Occupational therapist here. Rehab is hard, hard work but it can make all the difference in the world. Don't push too hard but do keep pushing!

You may want to hire a medical bill auditor to review all of your bills. They can uncover over-billing mistakes. We love you Jo!

You’re not needing that help like a toddler, you’re needing it like a disabled adult. All sorts of people at all sorts of stages of life need all sorts of help. That’s what I remind myself re: the help I need for my own disabilities; maybe that mindset may help you. Take care. There’s a million folks rooting for you!

I had a massive stroke at 39. I'm 70 and still here. Have faith, beautiful Jo. We love you.

Stroke victim here, you are not alone. I was 42 y/o with two kids. I was a full-time gymnastics coach (former gymnast) and volunteered teaching nature in my kids' school. It happened at 2am and because I had a series of TIAs (mini-strokes) first, I was incredibly confused and tired. I didn't get to the hospital in time for the clot busting medication that has been so crucial for stroke victims. My stroke caused complete right side hemiplegia and disarthria. In the time it took to blink, I lost half my body and the ability to swallow, breathe properly and my signals for hunger and elimination. This happened November 2019 and so I recovered during the COVID shut down. When I was discharged after 9 weeks in the hospital/rehab, I had zero movement in my arm and could not walk without an AFO and cane. We still don't know what caused my stroke, but I have conquered that fear of recurrence. It has been 4 years and I can walk, drive and have 85% recover in my right arm. I have come further than they ever imagined because I had the drive and discipline to push myself harder than was probably healthy. It has been a long ass road but neuroplasticity is amazing. I wish I had been kinder to myself, so I'm passing that onto you. Be kind to yourself, please. The brain will heal and it absolutely will get easier. Recovery is about functionality not "getting back what you lost." It feels unfair. There will be so much frustration and anger. But promise me you will be kind to yourself. Sending you love and light - Jen

Any injury can be a lot to heal from, overcome, and work around, but brain injuries are a class of their own. I'm fully disabled for 10+ years. The brain fog is the worst. I'm fundamentally a different person than I used to be, because my brain works differently than it once did. I hope you can give yourself permission to accept where you are today, gain joy from today, and take your steps towards the future one at a time. Stay amazing!

I realize I'm just an Internet stranger, but I'm pulling for you. We all are.

Jo, I’m a stroke survivor too (a week after my 25th birthday. I’m almost to my 10th year “anniversary.” Mine was a big right-CVA, so my left side was affected too. I was in speech/OT/physical therapy for years. I’m now a brand new speech therapist for stroke survivors. You’re doing all the right stuff to help recover all those skills-just never give up. Keep working on your body, mind, and keep connected with others-especially others with a shared experience. Those who do that are always the ones who recover the best. 💕 💗 💕

Stroke victim here , you are not alone You describe it exactly right

Best be careful on catching the knitting/crochet bug, you'll quickly have bags of yarn weighing over 5 lbs! That sweater looks great, I love the colors. Best of luck on your recovery, hoping it's speedy!

Stroke survivor here. It is SO important to talk about strokes, and your experience with them. People just aren't aware of symptoms enough. That there is rebuilding, mental care, plasticity, and hope. I now work for a hospital as a stroke support facilitator for others, as was done for me. Just remember: Compassion isn't complete until you include yourself. ((hugs))

“Love yourself enough to go to the hospital” unfortunately words I needed to hear. Not for a stroke, but just in general. I hate to be a “bother” & spend my time caring for others, often forgetting or ignoring myself. Thank you for these words. I hope your recovery is as gentle as possible.

I'm so glad you're alive. Keep getting that toddler treatment. ❤ You are allowed to receive help and love when you need it because you are worth it. Rest up, keep healing. We love you.

