So, after the operation of the stem cells, we came home on the Friday and waited for the Physio to come after the weekend on Monday.

All the time after the Stroke, it seemed that the arm just wasn’t doing anything, it could go up on the side, but going forwards and backwards it just wasn’t doing any of it.  Also my arm was tense and holding it up to the side.

Bernis, the Physio did an assessment and then she planned what was the next step (we had to give a report back to Caroline)  She did 45mins (x2 each week) for 8 weeks. The first 4 times she laid my back on the bed to work on the scapula (and now it is fine) Then we moved down to the dinning room table and sat in a chair to do the exercises.  We kept it going for the 8 weeks and very, very slowly the arm became loser, not much but as I say, simple things like putting my arms above my head (my right arm wouldn’t do it on its own, but the left hand as well kept it there).

Just before Christmas, I invested in a ‘neuromuscular stimulator’  ( Bernis recommended one) It is intended for the exercise of weak or paralysed muscle. We did it for the elbow to the wrist for a while. Then we did it for the biceps and then different combinations. ( I am still doing it now although I have gone through a lot of Electrode Leads !)

In the time I have had it (18 months) I have seen a difference, not saying a complete change in terms of getting back to a fully functioning hand, but its getting there, all the time.

Bernis came at least once a month to see how it was progressing and to give me more exercises, as I say, one day It will go back to normal.