Carter Northey Stroke Recovery

1/2 On Saturday June 25 my sweet husband suffered an ischemic stroke in a small vessel on the internal capsule of the left side of his brain #stroke #strokerecovery

One day before Carter’s six month post-stroke milestone he not only skied downhill for the first time but he didn’t use the chairlift to the top of the mountain!!! This video gives a little glimpse into the work he’s been doing to get to this point: instagram.com/reel/Cmpg3UNqe…

Two weeks ago Carter tried to get back on the XC skis. Here is a look at how that went - proud of him for continuing to push to get back to the things he loves, but you can see the lack of ankle stability. Working on ankle strength has been a focus over the past month.

He is enrolled in AHS's outpatient program doing physio and occupational therapy once/twice a week, along with strength conditioning with an exercise physiologist and stroke-specific acupuncture weekly. Still putting in work for hours a day to improve coordination and stability

NOVEMBER 30: There hasn't been a lot to update over the past month. Carter is still on long-term disability while back at work on a part-time (10-20 hours/week) basis. #stroke #strokerecovery #strokevictim

NOVEMBER 3: Carter had his first outpatient Physio session today as part of the Community Assisted Rehab (CAR) program. Focus was on lower extremity movements. Upper extremity will come with Occupational Therapy starting later this month. #stroke #strokevictim #strokerecovery

“There’s a longstanding history between infections and stroke — upper respiratory tract infections are associated with stroke” This is interesting.. Carter had three vaccines and three weeks before his stroke, got covid.

Today is #WorldStrokeDay - which (unfortunately) means a lot more to me this year. Every minute counts when someone you are around experiences a stroke - read about the signs and symptoms: medtronic.com/us-en/c/neurol… #stroke #strokerecovery #strokevictim

OCTOBER 21: Today is Carter’s last day of short term disability (STD) leave. Starting Monday October 24 he transitions to a 50/50 split between long term disability (LTD) leave and return to work!

OCTOBER 20: Rediscovering his creative side! Bottom right is Carter’s first attempt at colouring within lines 2 weeks post stroke, top right is 3 weeks, and the left was fully drawn and painted with water-colours as part of occupational therapy last week. #stroke #strokerecovery

Results of the Coronary CTA will come later.

Both TCD tests came back negative meaning there are no holes or passages that could allow a blood clot to develop in a vessel and cut off oxygen-rich blood flow to the brain. Image of Carter with the TCD equipment on his head.

OCTOBER 18: Today Carter had a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and CT Coronary Angiogram. TCDs use sound waves to detect any conditions affecting blood flow to and within the brain. A CT Angiogram is an imaging test that looks at arteries supplying blood to the heart. #stroke

OCTOBER 14: BIG NEWS 🎉 CARTER IS APPROVED TO DRIVE!!!!!!!! He originally needed to wait until the CAR (outpatient) program for driving assessments but a neurologist a couple weeks ago sent the Ministry of Transport for approval, which he received confirmation of today!

This exam uses sound waves to detect medical problems that affect blood flow in your brain. He will also have a CT angiogram which uses contrast dye in a CT scan to diagnose vascular pathologies in the neck and brain

OCTOBER 12: Carter had a follow up with his neurologist today at Foothills. There is still concern around not knowing what caused the stroke and preventing another one. In the coming weeks he will have a Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (TCD)

SEPTEMBER 27: At Foothills Hospital today for a pre-CAR Program (outpatient) assessment. Carter is expected to start CAR in the next 2-3 weeks where he will work undergo OT, PT a couple times a week. He will also work with a productivity assistant on a return to work plan!

SEPTEMBER 23: Carter was referred by a peer to try stroke specific acupuncture treatment. This increases helps align nerve receptor paths, reduce spasticity and increase circulation. #stroke #strokevictim #strokerecovery #acupuncture

SEPTEMBER 19: Carter started outpatient neuro physiotherapy today. Building off what he learned in the ESD program, the focus for the initial assessment was separating muscles for fine motor skills.

This is a good explanation of what Carter goes through every day, hour, minute and movement. We all see his improvements and normal movement coming back, but everything is methodically thought about 24/7. instagram.com/reel/CilRkeQJU… #stroke #strokevictim #strokerecovery

SEPTEMBER 14: Today marks the end of the intensive part of Carter’s rehab program. Of his initial goals (i.e shaving his face, washing with his right hand, putting dishes away etc.)he rated his ability 10/10 (versus 3/10 at start) for five of his six goals #stroke #strokerecovery