Praying that your recovery goes smoothly. Stroke survivor at 41. Definitely change my life. Make sure you do all the rehab. It’s worth it for a full recovery. Especially since you’re young. Wishing you the best.💕

I went into septic shock years ago and almost died, the recovery was long and getting over the fear took longer but I got back to a new normal as I’m sure you will as well. Your body went through a lot to keep you here today and the best thing you can do is love it and take care of it. I’m so happy you’re able to do even small things to keep you happy as you have brought great happiness into our lives for years. The best of wishes on your journey ❤

That cardigan is *actually* professional looking like I have been trying to learn to crochet for months and my squares are still wonky. That in itself is an enormous accomplishment even if you DID have full use of your hands and balance! I am confident that everything will be alright

fellow Jiujitsu practitioner here. I don't have much to offer but our sport makes us family. ❤ that sweater is amazing. we're all so proud of you.

I’m proud of you for plugging your patron even though you aren’t sure what you can really offer in exchange. I’m signing up!

The cardigan is beautiful! Be kind to yourself and rest. You're positive energy is an inspiration to the world!

Every brain related issue is really scary because the brain is, in a sense, who we are. I wish you all the best and a successful recovery. However that may look like for you.

Jo I had a stroke 14 years ago when I was 47. I’m coming up on 70 now and I cannot complain at all. It took me three or four months to learn how to talk and walk again, and I still have memory issues and trouble finding words to explain what I want to say. but really I’m here in life is good and it could’ve been a whole lot worse. The biggest thing that gets you something through something like this is your attitude. With 1 million subscribers you should feel loved and know that a lot of people are praying for you. Don’t give up at anything do what’s the doctor tell you and you go through this just fine.

Jo, My wife had a couple of mini strokes. They did small things to her but she did recover . It took awhile. I just sent you a small donation and will keep you in my thoughts. You are an inspiration to all, don't ever give up, you have a purpose in life and we need you. Much love to you -Steve

Thanks!

Sorry to hear of your accident. Here's a little contribution from a fellow crocheter.

That sweater is your first crochet project? It's gorgeous! Get well soon, Jo!

So sorry to hear you going through all this. ❤❤❤ I am not ashamed to say this made me cry watching someone I admire so very much, suffering. You're videos and recovery made so much of a massive positive effect when I went through my own below knee amputation in November 2021. I to had an accident that left me with no real choice but amputation. I shared your nubbin warmer sock idea with nurses, psyhios, surgeons, healthcare assudtants etc and it was brand new to all of them. In one of the UKs leading orthopaedic hospitals. One of nurses, an orthopaedic nurse for 30 years who also teaches thought it was phenomonal and best thing she'd heard in a long time. She said she'd make it part of what nurses would be taught. Hundreds and hundreds of patients will have benefitted already. Remember you are loved and cared about. True fans will wait as long as you need to heal. With lots of love from UK, Elliott x

Massive stroke survivor for 8 years now. Still using a power wheelchair, lost access to my left arm. After nearly dying I have to tell you that asking for help is important!. Go fund me is a great option. Meditation is very helpful. Best of luck with your recovery process. It's not easy and it takes time and PATIENCE

I have no mobility impairments & can't crochet like that! Be kind to yourself. We'll all be here when you're ready. Love from aus ❤

Hang in there. It’ll be better soon. Ty for letting us know. You’ve helped me a lot (paralyzed double amputee)

I can't commit to being a Patreon but here is a little to help. I live in the UK and can't imagine not only having to go through such a life altering injury but then worrying about paying the medical bills it's incurred.

I haven't had a stroke but I have recovered from a TBI and I know the frustration and exhaustion of just... not having the wiring work right. You are doing great 🩵

I don’t have a lot, and I hope everything works out for you. You are so strong! I am so fortunate to live in a country with free healthcare, I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you.

Wishing you all the best. Thank you for letting us help, even though it’s hard to ask.

