Vivistim – 1/13/25 Week

I am about to start the Vivistim exercise protocol and it marks the beginning of a new chapter in my stroke recovery journey. After waiting two years for the device and undergoing implantation on 12/30/24, I’m finally set to begin the intensive rehabilitation phase. Here’s a closer look at what’s involved in this groundbreaking therapy and what I’m about to experience.

Preparation Phase

The first step is ensuring everything is ready for the Vivistim therapy. This includes:

• Medical Clearance: Confirming I’m healthy enough to start the protocol and aligning my recovery goals with my care team.
• Device Activation: The Vivistim device, implanted near the vagus nerve, will be activated and calibrated to deliver safe and effective stimulation.
• Orientation: The care team will walk me through how the device works, including how stimulation is timed to enhance my rehabilitation exercises.

Initial Calibration and Training

The first session is all about fine-tuning the device and setting a baseline for my recovery:

• Stimulation Settings: My therapist will adjust the device to a comfortable and effective level. I’ll feel a mild tingling in my neck or a slight change in my voice, which is normal.
• Baseline Measurements: Functional tests will be performed to assess my starting abilities. These measurements will help track my progress throughout the protocol.

Designing the Exercise Protocol

Every stroke recovery journey is unique, and the Vivistim protocol is no different. My care team will create a plan tailored to my needs:

• Custom Exercises: My exercises will focus on repetitive, goal-oriented tasks like grasping, reaching, and improving dexterity in my affected hand and arm.
• Schedule:
  • Intensive Outpatient Therapy: I’ll attend 1.5-hour sessions three times a week for six weeks.
  • At-Home Exercises: After the outpatient phase, I’ll transition to home-based exercises, completing eight 30-minute sessions daily.

Therapy Sessions

The heart of the protocol lies in the therapy sessions:

• Repetitive Task Practice: Exercises will be repetitive and purposeful, such as picking up objects, manipulating tools, and performing tasks that mimic daily activities.
• Timed Stimulation: The Vivistim device will deliver stimulation at key moments during these exercises to reinforce neural pathways associated with the movements.

Monitoring and Adjustments

Recovery is not a straight line, and the protocol allows for adjustments along the way:

• Progress Tracking: My progress will be evaluated regularly using functional assessments like the Fugl-Meyer scale.
• Feedback and Support: Therapists will monitor my fatigue and adapt exercises or stimulation parameters as needed.
• Technical Adjustments: Device settings may be fine-tuned to ensure I’m getting the most benefit.

Long-Term Commitment

Rehabilitation doesn’t end after the protocol. Consistency and perseverance will be key to maximizing the benefits of Vivistim therapy:

• Ongoing Practice: I’ll integrate the exercises into my daily life to maintain and build on my progress.
• Real-Life Integration: Over time, these movements will become more natural and help me regain independence in everyday tasks.

As I embark on this journey, I’m reminded that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. The Vivistim protocol is intense, repetitive, and demanding, but it’s a vital step toward reclaiming my life. I’ll be sharing updates here on mysurvivedstroke.com, so stay tuned to follow my progress and learn more about this innovative therap