Hemorrhagic Stroke Recovery

[Shrish]

My 55 yr old mother had a "massive" hemorrhagic stroke Feb. 18/05. The neuro surgeon said it was a large deep bleed in the left side of her brain, apparently she is lucky to have survived it and without surgery. The latest CT scan 3.5 weeks after the stroke the blood has started to re-absorb and swelling is going down. She is currently in a rehab hospital (March 18) with paralysis on the right side (arm and leg) and has aphasyia - she understands us but has a hard time getting her words out (she does put small phases together at times).A speech therapist works with her and she can read, write some (copies words) and has progressed with food (a feeding tube to puree foods to soft - ground foods). The speech therapist has positive prognosis for speech improvements over the next year. I'm wondering how paralysis recovery works? She has physio and Occupational therapy working her muscles but do people with paralysis get some motor function back and if so what type of time frame (3,6,12, months?)Is there any recent research or therapy to aid in the motor recovery process such as magnetic stimulation or emg that we should be considering or inquiring about? Any questions I should be asking the rehab or dr.'s to find out about my mother's prognosis for it....or is it giving her brain time to heal and see if rehab can help?

Thank for your time and any comments/direction are appreciated.

Shrish

[cynt]

Hang in there!

My husband had a similar stroke 10-16-05 and is doing quite well. He is a 50 y/o and is recovering nicely.

He too experienced paralysis on the right side (arm/leg),loss of speech (aphasia/apraxia), had a feeding tube and picc line.

1.  Believe it or not...my husband is NOW ABLE TO WALK short distances WITHOUT a cane and walk long distances with a cane.

2.  His speech is coming back beautifully. He sometimes surprises himself with how he is able to hold conversations.
Every now and then when speaking the aphasia/apraxia will be noticable. Words may come out scrambled or gibberish.

3. Was on feeding tube for x12 days and graduated to a mechanical soft diet. Now he's on a regular diet and feeds himself at all meals.

4.  Unfortunately, his right arm is still very weak BUT he does have feeling in the arm and can move the shoulder/arm but can't move the fingers, wrist or lift the arm yet. We remain hopeful!

[Shrish]

Thank-you for sharing your story, it is very encouraging ... and all within the past 5 months of his stroke, that's wonderful. At times you feel like your the only one who is/has experienced it.
Did the motor function come back with therapy alone or was any special stimulation used? Just the other day my mother was able to lift her right (paralized)heel slightly off the bed during therapy, the first sign of movement and hope for re-gaining  motor function.

Thanks again, your story gives us more hope to know it
can/might happen for my mom as well.

Shrish

[lar263]

hi there
I have mother who 3 month ago suffered a second stroke. Yes, This one was really bad.
Nine years ago she had first and was paralized on her right side, lost her speach and spent 3 month in rehab. She came home with almost no ability to do anything by herself, could not use a commod( special toilet in the room),could use a  wheelchear  with my help only . Almost 6 month she was in this stage, and then started to recover little bit( at that time she was 65.
To mak long story short she recovered very well, was abale to walk with the cane,she was using her right arm  good engough to eat and to little things. Tell you more she was cooking dinner sometimes for me and was very independent( but inside the house only). For her go outside was a challenge.
Now after second stroke she is no well at all. She paralized on herother side, She has nuerogetic bladder, incontinent bowel,etc. She is bed bound with very bad bed sore from the hospital. Now I am not that confident she will recover to the point she was before.
So, your mother is very young and she will be fine, God bless her. First stroke is no the worst one just make sure you have her blood presure under control so she would not have another stroke. I know the statistics : it is very possible to have second stroke because her brain already weak and damaged.
Unfortunately docotrs and therapists do not know nothing they do not even have a progressive treatment for stroke in US hospitals. Just for curiosity go to www.lef.org and read about stroke treatment and you will understand what am I talking about. Sorry that I do not sound to positive but I went through too many stages of her strokes and spoke with too many doctors to ubderstand that I know more then some of them. Funny, ah?

