My story starts about seventeen years ago on November 8, 2008. That was 13 years past my heart attack and yes, I am a lucky guy. First a heart attack, then a stroke! But I am a lucky guy because I beat them both! I must have been left here for something.
Since this is about my stroke and not about my heart attack, I’ll get right to the stroke. I was working out in the company gym because although I was in good health, I wanted to shed a few pounds so I looked better (macho, macho man). So, in doing a triceps push-down, I put too much weight on (macho man again) and really had to strain to get it down. Although my doctors didn’t think so, to me it is what caused my carotid dissection. While walking back to my desk after the workout, I got dizzy and almost fell. That was on a Wednesday and I had a stroke on Saturday. And this is after I had a great day fly fishing and playing guitar, two of my favorite hobbies. To say I would do them as much as I could would be an understatement. To give you an example, after being out fishing all day, thanks to my wonderful wife Mary I was able to come home and play guitar from when I got home until dinner time thanks again, Mary, you’re the best; more about Mary later! Now, here’s where the bad part starts.
Before the stroke, my life centered around family gatherings and personal satisfaction through guitar playing and fly fishing. Also, I loved my job as a computer programmer/business analyst at the Voya financial company. That is to say, I was a happy camper!
But after the stroke which is a sudden and life-altering event that left me paralyzed on my left side, including debilitating spasticity in my left hand. My disability prevented me from playing guitar and fly fishing because both of these endeavors are bilateral and now that I have a disabled left hand there goes what I thought would be a wonderful retirement. Traveling with Mary and other things that retired couples do and of course, playing guitar and fly fishing.
One of the challenges I had at the beginning of my stroke recovery journey was a very poignant moment, which was my inability to hold my first grandson, and it was on top of fear, depression, and frustration over the loss of my bi-functionality. I wasn’t able to experience the pleasure of that first hug. It was not very reassuring. Yes, rehabilitation facilities often prioritize helping stroke survivors regain ambulation (the ability to walk) early in their recovery. So, I will concede to their evaluations since I am not an OT, PT, or doctor. However, it is my contention that since small muscle groups supporting fine motor skills take longer to heal at the beginning of therapy, they should at least be given more O. T. then is now given Some of the reasons cited by authorities for physical therapy are:
Physical Therapy benefits:
1. Functional Independence
Walking is a fundamental activity of daily living. Restoring the ability to ambulate increases a survivor’s independence, allowing them to move around their home, participate in daily tasks, and reduce the need for constant assistance from caregivers. However, it has been my experience over the course of 17 years of hand spasticity, but having the ability to walk that I’m able to walk almost everywhere, but most times when I get where I’m going, I can’t complete or it’s very difficult to complete the task I went there for, as an example, I go to the kitchen to clean up and can do the task but not without a lot of frustration; same with making the bed.
2. Prevention of Complications
Early ambulation reduces the risk of secondary complications such as:
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Prolonged immobility can lead to blood clots in the legs.
• Pressure sores: Lying or sitting in the same position for extended periods can cause skin breakdown.
• Muscle atrophy: Walking helps maintain muscle strength and prevent wasting.
• Contractures: Encouraging mobility prevents joints from becoming stiff and permanently immobile.
I would be interested in knowing if time spent on the exercise bike could help with these complications
3. Cardiovascular and Overall Health
Walking or partial weight-bearing exercises promote cardiovascular health, circulation, and overall physical conditioning, which can accelerate recovery.
4. Psychological Benefits
Regaining the ability to walk is often a major milestone for stroke survivors and can significantly boost morale and confidence. It reinforces the possibility of returning to a more “normal” life, which is critical for mental well-being. The same can be said for regaining the hand!
5. Safety Concerns
Ambulatory stroke survivors are at a lower risk of falls when mobility skills are properly re-trained. Rehab programs often include balance and gait training to reduce any risk. But even without the training, a good stroller can prevent the risk, too.
6. Holistic Recovery
Although other abilities (like hand dexterity or fine motor skills) are equally important, ambulation is often foundational. Once the survivor is mobile, therapists can focus more on upper body strength, fine motor recovery, and other tailored therapies.
By prioritizing walking, rehab facilities aim to create a solid base for further rehabilitation, enabling survivors to participate more fully in other therapies and regain a higher quality of life. However, although I agree with all of these topics and the reasons they need to be addressed. But it is also my belief from personal experience that hand functionality is just as important to get back quickly
Occupational Therapy benefits:
In comes the new Vivistim System. Here is a description of the brand-new technology:
The Vivistim System is an innovative medical device designed to aid in stroke rehabilitation by enhancing neuroplasticity through Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Developed specifically for stroke survivors, the system works in tandem with traditional rehabilitation therapies to improve motor function in individuals who have experienced moderate to severe upper limb impairment. By stimulating the Vagus nerve, which plays a key role in brain plasticity and recovery, the Vivistim System helps create new neural connections that facilitate relearning and recovery of motor skills.
The system consists of a small, surgically implanted pulse generator and electrodes that deliver mild electrical pulses to the Vagus nerve in the neck. The device is activated during therapy sessions by a clinician, who uses a handheld transmitter to synchronize the stimulation with specific rehabilitative exercises. This synchronization ensures that the brain is most receptive to forming new pathways during moments of active engagement, thereby amplifying the benefits of physical and occupational therapy.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that the Vivistim System significantly improves arm and hand function in stroke survivors compared to therapy alone. By offering a targeted, minimally invasive approach to enhancing recovery, the system provides new hope for individuals facing long-term challenges in regaining independence after a stroke. It represents a promising advancement in stroke rehabilitation, combining cutting-edge neuroscience with practical therapeutic applications.

Here is the way to get involved with the system:

Starting the Vivistim process can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’ve already spent years trying different therapies and wondering if anything else will truly help. For me, the first step was simply learning as much as I could about the device and talking with my doctors and therapists to see if I was even a candidate. From there, the process involved evaluations, insurance approvals, and a lot of waiting. I quickly learned that patience and persistence are a huge part of the journey. If you’re considering Vivistim, my advice is to start by finding a rehabilitation team familiar with the device, ask plenty of questions, and be prepared to advocate for yourself throughout the approval process. It’s not a quick fix, and the therapy afterward is intense, but taking that first step can open the door to functionalities many stroke survivors thought were gone for good.

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