The Three Rs in My RRRehab.
Realism….Routine…..Repetition.
Greetings, Thrill Seekers and Fellow Time Travellers, the creative hook for this blog came from a ZOOM meeting I had with a number of strokies who made contact with me as a result of my blog -Routine in Your Rehab.
They (3 strokies and a carer) contacted me as a consequence of me being involved in a research project conducted by the University of East Anglia(UK) and the Project Leader has been retweeting my blogs.
This ZOOM meeting took place at the ungodly hour of 4am, local time being 7pm in Norfolk, Uk.
After the usual banter regarding the last Ashes series and THAT stumping of Bristow, we got down to the business at hand and discussed the blog and during which I discussed my THREE Rs of Rehab-Realism, Routine and Repetition.
The Importance of Realism in my Rehab.
At the very beginning of planning my rehab with my stroke clinician, we discussed in a very frank manner the deficiencies that existed as a result of my stroke- the total lack of strength on my right side- the consequences of which was that I could not walk or use my right arm/hand.
Whilst that sounds dramatic, it did not shock me, I had already accepted that I would have to regain the use of these 2 limbs before I could consider the extras that come with use \{limited though it may be\}of my arm and legs- golf was definitely out of the question!
It is/was vital for me to have an honest conversation with the clinician therefore alleviating any frustration that would arise from undertaking rehab which would fail because of an unrealistic rehab objective.
Another activity that was a no go was driving- reflexes were much slower and my confidence was impacted- so I get to enjoy the rich tapestry of urban life from the inside of a bus.
Routine…
We then got to discussing the role that ROUTINE has played/plays in my rehab journey. I have already covered this topic in my blog, Routine in Your Rehab…
The key point I make and I would like to iterate is that when you are an in-patient the daily routine which embraces you is arranged for you. All you the Survivor is required to do is to sit back, participate and enjoy the ride”
But the challenge/opportunity arises when you leave the hospital and return home -then as I found, you are suddenly on your own- you are the master of your own rehab destiny.
It is up to you to ensure that you continue to maintain the momentum of your rehab journey without the security blanket of hospital!
That is where ROUTINE comes to the rescue! What did I do as I said earlier it is all in my blog
In short, I set up a daily ROUTINE that fitted my lifestyle, and that would ensure that I would be on the way to achieve my goals.
Some suggestions which may help -
- Reminders -Why not put a Reminder Note on the back of the Bathroom Door e.g.,” Have you done your Stepping Yet? On the inside of the Garage Door is another place- just to remind you.
- Charts- Date/ Distance/Time – is a good system – it will show you your time spent and improvement!
That is a brief summary, I recommend that you read my blog-Routine in Your Rehab- it may help you
As I have mentioned before in previous musings Gang, our Stroke rehab process is not like a dislocated finger or fractured wrist \{a finite period will remedy the damage\}, it will/may require months, sometimes years of planned activity to help stroke survivors reach their potential.
Big Numbers are part of my DNA.
I found this out early on in my rehab [in the second week] that my rehab would be based on big numbers of reptations and after 16 weeks in the rehab gym, these numbers paid off.
In hindsight, if some would have told me I would do approx. 140,000 reps on the knee extender, I would think they were fantasizing- but Thrill Seekers that what I did!
Get used to the concept of big numbers in your ongoing stroke rehab- they are[ to coin a trendy phrase] part of my DNA! My blog”20 reps aren’t going to cut it” further explains my thinking.
My Key Messages,
Stroke Survivors- Consider your Post Stroke Rehab- ensure that it contains the 3 RRR’s- that way it will be more effective.
Stroke Clinicians- Ensure your Stroke Survivor is well equipped to ensure the effectiveness of their Post Stroke Rehab…..And Life
NB- Here is a link to my Tweet on the topic The Three RRR's in My Stroke Rehab - somewhat more colorful than my EnableMe blog.