Survivor Science

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Without a doubt the number one question by stroke survivors, caregivers, family, and friends is according to my experience and research is...

"How long does it take?"  Unfortunately, you probably won't get the answer you're hoping for because that doesn't actually exist! But I do my very best to explain, as a stroke survivor myself all the factors that play a part so that you can make the most informed decision for you and your situation.

"It is going to be a lot of hard work, but it is worth it. Persevere and reassess your life, and you can make progress each day."

In this episode, you will learn the following:
1. What is the biggest question survivors of stroke and brain injury ask when they begin their recovery journey?
2. How can stroke survivors make progress in their recovery journey, even when it takes time?
3. How does age and preexisting health conditions impact the process of recovery after a stroke or brain injury?

In this episode on I talk a little bit about why I started a community because it is not easy to navigate the stroke recovery process and of course. As with any question in life, the answer is it depends.

And I don't say that to sugarcoat things, I just want to give you the realist most true answer to this question, because according to every search engine and my own experience, it is the number one question, and also the hardest question to answer and get information on.

I explain why this is such a difficult question to answer without knowing each individual persons situation. Doctors, medical, staff, nurses, etc. Able to help answer questions, and I think at least here in the states, there is concern, sometimes of giving too much information or too little information without knowing all of the things that go into a particular situation.

Pre-existing conditions and residual effects of the stroke. Play a major part not just age and health.

In this episode, I walk through my first couple years and explain the peaks and valleys and plateaus and how are you address those you might do things differently that's certainly OK I even recommend it because you know yourself better than me I just shared my journey so that you have some indication of what it's really like from an actual stroke survivor!

As always, if you have any questions concerns, feel free to send me a direct message or email the show if you have a question you'd like answered on the show, you can go to the website and leave a voicemail or email the show as well!

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Chapter Summaries:

[00:00:17]
This is the local Survivor podcast. The number one question Willis gets is how long does the recovery process take? If you are interested in becoming a part of the survivorscience community, please head over to VIP survivorscience. com.

[00:03:52]
In today's episode, we're going to talk about big question on the board, which is how long does recovery take? And the answer like I said, it depends. This episode is a little late being recorded because last week I had a little hiccup unexpectedly.

[00:05:55]
It depends because you may have preexisting health conditions that you either are aware of or weren't aware of prior to a stroke or brain injury. The first year is incredibly difficult. It's worthwhile, but it is long and it is still going.

[00:15:41]
When you have a stroke, everything doesn't go back to place. There is no magic pill. Age plays a factor. The sooner you wrap your head around that sort of prioritize in year one, the better.

[00:26:16]
Don't get caught up in the belief that it'll perfectly work out for you. Age definitely plays a factor, preexisting conditions definitely play a factor. Have some long term goals like if you're unable to walk and you want to walk, make that a big goal.

[00:35:14]

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com 

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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There is the way people tell you it will go and then it probably would be amazing if it did go that way when returning to work after stroke or major medical life event. And to be quite honest, I hope it goes that way for you. I don't likelihood that it goes the ideal way is pretty slim. 

The truth is without sugarcoating. It going back to work is going to be difficult for you for your family and for your employer. In this episode, we talk about the good the bad the ugly. There things that can make it easier for everybody involved and hopefully this is both hopeful and helpful. 

It was not easy for me, but I really genuinely did not know how to navigate it very well at the time, and to be honest, I don't think any of us involved really had a clue just how hard it would be.

There are definitely some things to look out for along the way, and I try to highlight those in this episode.

The reality is, it is going to be one of the hardest challenge is your face of the many. Communication is one of the most important parts and if your company and you do it well in the beginning there is hope, but it does not come without a price and some learning along the way.

Chances are in this episode I over communicate and over explain but just know that if these things happen to me, they could happen to anybody, so I help is helps you get on the right path to returning to work if that impact is the goal, whether you stay working at the company you work for prior or you go onto another company or another profession and field I think all these skills are both able to be learned from and give you unique perspective as you more forward working in any capacity.

As always, please feel free to reach out to the show and let me know your experience. I am curious to hear of others have had similar experience and what are some things that you wish you knew sooner when it came to returning to work.

We'll see you in the next episode to touch on this a little bit, and share more insights and answer more questions about the process of stroke, recovery and the journey!

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com 

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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After having a stroke, you will hear well-intentioned but unhelpful comments from others. One common remark is, "Things aren't going to be the same." While this may be true, it doesn't provide any practical guidance or support for the survivor.

It's important to remember that you can't control what other people say or how they react to your situation. However, you can control your own thoughts and emotions. It's natural to feel frustrated or hurt by insensitive comments, but dwelling on them will only prolong the recovery process. 

Some people may doubt your abilities or question your progress, which can be discouraging. Others may offer misguided advice or suggest treatments that have no scientific basis. While it's important to listen to the opinions of medical professionals and loved ones, ultimately, YOU the survivor know your own body best.

While people may say insensitive or unhelpful things after a stroke, it's important to focus on what you can control: your own thoughts and emotions. Surround yourself with supportive people, and trust in your own abilities to recover and adapt to the challenges ahead because the rest is just noise, and most people don't have a clue! As always, if you have any thoughts or suggestions questions are tips feel free to email the show I'd love to hear from you!

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com 

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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This episode takes a little bit of a different direction where I discuss a few personal wins, and how I prioritize those in the beginning! And how learning how to walk better sleep better eat better and breathe better got me on the path to better health and fitness!

Everybody says it takes time, and that is true, but the best way to go about things is to slowly chip away and make small, progressive steps in the right direction!

