Stroke Survivor Blog

Caregivers, do you want out of your situation?  The last two years have been the most trying time of my 42-year marriage to my husband, Steve, a recent stroke survivor. I reflect and marvel at God’s strength and grace that has gotten me through, and helped me to be optimistic. It’s a good thing I [...]

It’s hard to ask for help when you need it the most, especially when you or a loved one is going through a crisis like an illness, accident or tragedy. When an incident like this occurs and is ongoing for more than a few weeks, help is needed. Oftentimes, the parent or spouse of a [...]

Since June of 2008, I’ve been thrown into the role as my husband’s caregiver plus being his wife, and it requires a balancing act. Since we’ve been married, I’ve been managing our household and finances, and as a wife and mother I know how to take care of others. But with caregiving, it’s a little [...]

When Steve had his stroke in February 2008, I was warned by other caregivers and many health care professionals to take care of myself or I would get worn out. What good would I be to Steve in that condition? Dozens of friends and family offered their help to give me respite by saying, “If [...]

Stroke survivors deal with frustration on a daily basis. Their body won’t work like they want it too, so they may take out their frustration on others, especially their caregivers. As Steve’s full-time caregiver, I am witness to much of his frustration and I feel helpless to help him. This can add to my frustration [...]

My goal in creating this blog is to encourage stroke survivors along with their family and caregivers in their recovery process. We’ve had many successes along the way, but I feel it would not be fair of me to tell you only of the positive things that have happened and not to share all the struggles we’ve [...]

Last Thursday was Steve’s final day of home health care, and he started outpatient stroke therapy at the hospital. We felt home health care had run it’s course and that he’s ready for more aggressive therapy. Yesterday was his first full day of outpatient therapy at St. Vincent’s Hospital. It will be necessary to transport him back and [...]