The best choice ever!

At the age of 43, I suffered a stroke. From that day on, my life changed completely. The physical and mental consequences are different for everyone. In my case, I had slight cognitive limitations and was paralysed on the right side. After a tense period in hospital as to whether I needed an operation, I went to a rehabilitation centre. I could not speak, was completely lost, and had so-called delirium. After two days in the rehabilitation centre, I was doing better. To my satisfaction, I stayed there for 7 weeks. I made progress and had a lot of therapy in all areas. At this stage, you are prepared to manage (with or without aids) going home responsibly or continuing rehabilitation elsewhere. Fortunately, I could go home. Once at home, rehabilitation was on a much smaller scale. Such a scale that you should be better prepared for (the hard outside world).
I then received 3 hours a week therapy for 6 months. Once a month I had a conversation with the social worker. Physical training (fitness) was not enough. It was suggested that training muscles is no use if you do not use them, and I had to take it easy. I had a sub-luxated shoulder and suffered a lot from it. I was getting depressed, I wanted to move forward! I did not want to be put into a day care centre!
Fortunately, one of my sisters found a rehabilitation centre in Spain (Medifit) via google. They offered intensive rehabilitation for, among others, people that have suffered a stroke. It would be reimbursed by the Dutch insurance company. That was too good to be true! I could really start working there.
From the day I arrived in Alicante with my sisters, I did not believe it really existed until the driver came to collect us. What a warm and human welcome, all so friendly and sincere. We were taken to a beautiful and homely accommodation. There the exciting journey began for us, with new hope! The next day I had an intake with a rehabilitation doctor and my personal goals were discussed. I wanted to learn to walk better and regain some use of my arm/hand. For eight weeks, I trained intensively for three to four hours a day without a leg or arm brace. My progress was reviewed every week and the treatment was adjusted on the spot. In the end, not all my goals were achieved, but I can walk again without a leg brace and my stability and stamina have improved enormously. My arm no longer needs a brace either. I can lift it higher without pain and there is regular activity in my hand. The strength of Medifit is that it is a rather small clinic where people work with people. You definitely don’t feel like a number. The nice thing is that the staff do not give up and see a challenge in everything. If it does not go left, we try it right. All the staff are professional, driven and above all very friendly.
It sounds like a long holiday in Spain, but you have to work hard. You can literally leave the daily worries at home and focus completely on your recovery, both mentally and physically. A great concept and great people!
I have a goal again and I am looking forward to the future, which was zero before this adventure!
Medifit, Thanks!