Nov 18th 'message from a friend'

With all of my research via the internet I found this website for Stroke survivors, caregivers and family. I'm glad I joined and have made friends almost instantly.

I found this one gentleman that had similar symptoms that my mother has. However, I know that results are different with every person. I did want to share with you his response to my message to him. I asked him what I/we can expect and some other questions.

It was a nice response and am looking forward to seeing my mother!

Jason,Every little thing she learns to do should be celebrated. Make sure your Aunt and yourself give her as much encouragment that's possible, encouragment from family is a great moral booster and will make her try harder. For the first month don't expect alot, during the second month you should see some improvement (possibly starting to walk with a walker) with help, twelve weeks maybe walking with walker with no help.

Most doctors will tell you that the first six months are when you'll see the most improvement (don't beleive it). The first year was when I had the most improvement (was in rehab hosp. 12 weeks and out patient physio 9 months), I still see improvement at 2 1/2 years.

I'm glad she has atleast 100 days rehab, and possibly many more months outpatient therapy under AARP, make sure she gets all the rehab she can.Also you make sure to tell her that she's not allowed to give up, no matter how hard it gets ( and it will), OK?