[cynt]

It's now been another month since my last comment on my husband's stroke recovery & progress.

My husband continues to do well with his walking. Do you recall that I had commented on his walking short distances w/out cane?
Well...he is now walking LONGER distances.

I believe that with him it was a "confidence thing" that impeded him from walking longer distances earlier on.

To answer your question in regards to his regaining of motor function is that yes, therapy (PT/OT)was a big help but as I've observed my husband during the course of his recovery, my family and I have found that STIMULATION and constant POSITIVE feedback MOTIVATED him to do more to recover.

Please encourage your mother to be as independent as possible.
This may sound horrible but believe it not she'll feel much better about herself.

I agree with the MD's comment in regards to allowing the brain time to heal and utilize the remaining functions.
CELEBRATE the advances she have already made!!

We currently are taking a break from therapy to allow more healing to occur with my husband.

Again, good luck and hang in there! IT DOES GET BETTER!!

[OTchris]

hi I'm an occupational therapist from Indiana.  I have been working with individuals who have survived strokes for years.  In regards to the statement about a progressive treatment process: It is very difficult to have a set protocol in helping people following a stroke.  Therapists are trained to observe dysfunction and to set goals and treatment stratagies according to the observed function.  It would not help a patient to use a cookie-cutter approach.  Every patient that I have worked with so far in my career has been different.  They improve in different ways and I have to use different strategies to facilitate these improvements.  I have learned to put the patient first in all treatment sessions.  I ask them what they want to work on, therefore they are engaged in the treatment process.  One of the biggest concerns is the paralized arm.  Sometimes this can be very difficult to treat.  What happens is the arm develops hypertone (tightness) and eventually contracture (can not move the joints).  After this happens it is very diffult to work on motor recovery.  That is why all of the OTs give you all of those exercises to do at home.  Unfortunately there are different therapists who are at different points in their career experience.  When searching for rehab setting I would encourage family to seek facilities who have therapists who have lots of experience.  Having someone who is trained in NDT (neurodevelopemental treatment) is a huge plus as well.  Hope this helps a little.  God bless you during this difficult journey.

[LWyatt]

My brother-in-law had a “devastating” hemorrhagic stroke on the 10th of May.  The doctors do not offer much hope of recovery.  He is just 50 years old and in excellant health.  We had no warning, headaches, numbness etc.  That somehow seems to make it even harder to accept.  He has just this morning opened his eyes for the first time and showed some sign of recognition!!  The left side of his brain was decimated and they say his chances of recovery of any sort are slim.  Your stories of recover offer some hope.  Please continue to post your progress and I will do the same.  We live in a rural area with no resources for support other than family and friends.  I have been unable to find accurate information and have struggled to wade through the tons of stuff on the net.  So much is variable in these cases.  Finding “real people” going through the same kind of things is a lifeline I didn’t expect!  I look forward to ongoing discussion in this group and wish you all the very best.  Thank you - Laura

[queen of harts]

Hello, my dad just had a Hemorrhagis stroke on wed. 5/18/05. Could anyone tell me if your love one didn't know who you were or called you by another name? How long was it before you saw any type of improvement. My dad has had his first speech & physical therapy today, he can walk, he was able to put on the socks the therapist gave him, put on some scrubs and tie them in a regular bow tie, he has been sipping water through a straw and ate some vanilla cookies today. We know his right eye was affected, how much we're not sure. How long were your love ones in the hospital? Last night or this morning he pulled out his I-V and catheter got out of bed and the nurses from him setting in the chair in his room. Any comments would be most appreciated. My dad is a strong individual, stubborn 74 year old that we love dearly so my heart goes out to all of you. God Bless
Liz in Long Beach, CA

[Shrish]

Thanks for the updates and comments.
My mom is doing well, compared to the prognosis the neurosurgeon told us...that what we saw is what we get. My mom can transfer herself from the wheelchair to bed/toilet/etc. Someone is with her for support and moves her right leg. Her arm isn't progressing much. Her leg is getting stronger with therapy everyday.She walks with help along the parallel bars, has done one-two steps and walks with a quad cane in therapy sessions. She has a long way to go but is continually making ground. Her speech is slowing coming along as well, we understand more and more, she reads and writes well. She can eat anything she wants now as well.

