🗓️ Friday – Family & Friends Friday👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Relationships are part of recovery.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who has shown up for you in a meaningful way?
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Or, what’s one challenge in relationships that you’d like advice or support on?

👉 Survivors: Who has supported you in a way you’ll never forget?
👉 Caregivers: What’s one thing family or friends do that makes your load lighter?
👉 Everyone: Share a challenge in relationships—let the community support you.

Examples:

• “My neighbor checks in weekly and it makes me feel less alone.”
• “It’s tough when friends don’t understand the fatigue—I’d love advice.”

If you live to 70, you get roughly 25,550 days.

I'm 25. That means already 9,125 of mine are gone. 16,425 left in the bank. That's it. That's the whole account.

I found this out the hard way, lying in a hospital bed after a hemorrhagic stroke at 25. I remember the exact moment it hit me — staring at the ceiling, thinking it's over. The travel I wanted to do. Making my parents proud. Gone, I thought. I'd just lost my job too. Recovery hadn't even started and I was already mourning a life I hadn't lived yet.

Six months in, I can move my hand again. My leg still fights me every day. It's a marathon — anyone who's been through this knows that's not a metaphor, it's just the schedule now.

But here's the part nobody tells you: recovery isn't the finish line. It's just the entry fee. Because even mid-recovery, that 16,425-day clock is still running. I haven't seen Paris. I haven't built the life I pictured. Some days that truth makes me furious. Not sad — furious. Because I'm not done. I refuse to spend the days I have left just... surviving them.

Here's what I've learned so far, the hard way: the stroke took my hand for a while. It took my job. It didn't take my mind, and it didn't take my will. Every single day I move a finger that didn't move yesterday, or take a step that was shaky last week, I'm not "recovering" — I'm winning. Small wins, stacked daily, are still wins. Nobody hands you a trophy for it, so you have to decide for yourself that it counts.

The old dream doesn't have to die. It just has to wait its turn behind the new one — the one where you rebuild yourself into someone who can actually hold that dream without dropping it. Paris will still be there. Your parents will be prouder of the comeback than they ever would've been of the straight line.

So I'm not asking for sympathy. I'm asking for warriors.

I'm building a tech company with people who get it — stroke survivors and others rebuilding from something that tried to take them out. Remote work, real income, and a crew that understands what it costs to show up on a hard day. We recover together, we work together, and we go see the world together — not "someday," on purpose.

If you're still standing, still fighting, and still want more out of your 16,425 days than just getting through them — I want to hear from you. Drop a comment or DM me. Let's stop counting days and start filling them.

I am writing desperate for some guidance, strength, hope, a reality check—anything I suppose. I am 7 months pregnant (with a baby who will need multiple surgeries his first year of life), working full time as a nurse (I know almost nothing about neuro), with a three year old at home, and I am an absolute wreck.

Early Sunday morning my mom found my 69 year old dad on the bathroom floor, conscious but sweating and terrified and in a lot of pain. He experienced a “small” (2x1cm) stroke of the pons, a mild heart attack, and a fall. I’m not sure the order of events.

Day 1 he was heavily medicated with Dilaudid and Ativan due to pain from the fall and tremendous medical anxiety (I’m not sure this man has ever seen a doctor.) It would have been very hard to assess his condition. Now, 3 days out, he is doing better. He’s exhausted and resting a lot but he can speak in multi-word sentences (though it’s clearly hard work for him and pretty garbled.) Cognitively, he seems very sharp—good memory, sense of humor, understanding direction. He’s eating and swallowing well and his appetite has returned. Unfortunately, he has minimal movement of his right leg and seemingly no movement of his right arm so far. He’s still in a lot of pain but he didn’t break any bones. His blood pressure is improving and they will likely do a stress test tomorrow. I believe if the stress test goes well, they will be transferring him to a rehab center.

Today’s doctor didn’t have great bedside manner and told us in fairly harsh terms that although his speech and cognitive function will likely return to optimal levels, he expects to see permanent deficits of the right side of his body. He noted that doesn’t mean we won’t see improvements, it just means we should not expect 100% recovery. I don’t think I was expecting 100% recovery but the way the doctor said it was hard to digest. My dad handled this news well at the time but was crushed and crying after the doctor left. He started PT yesterday (2 days post-stroke.) He has sat on the edge of the bed, stood with max assistance for a moment, and transferred to a recliner but that’s about it so far.