In my case, I learned very early on that the world is not really that accessible especially for wheelchairs so walking was my number one priority from day one yours might be different, but I think the approach still applies!

Last year I got around to reading breath by James Nestor and I discuss how breathing really was probably the most significant individual item that I dove into and learned about that has changed the trajectory of my rehab honestly, my life! My case in particular might have been extreme because I was a bigger guy who always mouth breath, and I really was unaware of the consequences of long-term effects of mouth breathing. Even nine months since I first started digging in to nasal breathing and learning from advanced instructors, Patrick McKeowan from Oxygen Advantage I've gone from just OK to amazing in terms of overall health circulation and now I'm even running and have been for 140 days!

Hopefully this episode gets you thinking and I'd love to hear what are some of your wins and fails and what's worked and what hasn't?

Let me know what you think of this episode and feel free to email the show or connect with me on socials! 👇

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com 

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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In this episode of the lovable survivor podcast, I talk a lot about navigating the family dynamics after a major medical Life event! There are a couple different groups involved the survivor, the primary and secondary caretakers, immediate family and extended family all want to help and it can be both challenging an overwhelming at the beginning! Every family is different, and nobody has all the perfect answers, but a highlight some things I did well some things I didn't, and some things I would do differently.

Family is always a complex situation and a major medical life event happening to a member of the family only adds stress and pressure in a time where coming together and collaborating is probably the most important along with patience and understanding!

This episode is designed to cover high-level for each part of the complex family dynamics, and how each can help assist and support one another throughout the process to ease some of the pain and inevitable tension that will arise during the process!

As always, I hope you find this episode, enjoyable entertaining and helpful and if you have any future topics, suggestions, ideas etc. please feel free to email the podcast at Podcast [at ] LovableSurvivor.com

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com 

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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When it comes to the early days of the survivor journey, there is no shortage of information coming your way as a survivor, a family member, caretaker etc. I won't even pretend in this episode it is easy to manage because it is obviously unique to everybody situation and telling you to breathe is just flat out. Ridiculous because it's important. Obviously it's better information on how to handle the early days, although it is important to breathe, because it is necessary! 

In this episode, I try to highlight some of the things you or those around you may not recognize early on.

You're going to make mistakes nobody gets it right and it takes a lot of effort and energy on everybody's part to manage all the things!

Do not ignore your family, but also remember that you as a survivor our priority number one and that's true also of the caretakers and individual family members. Everybody needs to set their own boundaries and priorities as part of a team.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. It is critical early on because there are going to be limitations both physically and mentally and I think working together the best organize is really going to help when it comes to all the information and education coming your way it could be overwhelming initially.

I hope you find this episode, useful and informative. I know it can be a lot, especially in the early days, but as we go down this journey, things will get lighter and easier. I promise you you probably have heard it 1 million times that it gets easier and it seems frustrating and untrue but with time thing improve so stay strong!

If you have any feedback, questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to send me a DM on social media or email the show at the link below! See you next week on the next episode of the Lovable Survivor podcast!

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com 

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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In this first episode, the title, pretty well captures the highlights of this episode.

For those that don't know me or might be missing some high-level details. This episode is a bit about my background, who I am what happened, and some of the drivers and reasonings behind starting this new podcast.

I'm sure a lot of things will come up and future episodes, but I tried to sort of set the table here and share a bit about my journey and life leading up to my stroke with the high-level important details as we get to know each other, and hopefully help and teach one another on our journeys as survivors or caregivers and everywhere in between!

If you have any questions, concerns comments, you could definitely connect on the social media links below and eventually I'll get an email set up specifically for this podcast for future questions but you can always DM me and hit me up on social!

This episode is a lot of background and bit of information about me in the next couple episodes will go back to some of the early days after after my stroke, and the beginning of the journey to recovery!

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com 

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

Send us Fan Mail

Just a Quick Introduction Episode for the Lovable Survivor Podcast.

My name is Will Schmierer and I'm a Stroke Survivor since I had my stroke at age 37 in December 2019. I also got diagnosed two months after with multiple sclerosis, so I also have MS. I know it sounds super fun and it is and this podcast has everything to do with sharing my personal journey and struggles and successes because there are not a lot of survivors Sharing information with what works and what doesn't. 

There is tons of research some good some bad, but not a lot of non-medical practitioners, sharing the who want that why and what works and how to navigate the journey because the truth is it gets really difficult once you leave the hospital!

Whether you yourself are a stroke survivor or bring injury survivor, or a survivor of any major life event, a friend, a family member or even a colleague, or anything else related to those topics this podcast might be good for you if not, maybe it's good or somebody else in your life! 

I have shared quite a bit online as an elder millennial. I've been around social media, since it really came to fruition in the early 2000s. Now I am three years into my recovery journey and I'm still figuring out some things, but I've also come along way since the gecko and helping other survivors navigate the overwhelm and next steps in the recovery journey. Once you're looking to go beyond just good enough, you found the right spot!

I'm sure it'll evolve as we go, but in the early days before having guests, I will share some of the things I've been through some of the things I wish I knew sooner and sort of what works and what doesn't because we all get lots of information can be hard to navigate!

Every episode besides this very first one will be around 30 minutes and if that changes at any point or there are guess I'll be sure to note that in the show notes but the first couple episodes will probably be some background and again the things I wish I knew now and the things I wish I had learned sooner and really the motivation behind this podcast is about building a larger community because although it does get easier, it is not easy, and with a community of stroke survivors, both young and old hopefully it's a little bit easier to navigate!

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...