Something I can't emphasize enought and I agree with other comments made is that the therapists play a major role in recovery. I have just recently requested and was granted a switch in my mom's physio therapist (pt). Motivation, encouragement and constant positive feedback throughout the pt session was not taking place and had found that my mom was not responding or progressing well. A therapist's approach must be compatable with the patient to maximize the recovery....I can not stress this enough. I attend at least 2 sessions a week where I am beside my mom and each therapist (whether it is pt/ot/speech therapist and helping when asked). Get involved, be there, know what is happening and participate even if it is motivational. NDT is a definite asset, we have this set-up for when my mom leaves the rehab hospital.

Answering some questions asked:
My mom had good health and no warning signs before the stroke, not even a headache, my dad found her this way mid-morning. The neurosurgeon did not offer much hope for us to survive the stroke nor in her recovery. She has already beat the odds. My mom was in ICU for 3 weeks and step-down 1 week and in rehab hospital for two months now. I have come to learn the dr.'s don't like or really now prognosis on recovery because everyone recovers differently. I have been told over and over again they don't know why some gain more function than others. My mom pulled out her breathing tube which she had for 2.5 weeks and feeding tube (3 weeks & 2 days). My mom always knew us from the time she was awake.I want to offer this thought to the person who asked about being called by another name, if aphasia (difficult speaking)is present this might be why. Even today my mom says words that aren't right but knows what she is trying to say and then there are times she doesn't know it is coming out wrong. For example she will say " hundred" but means or wants to say "therapy". It was about 2-3 weeks into the rehab hospital that we started to see slow, noticeable gains in my mom's recovery and even today we see progress each day/week. It is hard but think in terms of months and years for recovery progress.
Shrish.

[SassyRed117]

My sister in law suffered an aneurysm when she was 41 years old in 2002, she was in ICU for 3 1/2 weeks, had the stroke on a Thursday, surgery to clip the aneruysm on a Monday.   In a coma for 4 days and on life support.   after 3 1/2 - 4 weeks in ICU she was in the rehab part of the hospital for 3 weeks, then transferred to a long term rehab out of town and was there for 3 months.  She came home after that.  She is not the same person, but to look at her you would think she is just as normal as anyone else.  She has no short term memory at all.  The doctors did not think she would even survive the night, much less the surgery.  She works full time where she was working when it happened and is doing well.   She doesn't go to new places because she gets confused, and forgets why or how she got there.  People can recover and go on to live "normal" lives, whatever normal is these days.   Good luck and God Bless all of you.

[niccie]

My dad had a hemorrhagic stroke on Jan. 2. 2007   I know I have reached this site two years late, but I  wonder if anyone can tell me if they had a similar stroke.  his was on the right side of his brain and effected his left arm and left leg. he was in the hospital from Jan to the end of march. from hospitals to rehabs. he had a feeding tube the whole time and was finally able to drink water and eat food after 2 months.  he had pnemonia (pneumonia) two times (2 pack a day smoker) and his lung collasped once.  He developed urinary tract infections and a blood infection while in the hospital,  He talks pretty well now and is trying to sing.  he can't stand on his own and uses a wheelchair.  he can't transfer from bed to wheelchair, and we need at least two people to get him into a car.  he has pain in the arm and leg for which we have tried many medications, trying to avoid those that make him want to sleep.  he is on a small dose of meds for depression and many for high blood pressure, prostate enlargement, fiber ,cholestrol, and vitamins, fish oil, calcium, cranberry pills.  He is feeling so depressed now and has no appetite.  we are worried and are wondering if more gains can be made after six months.  he has just started to move his shoulder and hip along with his knee sometimes.  we thought that maybe because he had such a rough start it would take more time to make gains .  I would appreciate any response. thanks