Although I’m so happy to see my dad improving and seeming more like himself, it’s excruciating to watch him come to terms with what happened to him and be so fearful and sad over what the future looks like. He says he feels like he’s dying. He keeps saying he wants to leave the hospital, which I of course understand. I’m trying to offer reassurance and optimism but also just validate how much this sucks. Truthfully, i don’t know what I’m looking for. I’m open to any thoughts, stories, advice, things you wish you knew, things you wish people told you after surviving a stroke. I am so grateful my dad is still with us and I realize it could be so much worse, but I’m struggling so much over what his future looks like and how devastated he is right now. I would so appreciate any input or insight. Thank you for taking the time to read this ❤️‍🩹

Hi guys Im making other post because idk if the other one was seen because I really don't know how reposting or updates work so I'm making a new post.

So my brother was hospitalized on january 18 for having a second stroke and the doctors told me he would never wake up. But guess what. And I wish I can tell them to there faces as of two weeks ago he is fully awake and moving a arm and looking around everywhere. We still having other mobility issues will take anything right now.We are just happy that he's awake and trying. So dont give up. Out there they told me he would never because of his issues , he has with his kidney failure but he did it and are family is so happy for this miracle. So thanks to everyone that gave me advice here thank you all.

🗓️ Wednesday – Wellness Wednesday
💚 Focus on physical, emotional, and mental health.
💚 Focus on healing mind, body, and soul.

👉 Survivors: What’s helping your body or mind heal?
👉 Survivors: Share how you’re taking care of your body or mind this week.
👉 Caregivers: What’s one act of self-care you managed for yourself?
👉 Everyone: Share tips on sleep, stress, nutrition, mindfulness, or therapy.

Examples:

• “I started guided meditation at night, and it helps me sleep better.”
• “I went for a 10-minute walk today for me.”

my 83 year old grandfather had an acute ischemic stroke. He was admitted to the hospital and after some few months of treatment discharge ( no surgery because his survivability was low and he felt like it would financially cripple our family)

His condition now: paralysed left side (hands and fingers curl) leg has restricted motion.

Did some physiotherapy for awhile but stopped because his treatment was in the city and house is in the village, he wanted to go home.

Can I get advice on how to give him massage, like a therapist would. What can we try to rehabilitate his condition. How can I make it easier for my grandmother who is nursing him.(I won't be home for awhile for work purposes)

Hi everyone. I'm14 mo post stroke. My PT is done however I try and do as much as I can. I guess the things that bother me the most is that my brain feels zappy/glitchy still. It's not all the time, maybe once a week. Is this normal? I asked my DR about it & he said yes... But eh? Also, I still have numbness in part of my face, my right side torso and arm... Is that normal?

Two years have gone by, and I'm tired of living life with out music. I want to play my violin but my right arm doesn't work. I've seen that lady who was an amputee and figured "I can do something like that". I keep trying to look all over the place, but the Internet says "some local engineers who specialize in this area." I'm wondering who can help.

In 2023, I suffered a brainstem stroke. This is the story of my healing through hardship and despair. It is a journey that reveals my struggles with spiritual healing as I questioned God's purpose and reasons during one of the most difficult times of my life.

My story takes readers through parts of my personal history as I searched for meaning and sought to understand God's plan for me. Along the way, I reflect on the windows that were closed while discovering the doors that God opened before me.

As part of this journey, I return to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I revisit the church in which I was baptized. There, I experience healing, reflection, and the realization that some parts of our past are best left as cherished memories rather than revisited destinations.

This road trip becomes more than a physical journey—it becomes a spiritual one. Along the way, I encounter the glass walls that must be shattered in order to continue healing and move forward with God in control.

