General Advice
Never give up.
It is damaging to focus on the questions “why me?” or “why did this happen?” as these questions have no good answers and can lead to things like depression. Shift your perspective to “why not me?” or “what now?” and do something productive about it. Please focus on your energy on how you may use your life to generate awareness.
Progress.
It is vitally important to remember that you can keep progressing, even when you reach a "plateau" in your recovery. Medical professionals will say that the majority of recovery occurs in the first year or two. People commonly misinterpret this statement as a strict boundary on your recovery. As a result, this incorrect belief can harm you by putting an unnecessary limitation on your recovery.
You are worthy.
You are still a functioning member of society. Many people marginalize or even dismiss people who have had strokes from making a difference. You are a giving, vital member of your community.
Find new purposes.
You may not work in the same capacity or enjoy some things you used to do. That can serve as an impetus to find new passions. Discover unique abilities, whatever those may be. New purposes can be just as meaningful as the original ones, or even more so.
Self-care
We all get sad.
I do not know a single stroke survivor who has not cried because of the stroke. It is alright to have a pity party every once in a while; just do not stay in this place too long.
Be an excellent patient.
Take your medicine. Know your limitations. Visit your doctors. Take notes, or better yet, invite someone to go along who can take notes for you. Ask questions. Don't rely on the Internet for answers or for treatment suggestions. You can control your ability to be a good patient, and you would be surprised how often I have been told that people are hurting themselves by their own actions. Do not be one of those people and help yourself.
Do your therapy homework.
These individual exercises are designed so you will get better. You are only hurting yourself if you do not do these activities. Yes, there are days you are tired, busy, or simply do not want to do these exercises. You can benefit yourself while working on your homework, as you may regret not doing your best in your recovery.
Join a support group.
I encourage everyone to join a support group, especially immediately after a stroke. The one caveat is you must be emotionally ready. These people in a support group can help you, as they truly “understand” stroke survivor issues. You can discuss many topics with a support group, including perceptions by others, integrating into society, your emotional state, useful adaptations, discovering acceptance, and acknowledging your limitations.
It’s OK to have bad days.
For some inexplicable reason, you are talking or walking differently than usual or your affected hand does not grip well. That is fine to have “bad” days, as long as you try hard the next day. Occasionally, give yourself permission to say things are not working as well as possible.
Control your risk factors for stroke.
You cannot change factors such as age, race, or a genetic predisposition for a stroke. However, you can manage your cholesterol and blood pressure. You can stop smoking, drink moderately, move your body regularly, eat intuitively, stop using any recreational drugs, and learn how to implement safe ways of coping with stress. By being alive, you are worthy of love and respect and deserve to receive good care from yourself and others.
Support
Find your community.
Remember you are not alone. Many people (approximately 795,000 people each year in the United States) have strokes. I know from personal experience how isolating it feels. But know you can find other people in your communities that have had a stroke and bond with them.
Ask for help.
You cannot do everything on your own. Get over your pride and ego. You are not a burden to your community. People want to assist you, so please let them, especially as you are initially recovering. Examples of tasks that people volunteered for include driving, cooking, folding laundry, cleaning, mowing the yard, doing dishes, taking the trash out, babysitting, raking leaves, wrapping presents, or cleaning gutters.
Recommended Activities
Manicures
Cutting and filing your fingernails may be a challenge after having a stroke. If that is the case, treat yourself to a manicure. Your fingernails should not be a source of frustration.
Pets
I have been told dozens of times that animals have improved the survivor's mood. Pets can fill an emotional void when someone suffering from isolation needs companionship.
Chiropractic Adjustments
I have two friends who have had strokes because a chiropractor adjusted their necks causing irreversible damage to their blood vessels that flow to their brains. Importantly, please discuss your individual situation with a medical provider before allowing anyone to manipulate or touch your neck. I am not a licensed physician, but I strongly encourage you to initiate that conversation before any adjustments are performed.
Helmets
I met numerous people in therapy who said they would have surely died had they not worn a helmet from bicycle or motorcycle accidents. Protect your most valuable asset – your head – at all times.
Airports
For people who have mobility issues, request and take a wheelchair in an airport. The lighting is poor. People are in a hurry and their bags can accidentally strike you and upset your balance. You usually have to walk long distances in an airport, especially to a faraway runway. Additionally, you get to bypass everyone in the security line, so it saves time!