| Summary: | Background and Aims: Previous studies have shown reductions in quality of life after stroke and variations between European countries. This study aims to explore and compare quality of life and recovery processes in regions of North Norway and Central Denmark Methods: We performed individual in-depth interviews with 11 stroke survivors twelve months after stroke onset. Phenomenological perspectives and an inductive approach shaped the interview process and the processing of data. Theory of embodiment enlightened the perspective on quality of life and recovery Results: We found that quality of life was closely related to the individuals’ reconstruction of the embodied self: how they made sense of the world and what they thought of themselves. We identified three intertwined and negotiating processes: a familiar self, an unfamiliar self, and recovery of self. Factors such as enriching social relations, successful return to work, and continuity and presence in professional support during the recovery process influenced quality of life positively. Fatigue and sustained reduced function hindered participation in meaningful activities and negatively affected quality of life Conclusions: There was a difference between the two countries in descriptions of continuity and support in the professional follow-up during the recovery process, influencing the degree of encouragement in reconstructing the embodied self – and consequently quality of life. Reconstruction of the embodied self is a way of understanding stroke survivors in the recovery process and is of clinical value in stroke rehabilitation
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