Oh my goodness Jo, I’m so sad this has happened. You’re one of my role models that I look up to, I want you to know. You remind me that it’s okay to be as I am, that I’m not flawed for my chronic illness and pain. Your perseverance inspires me to keep working to improve. I’m so glad you went to the hospital, it’s so important to follow your instincts when it comes to health - 9 years ago I nearly lost my dad to a brain aneurysm. He had been vomiting and felt dizzy, and chalked it up to a stomach bug, but my stepmom wasn’t convinced and INSISTED he be seen by one of those A&E units, if anything just to make sure he wasn’t just badly dehydrated. When they got to the ED, he started talking incoherently and that led the medical staff to realise it was serious and he was transferred to the hospital. They found the aneurysm and my stepmom had to make the choice to sign off on them operating on it. I live in New Zealand, they’re east coast USA. The hospital told me he would likely not survive long enough for the time it would take for me to get to Los Angeles, he was kept in an induced coma for 12 days and by some miracle he’s survived. He got to walk me down the aisle last year, he is incredibly fortunate to have minimal side effects. I hope the current side effects for you are something that goes with time and rehab. I’m sure that you’ll push through and come out even stronger than before. You are so resilient and I’m so glad that you’re safe and okay. We’re all here and we’re rooting for you all the way, good days, bad days, everything in between. The advice of getting a medical bill auditor to look over your bills is also a fantastic idea if you don’t feel up to going over the itemised bill yourself, I’ve not seen many where they haven’t doubled up *something* they shouldn’t have. Sending MASSIVE hugs and your favourite comfort food. You’ve got this. 💗

I've got the experience of both caring for people who've had strokes personally and professionally, and having cognitive issues due to (admittedly very different) neurological conditions. From my experience, I'd say you're doing amazingly well. You're vertical. You're able to walk. You're able to speak. For just a month after a stroke, that's incredible and you should be so proud of yourself. You will continue to improve and over time you will regain more independence. Some of your cognitive issues sound similar to a condition I have called dyspraxia, particularly around coordination and speech. Dyspraxia is a coordination disorder and it affects every part of my life. I fall over, I can't throw or catch and I have issues with proprioception, or the sense of where my body is in space. Dyspraxia is usually congenital, however it can be acquired after something like a stroke. The way I describe dyspraxia is like a cross between cerebral palsy and autism if that makes any sense. This is in no way to diagnose you or anything like that, it's just to give you some ideas of things to research. The dyspraxia foundation have a lot of information and support on living with the condition as an adult and it might be helpful for you if you're dealing with similar symptoms from a different cause. One thing I personally find very helpful for my coordination is compression. I wear compression leggings and a sports compression top every day underneath regular clothes. This provides constant feedback which helps me know where my limbs are in space. This may help you with your coordination and possibly other symptoms. There's no guarantees, but it might be worth a try. I hope you continue your recovery and you start to feel more like yourself again soon. Your content has been so helpful to me in the past and I've loved watching another disabled woman do all the cool things you do. You're genuinely inspirational. Not in a patronising way, you've inspired me to keep going and try new exciting things despite my disability. Thanks for everything you've done.

I’m not great at saying anything in these situations. Just know that you’re content and your character have been greatly appreciated. Thank you for all you’ve done and will continue to do. Please hang in there. You are valued.

Jo is one of my favorite person whom I have never met. Sending hugs. 🫂🫂🫂

Been watching you for years. It’s not much but I know this goes to a deserving soul!

I seem to know so many people going through tough times medically this year, some of them have already been through so much previously, and some haven't made it. I wish you a speedy recovery and that the medical bills don't get too bad, you've also been through more than enough in your life.

I don't have much, but here is a little donation. I just had an ankle replacement and had about 2 months of downtime and a year of PT ahead, so I feel your pain.

❤‍🩹I don't know anyone that's been through strokes or seen one myself but I do know how rough it is having brain issues. With my own condition, I get very dizzy and really random moments. I do wish you well on your recovery. You're a fighter, Jo. We've seen it before and we all believe in you. It is rough to ask for help when you're trying to do it on your own, like you feel it's.... almost humiliating to have to ask for help. But you have many, many people that believe in you and your journey to recovery. I give you many, many well wishes from myself and my family. 💖

Get well, Jo; we are all behind you.

