LIGHTING the PATH to recovery
for those who follow
James came home from work with an excruciating, unrelenting headache and went to bed early, hoping to sleep it off. The next morning, he was unable to walk without stumbling, his arm was weak and he kept repeating the same word. The emergency room doctor said James had a massive stroke, the clot could not be removed and he was not expected to survive.
At James’ bedside in the ICU, his wife Kelly researched. She found the same information on every site – how to recognize a stroke, stroke prevention, risk factors for stroke. But what was she supposed to do during his stroke? Who could explain what was happening to her husband? What would happen next?
By the grace of God, the miraculous intervention of a daring neurosurgeon and the devoted attention of the stroke unit, James survived two cranioplasties and the stroke. He had severe deficits and at age 50, he went from an active, physically fit contractor to wheelchair bound with global aphasia and right side paralysis.
After much trial and error, multiple rehab facilities, numerous specialists and alternative treatments, Kelly and James were finally learning to navigate their new life, living with disability.
Because the period of spontaneous recovery is short, time is of the essence to maximize a successful recovery. Precious recovery time and a better outcome were lost searching for treatments and therapies that actually worked. They realized how valuable their experiences would have been to them immediately after the stroke.
While every stroke is different and so is the outcome, Kelly and James vowed to share what they have learned throughout their own stroke event and recovery life so others walking in their shoes can start a little farther down the path.
This is core mission of the Stroke Recovery Network.
PRACTITIONERS
Neuro-opthamologists, PT/OT/Speech therapists, pelvic floor therapists, disability trained dentists, ENT doctors – these may be a part of your recovery team.
Quality neuro care is vital to successful stroke recovery. We list providers in your locality to lessen your search time and find the best fit.
We support a well rounded approach to recovery but some providers promise unrealistic outcomes or use unsafe methods.
We list alternative, traditional and holistic providers that implement stroke recovery treatments in a safe, ethical and financially accountable manner.
COMMUNITY
- Stroke associated organizations that educate on specific aspects of stroke
- Agencies helping to defray the cost of expensive equipment that insurance doesn’t cover
- Stroke survivor, caregiver and aphasia support groups.
LIFESTYLE
Yes, the body can recover and the brain is an amazing organism. Seriously, our brains don’t get enough credit.
There has to be a balance in lifestyle, health and diet to enhance recovery.
Here we talk about the latest science behind food, supplements, lifestyle and medications. We include recipes and links to nutrition blogs and how to identify safe, quality supplements.
We talk about the gut/brain connection (hint – the gut is really the brains of your body)
We give information on supplements and medications, both prescribed and off label, for you to discuss with your medical team.