different speech therapists over a year and a half. When he seemed to reach a plateau with his speech, he finally discovered how to use singing to move forward with his progress. Here’s how he describes his own version of music therapy for regaining his speech: “I began by trying to sing songs I was familiar with, songs that were already in my mind, songs I knew the words, melody and breaks for breathing. It started slow, but within a few weeks I was singing, and then the the words started becoming more understandable. Today my speech is far from perfect but I can carry on conversations with strangers and they are unaware of my impediments.”
Gene is an amazing example of a person who hasn’t let complacency, sadness, or frustration keep him from finding a way to re-wire his brain. (If you want more information on what re-wiring your brain is all about, read my article called “What is Neuroplasticity?“)
Now, 4 years after his stroke, Gene says, “I can shuffle cards, use a computer mouse, chop vegetables, and do just about anything I want to do” with either arm. His left leg is still a little weak, but he can walk up and down stairs, and doesn’t even need a cane! But Gene says he is not finished yet! He now swims a half mile 4 days a week, just to start his exercise routine! Then circuit training, and a mile walk, still using visualization as a part of each activity.