Jesus hope your okay Jo, my mum had a few mini strokes a few months ago but shes on blood thinners now and is much better. Get well soon 🙏

Please be gentle on yourself and be patient! You’re on the road to recovery! You are in our thoughts! We love you!!!

I’m happy to be able to help you out! God bless you!

I had a stroke at 21 and I can say that after hard work, things will get better!

Not sure if this will be of any help but I do hope that this will lighten up the burden. Remember that people only have love for you on this platform and in real life. It may be difficult to accept it and take it in or hard, but it is there for a reason. Love you Jo, and take it day by day:-)

One of the other things we can do also is to rewatch your videos, making sure not to skip the ads. All the best to you, Jo!!

Congrats on the Million! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to support you in return for all the joy and support you've given me with your content.

Recover and remember you have people who care! ❤

Jo. You are loved. And petting puppies is recognized as amazing therapy.

wishing you a smooth recovery and a carefree future

Good luck ❤

Yikes! I went through a period for a few years where, after much illness, I had terrible brain fog and poor access to my short term memory. It slowly got better. Paradoxically, I think the thing that helped most was engaging my brain in harder activities like learning a new language. Perhaps dusting off something mentally taxing you always wanted to learn like music or a new language would help you too. Hugs. ❤

¡Gracias!

Don't do anything Jo. You worked and built a community that will wait for you and is ready to support you. Many people can't do much, but little help from many people can be a lot.

That's a badass sweater and for someone who says they've never crocheted before - it DOES NOT SHOW!- The sweater looks perfect and gorgeous. Keep it up, rest and let your body do the things it needs to do to heal. Sending healing vibes.

Hope you fully recover.

I’ve been watching you for a while you’ve been through a lot. Take care of you. I truly hope you’re getting a lot of donations.

I began watching your videos in 2021 after injuring my foot and having it turn septic. As a result, I lost two toes and your videos really helped me understand phantom pain. A month after leaving the hospital, I suffered a TIA. The doctors weren't sure if it was from the sepsis or the treatment afterwards. My kidneys have suffered as well. Life is hard sometimes, but I try to focus on the positive. I'm sorry you're going through this, Jo, but you're strong and you're surrounded by those who love you. Lean into them. That's all that matters right now. Wishing you many blessings.

You are amazing. You'll recover. We love you. ❤

We are all hoping for the best. Thank you for asking for help so we could.

Good luck. You are a strong woman and have undergone so many challenges already. I can’t believe you continue to face even more. My money is on you though.

We appreciate you so much.

Hope everything works out Jo! I just realized I wasn't subscribed even though I've watched many of your videos. That is now fixed! I've had several family members that have survived strokes and they are always scary, for everyone involved.

I am so sorry you are going through this. I wish I could help you out more.

That cardigan was gorgeous! You can pull through this.

My bad. I thought it was a blanket. A sweater. Thats very good for a first time.

You have helped me so much to get through breaking my spine and all the rehab and recovery and setbacks that have come with that. It's not much but I hope this helps you at least a tiny bit in return.

Get well soon Jo ❤

Hey Jo, you are not alone. I survived a stroke in 2017. When I awaken that evening my mother realized that I was having a stroke because I couldn’t move my left arm and hand properly, slurred speech, and I couldn’t write anything down on paper that anyone could understand !!! It was and still is a traumatic experience !!! I’m so proud of you for your courage and determination to make the best out of everything. You’re are my SHERO !!! I’m praying 🙏🏾 for you to be healed and to have a speedy recovery !!! 🙏🏾♥️🙏🏾

From one amputee with a miles long medical history to another, wishing you all the love and strength in your recovery. Can't wait to see you and the dogs back at it!!💕💕

Jo, you have such a gift with crochet, it's mind blowing to think that this is your first project!

I'm sorry you're going through this! It's not much, but I hope it helps. ... btw, the sweater you crocheted is BEAUTIFUL!!!!❤

I wish I could do more. Healing vibes being sent your way.

