Stronger After Stroke by Peter G Levine

Author:Peter G Levine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
Published: 2018-02-10T05:00:00+00:00

•Repeat these steps as time goes on. Every year or so (more, if it’s needed; less, if you continue to make great gains on your own) go back through the cycle of seeing the physiatrist and any appropriate therapists so that they can help you tweak your HEP. This will ensure that your at-home work continues to be challenging and fruitful.

The last week or so before ending therapies is way too late to work with therapists to develop a HEP. The HEP should be developed, in a rolling manner, from the beginning of your relationship with therapists. These professionals are trained to develop plans toward recovery. Much of their education is dedicated to the development of these sorts of plans. Many therapists end sessions because they are forced to, by pressure from managed care (insurance companies). Most will be happy that you want to continue to make progress once your relationship with them ends. But unless you prod and prompt therapists, and provide adequate time toward this goal, they will take the traditional perspective and wait until the last few days to “Hand ‘Em Photocopies.”

The best way to plan for a fruitful “rest of your life” after discharge is to make it clear to the occupational, physical, and speech therapists that you take your recovery very seriously, and you know that recovery will continue long after you’ve forgotten their names.

What Precautions Should Be Taken?

Much of the HEP will be implemented when the therapist is no longer around. This may add to the therapist’s reluctance to develop a HEP beyond what you’ve done in his or her care; the therapist doesn’t want to plan anything new that may put you into danger. Agree with him or her prior to the development of the HEP that you will take any safety precautions seriously, and you will inform your doctor as you progress. Any time you significantly alter your exercise or therapy routine, inform your doctor. The doctor will agree and encourage your ongoing efforts 99 percent of the time, but let the doctor make the final decision about the safety of the program.

As elements are added to the HEP, be sensitive to changes inherent in your body and mind. If you feel that something is hurting you or is too strenuous, stop. Generally, pain can be trusted as a warning of something harmful.

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