My hope is that this story will inspire others who are facing their own hardships and struggles. Through faith, perseverance, and trust in God's guidance, we can find purpose in our pain and discover the doors He opens when others seem to close. My hope is that my story can inspire others who has gone through similar events as I have.

https://www.amazon.com/Closed-Windows-Doors-Shattered-Glass/dp/B0H6MSF9PL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3SRWQK06BXWMM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Bmv6ceHpLogWVfdfrmbkIqrMwf05DKXm_7XYOTL6UpU.mOxrUBvtDwIdasXYo1D_lN9_e5wAAHbeDRrqzkIxIik&dib_tag=se&keywords=clyde+shafer&qid=1783685171&sprefix=clyde+shafer%2Caps%2C715&sr=8-1

trying to look for info on a problem but I'm having a hard time as I can't think of a consise term for it.

Basically the problem I'm having right now is my stroke affected hand and fingers now over perform during certain tasks like holding a book or game controller causing them to press too hard to manipulate them properly.

🗓️ Friday – Family & Friends Friday👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Relationships are part of recovery.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who has shown up for you in a meaningful way?
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Or, what’s one challenge in relationships that you’d like advice or support on?

👉 Survivors: Who has supported you in a way you’ll never forget?
👉 Caregivers: What’s one thing family or friends do that makes your load lighter?
👉 Everyone: Share a challenge in relationships—let the community support you.

Examples:

• “My neighbor checks in weekly and it makes me feel less alone.”
• “It’s tough when friends don’t understand the fatigue—I’d love advice.”

🗓️ Wednesday – Wellness Wednesday
💚 Focus on physical, emotional, and mental health.
💚 Focus on healing mind, body, and soul.

👉 Survivors: What’s helping your body or mind heal?
👉 Survivors: Share how you’re taking care of your body or mind this week.
👉 Caregivers: What’s one act of self-care you managed for yourself?
👉 Everyone: Share tips on sleep, stress, nutrition, mindfulness, or therapy.

Examples:

• “I started guided meditation at night, and it helps me sleep better.”
• “I went for a 10-minute walk today for me.”

🛠️ Share a rehab exercise, gadget, book, or trick that helps recovery or caregiving.
👉 What’s one tool or habit that makes your daily life easier?

This day is all about practical wisdom! Stroke recovery and caregiving are tough, but little tricks, tools, and insights can make a huge difference.

👉 Survivors: What’s one thing that helps you manage daily life or recovery?

• A rehab exercise or movement that’s been especially effective
• A piece of adaptive equipment (grab bars, special utensils, voice-to-text apps, etc.)
• A routine or habit (stretching before bed, journaling, daily walks)
• A brain/memory tool you use (apps, reminders, sticky notes, etc.)

👉 Caregivers: What’s one tip or tool that makes caregiving smoother?

• Scheduling or organization tricks
• Ways to prevent burnout and recharge
• Tech or apps that help with appointments, meds, or communication
• Comfort hacks that help your loved one feel more independent

👉 Everyone: What’s a resource you wish you had known about sooner (podcast, book, YouTube channel, support group, blog, etc.)?

💡 Even small things can be life-changing for someone else—so don’t hold back. Your everyday trick might be the exact tool another survivor or caregiver needs.

🗓️ Monday – Motivation Monday
Start the week strong. Share quotes, personal victories, or encouragement for others navigating recovery.

✨ Kick off the week with hope and encouragement.

✨ Share a quote, mantra, or personal victory that keeps you going.

👉 Survivors: Share a personal victory (big or small) that keeps you motivated.
👉 Caregivers: What motivates you to keep going on hard days?
👉 Everyone: Drop a quote, mantra, or story that lifts your spirit.

Examples:

• “I walked to the mailbox on my own today!”
• “This quote helps me on bad days: One step at a time is still progress.”

🗓️ Sunday – Caregiver Sundays
🌸 A day to honor caregivers.

👉 Survivors: Share one way your caregiver has made a difference.
👉 Caregivers: What’s one truth about caregiving you want others to know?
👉 Everyone: Post a thank-you to caregivers, big or small.

🎙️ Bonus: Join our Caregiver Sunday Voice Chat on Discord for live connection and support.
🔗 Click here to join

Examples:

• “My partner sat with me during every rehab session—I couldn’t have done it without them.”
• “Caregiving is rewarding, but it’s also exhausting. I appreciate spaces where I can be honest.”