76 yr old Mom had Hemorragic Stroke on 5/3/09 In Rehab/Nd Help

[Dawn308]

My Mom had a stroke on 5/3/09.  Left side hemorragic treated with surgery.  No prior health issues except for thyroid disorder.  She is in rehab after 3 weeks in Surgical ICU on trach and feeding tube and sedated.  She is now off trach and began eating some but brain damage looks to be severe.  Not being very cooperative with therapists.  What can I do to help her?

[esconnelly]

Hello. My mom has also had a hemorrhagic stroke, although thankfully, a small stroke. I am also a speech/language pathologist. Remember, it has only been a month post stroke for your mom. Combative behavior is quite frequent in severe strokes in the beginning. Escpecially if speech/language and or cognition has been affected. Her brain will continue to heal spontaneously and hopefully this combative stage will not last long. Sometimes families can push too hard and sometimes they don't push hard enough. Be your mom's best advocate.  Learn as much as you can from the therapists. Be there during therapy if you can and ask them to show you what you can do when you come to visit.

My guess if it was a left brain stroke, she has some significant language impairment. Become best friends with the speech pathologist. He/She can help you a lot. When you talk to your mom, talk to her on her right side, so she has to attend to right side. Good luck. Most of all keep hope!