OT...Again!

And, we’re back to OT! I know you're asking yourself, why are you back? Because of this darn tone! 

When the AVM (arteriovenous malformation) had caused a stroke, I was terrified. I had always been active and healthy, and the idea of needing therapy almost four days a week was overwhelming. But, I quickly realized that PT, OT, and Speech Therapy was my key to regaining my independence.

In the early days of recovery, even simple tasks like dressing myself felt impossible. My right hand was heavily affected by the stroke, with tone, so tight I could barely move it. Occupational therapy was a mix of physical exercises to improve strength and dexterity, and creative problem-solving to adapt everyday activities.

I stopped OT about a year ago, but I emailed Mark, my Occupational Therapist, and he got right back to me. I asked about rehabilitation gloves for my right hand, and he told me I should start using a TENS unit, which I had! So, I started using that daily and wasn't really seeing the results I wanted to see. Plus, I wasn't really sure if I was using it right. He told me to stop in and bring the TENS unit, which I did and he could not believe how intense my tone was. So, he told me to come back in and see him, so we could work out daily protocol.

I’m there right now, and we're trying to use splints and exercises to reduce my tone. If I do my exercises every day and it helps my tone, I will do it! 

One of my biggest breakthroughs was learning how to tie my shoes again. It may seem small, but that simple act was a major milestone for me. I also worked on using my left hand to write, which I have to do all the time now working in the Sedona Heritage Museum gift shop. Most of all, I had to learn how to be patient with myself. It might take me five minutes to do something versus the two minutes it took someone else. 

Of course, there were setbacks too. Days when my hand felt stiff and uncooperative, and frustration threatened to overwhelm me. But my Mark was always there to encourage me, reminding me that progress, no matter how small, was still progress.

Looking back, I'm amazed at how far I've come. Occupational therapy has given me the tools to adapt and the confidence to keep trying. I've learned that resilience isn't about never facing challenges, but about how we respond when they arise.

For anyone else facing a similar journey, I'd say this: lean into the support around you, embrace the small victories, and never underestimate the power of perseverance.