Portrait: Valeriia

Where my story starts 

I had started to integrate sports activities into my life, and probably during one of the workouts, the artery was injured. Eventually, a small blood clot formed, entered my bloodstream and caused the stroke. It all happened so suddenly and at first, I didn’t even fully understand what was going on 

It felt like just a strange weakness on the left side of my body and a heavy, fuzzy sensation in my head.  

 

The physical struggles  

After the stroke, these symptoms became the most challenging for me:  

1. A loss of full control and strength on my left side (especially my hand and foot) 

1. Fatigue that appears much faster than it used to – even simple activities like cooking or dressing became hard work 

1. Occasional headaches and neck discomfort, especially at the beginning of recovery.  

 

Gratitude for medical support 

During my hospital stay and early rehabilitation, I was supported by a team of doctors, neurologists, rehabilitation therapists, physiotherapists and nurses. I am very grateful for the care I received. The staff were so helpful, friendly and supportive! I also got a huge amount of support from my husband, who has always been next to me, cheering me on and helping to take care of me.  

 

Therapy through creativity 

I’ve always enjoyed creative activities like drawing, crafting, light exercise and exploring new things. These hobbies now became part of my therapy: using my left hand for small tasks, moving gently, and re-teaching my brain to coordinate movements again.  

 

My pillars of support 

My main sources of support are my family and close friends. They never let me give up or feel isolated during this difficult time. Their encouragement, patience and belief in my strength mean so much to me. I can’t even express it.  

 

The highs and lows of recovery 

The biggest high in my recovery so far has been regaining independence– starting to walk again without constant assistance, being able to take a shower by myself, prepare simple meals and use my phone. The low moments are emotional ones – dealing with frustration, fear of the future and missing the sense of my ’old self’.   

Sometimes it’s overwhelming how long and slow the recovery feels.  

 

Emotional healing and acceptance 

I realized that emotional recovery is just as important as physical recovery and it’s something that requires time, patience and kindness toward myself.  

Recovery is not a straight line. There will be days of fatigue and sadness, but they don't erase all the progress made.  

I also try not to compare my journey to others — everyone heals differently. 

 

 

At SameYou, we believe that recovery is never a straight line, and the journey—whether physical or emotional—requires time, patience, and grace. For those navigating the aftermath of a stroke, like Valeriia, every small victory is worth celebrating, even when the progress feels slow. It’s through shared stories that we realize we’re not alone in our struggles.  

Emotional recovery is just as important as physical healing, and sometimes it’s the invisible part of the process that requires the most strength. At SameYou, we support the belief that healing isn’t about going back to who you were before but about embracing the new version of yourself. It’s not a race, and every step forward—no matter how small—matters. 

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