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Neurology (Expert Forum)
recovery?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
recovery?
by debra21784, Dec 04, 2001 12:00AM
Please help me to understand about the stroke I had.I am 48 years old and suffered a massive CVA two years ago.The clot was in the midceberal artery and was very large.The CAT scan said it pushed aside "gray matter'.I lost the use of my left side, my speech, as well as bowel and bladder control, drooled. I did receive TPA .My recovery was slow and I spent months in physicial therapy, OT and speech.Two years later my motor activity has improved to the point I have movement, can walk,talk etc.It is very slow though in my movements. Fine motor co-ordination in my hand is gone.I get tired easily.I have tried to push myself by volunteering weekly and at one point during the summer tried a full time work week at the voulnteer agency. Couldn't do it.I tried also to return to school and could not do it.I couldn't think fast enough.It felt like the words and thought wouldn't travel from the back of my brain forward. Needless to say it didn't last.My frustration tolerance is poor.I cry for no reason or loose my temper easily.
My question is will I ever return to my previous level of function?I was a master's prepared RN and ran large insurance department in managed care.I used to be able to do multi tasking
Also, how do you get people to see that there are somethings different about you when you look and sound OK but you know you really are not?
I just don't know what to expect anymore from this stroke or the recovery. Thanks for your help
My question is will I ever return to my previous level of function?I was a master's prepared RN and ran large insurance department in managed care.I used to be able to do multi tasking
Also, how do you get people to see that there are somethings different about you when you look and sound OK but you know you really are not?
I just don't know what to expect anymore from this stroke or the recovery. Thanks for your help
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Dec 05, 2001 12:00AM
Very sorry to hear about your stroke. I applaud your courage and motivation in what sounds like a tough recovery period. To accurately comment on prognosis or outcome of your stroke, I would have to examine you personally and see your imaging studies to know exactly what was damaged and how far you've come. To be honest, I'm not sure that anyone can tell you whether or not you will ever reach your high baseline functioning status. What I can tell you is that most recovery is done in the first few months to a year. After that, it's mainly baby steps in terms of recovery. Also, if you didn't have what's called "hemineglect" meaning you lost awareness of your left side because of the stroke, then that's a good sign for recovery.
If you want people to understand your situation, then you have to be honest and open with them. Talk to them and let them know you're trying the best you can but you're just having a bit of a hard time because of a major stroke in the past. Hang in there. You have made great strides in your recovery. Have patience with yourself and do all that you can do now, NOT all that you could do then. One day at a time. I wish you the best of luck.
If you want people to understand your situation, then you have to be honest and open with them. Talk to them and let them know you're trying the best you can but you're just having a bit of a hard time because of a major stroke in the past. Hang in there. You have made great strides in your recovery. Have patience with yourself and do all that you can do now, NOT all that you could do then. One day at a time. I wish you the best of luck.
