Sorry this is a late reply, but I hope your husband is doing well with his recovery. It certainly sounds like he is getting fantastic support from you!
Has your husband's GP not referred him to a suitable physiotherapist? Or when he was discharged from hospital?
If not, there is a really good organisation called the ARNI Institute who provide stroke rehabiliation and exercise in the comfort of your own home. They do charge for this but they provide specialist rehab suited to the individual. You can find out more about them by checking their website - https://arni.uk.com/
Hi Lettie. Sorry to hear about Dave’s Stroke. Firstly, no stroke is minor. Stroke is a brain injury and although there is some progress fairly quickly, things can be painfully slow afterwards and cannot be rushed. I understand his frustration, but tell him to be patient. I am three years post stroke and still working hard at improvement.
I am surprised Birmingham are not more forthcoming with physio. However, depending on where you live in Brum, there is a Life After Stroke Centre in Bromsgrove. They do a number of weekly exercise classes at £2 a session and other activities. Could he get there, if possible?
I did go there, but have found a local exercise class and go to this three times a week. Over 18 months I have improved no end. I have also found Tai Chi classes very good for my weak left arm and hand.
My hubby had a major stroke in June last year once home he was totally forgotten by the physio team he lost everything waz very poorly however 6 months later he is now walking with aids with determination from me and my husband I fully support him with his physio every day and I also work full time which is very difficult to juggle work and careing for my husband he has a cycle which I tie his weak side too and has helped enormously also I use a vibropower machine which has helped with circulation and reduced any swelling he is a lot stronger now and still improving every day
The main thing I found is to stay positive which is hard i have bad days so does my hubby you sound live a strong dertimened person things do get better believe me I thought it would never get better so stay strong xx
Dave sounds to be doing well if he can walk independently and has some use of his affected arm.
If you are looking at ways to continue to improve matters, check out Doctor Tom Balchin's "The Successful Stroke Survivor" book - it's effectively a recovery handbook. Tom has used a combination of weight training and functional activities to achieve one of the best recoveries, all documented in this substantial book.
My UK Doctor referred me to a local gym for "Exercise on Prescription", allowing me to attend inexpensive supervised gym sessions, which improved my overall health, strength, mood and walking no end. I am not as strong as I was prior to my stroke but I can lift heavy weights and will complete a half marathon later this year.
Good luck to you both and keep trying to improve things. A LOT is possible with the right attitude, motivation and hard work.
It took 6 weeks for physio to start here. They seem to leave it a while for you to recouperate a bit. 3 weeks is very soon and gentle exercise helps. Plenty rest and read, puzzles such as crosswords etc. Just to keep the mind active. I walked a lot and decided to get physically fit. I started swimming again.
Remember it is early days and resting helps the body and brain repair.
Be active and plan something to look forward to. There will be dark days, every day at a time
you will have to pester for physio so just keep at it.
Dave will get frustrated, I did and still do, let it blow over.
this site helps so stay in touch, lot of fantastic people here