[Schelle]

You're not 2 years too late, because stokes keep happening, and people keep coming to the internet for hope, answers, and maybe comfort. I don't know that I can give that to anyone, as I'm still searching too. My Mom, who is 55 years young went into the hospital, Monday, June 4, 2007 to have a non-ruptured brain aneurysm surgically clipped. The surgeon told us (her and I) prior to the surgery, that she would not be affected mentally, might experience some right sided weakness at first, but would be back to work (as a nurses aide) by August 1st. Mom ended up having a hemorrhagic stroke during the surgery (which I discovered by accident several weeks afterward). The stroke was on the left side of her brain (same area as aneurysm). Mom was in ICU for several days before being transferred to a rehab unit. Mom was in the hospital for 1 month, and ironically was discharged on "Independence" Day. We went through it all. The thrashing, brain swelling, feeding tube, PICC line, etc.. And, my Mom also pulled out her IV's and feeding tubes multiple times. She graduated from feeding tube, to liquid diet, to pureed, mechanical soft, and now a general diet. She lost her short-term memory, her ability to talk (for awhile), her abilty to read, write, comprehend, etc. Mom is once again talking, but she suffers from "expressive aphasia". So the things she says make absolutely no sense. She gets mad at me, because she doesn't understand why I don't understand what she's saying. It makes perfect sense to her. For instance, she told me the other day she wanted to eat the violet plant for lunch?!!! She then pulled out the ham and cheese when I told her I didn't understand, and exclaimed, "The Violet Plant!" Duh, why didn't I get that? And then, just last night, Mom told me she needed her "Oscar Meyer". What?? She then went to her pill box, and pulled out her medication (her Oscar Meyer?). I, too, have asked the doctors and the therapists if I would ever have the Mom back that I once knew, or did I lose her forever? No one will answer that question, but they are never very promising. Just 2 months ago, my Mom was "normal". I still don't know if I'll ever get her back, and I'm scared, because I still need her. She's all I've got.

[all4KJ]

A very close friend of mine had a hemorrhage on the right side also. It's been 11 months now post stroke and we are all very happy to still have her here with us. You probably heard the same words that we did in the first few hours. They tried to prepare us for the worst but we knew better. She has always been very strong willed. And I have found that allowing her to excercise that strong will throughout her rehab has been important to her recovery. It takes a lot of courage on our part as a caregiver to allow them to do some things on their own like they used to. Even the smallest of recovered tasks or activities mean so much to her. We always talk about it first. I try to get her to picture herself doing whatever the activity is and allow her to take as much time as she needs to let it register in her mind. I've learned to have endless patience always and she appreciates that. She then mirrors that patience by listening to me when I say lets take baby steps together, then build on them. I think it's very important to take ownership / partnership in the recovery process together while allowing some independence based on what has been achieved on their part. The bumps in the road and setbacks will continue for a great while. But things do get better in the long run, one baby step at a time. And don't forget to celebrate, sincerely and with respect between 2 adults. It's hard sometimes to keep from treating them like a child when we care so deeply. But that will add to their depression quicker than anything. Independence, confidence and self worth are what they want back more than anything. The achievements they make in the first year or two are what took us a lifetime to achieve.

[cherylc49]

[cherylc49]

hi, i'm new to this and was reading all this about hemorrage bleedind stroke on thursday aug,9,2007 she is still in icu at the hospital. i can't get her to respond at all when i see her. i was wondering about why she won't open her eyes ? if anyone has gone thru that with anyone. any help would be greatly appreciated.thanks

[jonnie1921]

my sister in law just had a hemorrhage stroke on Saturday and she is only 37.   She went in for surgery yesterday.  
She gave us a quite a scare today because she stopped breathing while in ICU and they had to do an emergency surgery to alleviate the swelling in her brain.   A small portion of her brain was removed in order to allow some room for the swelling.