Don't be worried about asking for help. Wishing you a speedy recovery, take it at your own pace. 💛

Take care of yourself! Get well quickly!

If youre feeling up for it, I’m sure we would all love a vlog of your crocheting or a 5 min video where you show your progress on your next crochet or knit project! Otherwise focus on getting well! Sending hugs

Jo, I am 5-1/2 years out from a vertebral artery dissection & stroke caused by a chiropractor. My heart goes out to you and everything you are going through. Even though years have passed, I still remember the uncertainty of what was ahead. Please take your time healing and lean on those helping you. Don't push yourself to "get back to normal". You look at life differently post stroke, but I can promise that "normal" will happen again even if it means creating a new normal for yourself. ❤

You help so many people, Jo. Thank you.

love you Jo, you have done so much already for us, I'm glad you are asking for help

Rooting for you! -internet stranger!

So sorry you're going through this, Jo. You always help me so much when I struggle with my own health issues, I hope this can help you a little in return.

All the best to you, Jo! Take your time and recover well! ❤

Thank you for letting us help you as you do for so many of us.

Don’t forget who you are! A top fighter! Rest assured you will recover and back onto conquering the world real soon! God bless you!

Gute Besserung! Here's hoping to that your healing will be smooth ❤ (heart)

Good luck and speedy recovery!!

So much love to you Jo. You've been an inspiration through my own path of dealing with my disability and nightmare health issues. Hope this little drop helps to fill the bucket

So sorry you're going through this, but you are so strong and have overcome so much. Keep working at it and be kind to yourself in your new journey.

I've had several family members who have suffered from strokes, and I genuinely appreciate you spreading the message of getting medical help as soon as possible. Also thank you- hearing about your experience has made me so much more aware and careful when doing any kind of chokes in jui jitsu. I hope you can recover quickly and fully 💚💚💚 Your crochet project looks fantastic btw!!

Take care Jo, we're all sending good wishes your way while you rest and recover 💜

I got an ad WITH YOU IN IT, YOU BEING THE NARRATOR "Levitate", oh my god.

Good luck, Jo, I'm rooting for you ❤

Edit: I'm verbose and realized reading all this may well be a bit much for you right this second, quite understandably. So TL;DR, you are completely spot on in terms of your commentary, thank you so much for the update and the PSA, and I hope you recover both well and quickly. 💜 I'm disabled and have some genuine empathy for some of the emotional challenges you're going through right now. I'm still going through some of those mental coping processes myself. I wish you a speedy, healthy recovery, and thank you for making such an effort to both update us on your situation, and give the important PSA to never, ever wait in a situation like yours. And for what it's worth to anybody else who might see this: I've learned from experience that it's better to be annoyed because you have an ER bill when you accidentally went for something relatively small in the end, than to not go when you're unsure. And I've done both, as well as slowly learning my body better and responding to my body's cues better as time went on. I had more than one, "pointless," ER bill in the very beginning, but knowing what I know now, I made the right choices, in spite of the ironic fact that some of those choices were expensive and low-key sucked to deal with afterwards. Hell, I went into debt over it. I still don't regret what I've had to do. It's as you said, Jo-- you have to love yourself enough to refuse to dismiss yourself when something feels distinctly wrong. While it wasn't by means of a stroke, I almost died at one point by spending an excessive amount of time dismissing my own health, as well. Somebody who loves me saw the signs and saved my life, which is the only reason I'm still here. But thankfully I'm learning better since then, too. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for using your platform to send us all such a heartfelt message. Take care of yourself as best as you can. Wishing you all the best from our little family over here. 💜

All the best going forward, Jo. We're all behind you.

I’ve been watching you for awhile! Keep your head up! Rest up and wishing you a speedy recovery!

I keep checking back in with the comments & donations every day, and I'm so proud of this community for it's willingness to lend a hand. Thanks, everyone!! ♥️

Blessings to you on your healing journey.

You keep being you. If you can, we would all just live to see videos of how you're doing.