I read that Rups had practised for a year before he noticed a difference in his gait. After reading this I thought of practising a tandem walk in which you walk as if you are walking a tight rope. I have just done day 3! A year is a long time in my book!
5 Likes
Three years is even longer! Its over 3 years since my stroke and Im still hobbling around with my stick. Part of it is Im terrified of falling and breaking my hip or leg. I dont know how to get the confidence to even walk without it in the house holding onto the furniture. Got to the stage now where im thinking so what if I spend the rest of my life with a stick? I too have tried the tightrope walk but find it very difficult!
5 Likes
The tandem walk was part of my routine also, one wobbly foot in front of the other, toe to heel and heel to toe. There’s another tandem walk I used to do which was side to side, that was particularly tricky and used to make me feel incredibly nauseous.
There were two factors that kept me going with this sort of rehab for so long, one was that I couldn’t walk far so was confined to my bedroom and sitting room, and the other was the lockdown period, so it felt right to just focus on this movement everyday while the rest of the world bemoaned not being able to socialise. 
5 Likes
I had my stroke quite a long time ago but joining this group is inspiring. It make you feel there is always room to improve. I find the side by side walk very helpful. How are you managing today?
5 Likes
Five years on, my gait is satisfactory now, however, my visual-spatial problems persist and can affect my gait at times. I walk with a stick for comfort, although don’t use it at home or in the garden.
5 Likes
@jenny-wren Recovery takes as long as it takes. No point trying to speed it up as you could end up 10 steps back. Have a great day 
3 Likes
very true! persistance and patience may be?
6 Likes
I am 5 years on. I no longer need sticks in the house or garden. If I’m tired my gait changes but to be expected.
My problem or ongoing struggle is uneven surfaces in town or outside. I carry a fold up stick in my backpack if I get into trouble. I can walk fine if my husband holds my hand but my goal this year is to try and overcome this!
4 Likes
Hello @annie812
I am some years on. I had my stroke in 2017! I would warn you against holding your husband’s hand. I did that for several years as my husband thought he was better than the stick and crutch the physio gave me. About a year ago I fell over three times and now use a walker, My husband also hurt his arm. I can walk indoors. but not outside. what I have got is mild gait ataxia. my goal this year is to practice the balance exercises my physio gave me. He helped me to get a blue badge so my husband can park near the supermarket. It’s hard to know exactly what can be achieved. Good wishes
2 Likes
Out and about, my stick is for comfort. I have an odd symptom where if I start deeply thinking about something as I walk, my legs begin acting strangely. It’s as if my brain can’t cope with these two activities, getting lost in thought and walking.
2 Likes