Hi Tinkerbell,
I know everyone is different but here's my story for what its worth.
Went to A&E when my partner noticed slurred speech one morning.
At first they were not sure what was going on but kept me in for observation.
I had various scans and tests over the next few days and thing became steadily worse.
I found I could no longer text on my phone with my left hand or reach behind my head.
I could limp to the toilet but found a few yards a huge effort and needed help.
Things slowly improved over the next 10 days and I was sent home.
I could walk unaided but very slowly and managed the stairs at home one at a time.
I suffered from emotional incontinence not knowing when to laugh or cry.
I could not stir a cup of tea let alone lift it.
I work hard at recovery it is not easy but every now again the brain seems to give you a little reward for your efforts. Whilst I have been fortunate enough to be able to blink both eyes shut, if I tried to squeeze them shut together, one eye stayed open. It took over 2 months of trying but one day it just happened. I can't tell you how good I felt. Now 3 months on and I can wink the right eye on its own, the brain is an incredible tool.
Don't get discouraged if improvement seems slow if non-existent, it really is painfully slow. But just when you feel you're wasting your time something remarkable will happen. Don't push too hard but be relentless drink plenty of water and sleep when ever you can.
My speech still needs a lot of work I've starting chewing gum in the hope that it will revive my muscles, I guess its worth a try. I can walk quite well as long as I think about it .
My arm is weak but far from useless I struggle to understand how much of this is muscle wastage and how much is down to brain damage.
I could go on all day but I know its time for a rest when I start to chew my mouth.
Regards
Neil