The last few weeks have been the worst I’ve experienced post stroke so far - but only in terms of physical discomfort of the sensory kind. The affected leg/foot has become more numb recently, to the point where I’m aware of it almost constantly.(Actually, numbness has increased down most of the left side but this post is relevant to the leg/foot). I’ve been able to walk without aids for at least 2yrs, occasionally using a stick to combat tiredness if I want to be more adventurous. I don’t have foot drop but raising the front of the outside of the foot meets a bit of resistance so doesn’t raise completely (about 80% ) . I’ve been trying a different exercise for a few weeks. Yesterday, something changed in the foot. It was a different sensation and only very small but enough to catch my attention. And this morning, when I was doing the usual toe raises, I could actually feel the calf muscle activating and was able to squeeze it ( I kept squeezing it to make sure it was real) . I haven’t been able to do that before because the muscle felt too weak. So I’m pretty chuffed right now. Hope this will encourage someone.
Sometimes when our body is sending us signals, we don’t necessarily understand them. I think this might be such an example. Your body was alerting you about the next stage in your continuous progress
This will no doubt give huge encouragement and inspiration to others in your shoes.
And that’s just how it has always gone for me with anything returning or improving. Keep the momentum up and it will continue. But don’t be disheartened on days you might feel it’s gone back the way again. It can be a bit on again, off again, until it settles in. And this can sometimes still take months.
You are heading in the right direction of recovery and that should be celebrated
) . I haven’t been able to do that before because the muscle felt too weak. So I’m pretty chuffed right now. Hope this will encourage someone.