Had anyone has this experience before and the potential recovery?

any comment is welcome.

[[e-mail]]

my husband 63 yrs old suffered "massive-major-one of the largest bleeds"-all doctors words-on 8-14-07, they prepared me and our family for the worst.  HE IS NOW OFF EVERYTHING except feeding we are not sure of swallowing.  anyway, off the ventalaor, no tempeture, he has spoke a few words he knows family members and smiles shakes hands follows commands.  he does seem dazed and confused at times and i know its a long haul   he is still in ccu but seems a little better every day.  

[KJQESP]

Hi. Thanks for sharing your stories. It helped me alot to read them. My mom just suffered a 'massive' hemorragic stroke three days ago. The doctors are saying that her speech and speech recognition will be affected as well as her right side. She is still in a neuro ICU on a vent and feeding tube. She had to have emergency surgery two days ago to relieve swelling.  They removed the clot but left the brain tissue.  She is recovering better than expected from the surgery meaning that she is alive but she has yet  to open her eyes or follow commands.  Sometimes when they bring her out of sedation she thrashes alot with her left side and tries to pull the tubes out. Blood pressure is a real problem. Apparently she had been walking around for 20+ yrs with untreated high blood pressure.  Now her body is used to the high pressure and is resisting the meds.  Docs say eventually it will level out. This is the most devastating horrific thing my family has ever gone through. My mom has always been the rock ( healthy, lively,) and we are all lost without her. The feeling of helplessness and despair comes and goes. Every little tiny bit of good news makes us almost giddy for awhile. I know you all know what I'm talking about. My mom is in one of the best hopitals in the country and I am grateful for that ( we live in Cleveland, Ohio). We are praying and praying for her recovery. Reading all of your stories really made me feel hopeful and not so alone in this. Thank you.

[LFGC]

Hi Everyone,

I would like to join this discussion group.  My mom had a severe hemorrhage on her right side on August 12.  It is now October 1st and I am too frightened to describe her current condition.

May I join this group please?  Lucy
  

[LFGC]

Hi Everyone,

I would like to join this discussion group.  My mom had a severe hemorrhage on her right side on August 12.  It is now October 1st and I am too frightened to describe her current condition.

May I join this group please?  
  

[gallipolis]

My father suffered a stroke 9-18-07, along with a heart-attack, pneumonia, and blood infection.  He was in the critical care unit on a ventilator for 3 weeks, and in the step down unit for 1 week.  Upon removing the vent he was able to talk with everyone and remembers everything except the day of the stroke.  He is now in a local rehab unit, but is unable to move his left side.  We haven't been given much hope concerning his ability to walk, but we also didn't expect him to come this far, so are still hoping for the best.  I wish everyone who is dealing with this the best of luck, it has being a very trying time for my entire family.  

[Nayme]

I write from Argentina. I´m terribly sad because my dad had two month ago a severe stroke on the left side of the brain. Now he is paralized on the right side and although he moves his left side and watchs us and follows us with his eyes, he can´t follow commands.
I feel very simmilar to you KJQESP because my father is everything for us and we are devastated. We got the same forecast, perhaps he can recover at least the cognitive skills or not.  I´m totally devastated.
I appreciate you comments. It´s very helpful to know other people experiencing simmilar problems. Thanks,

[mikljd]

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[mikljd]

ok...hello everyone. I want to tell you a true story that will encourage each of you to remain steadfast in your situation. What I am about to write is the truth. On 9/17/07 my father went into surgery for a coratid artery blockage of about 90%. He had no choice but to have the surgery. Understand that my father is 73 and has been a carpenter all of his working life. He put off his surgery for three weeks just to finish a couple of jobs that were due to be completed, so you can imagine that his integrity for doing the right thing was greater than his own health.
The surgery went well and we were sent home while he was going to be in recovery for about three hours. We no sooner arrived home when the surgeon called us back to the hospitol. We (my mother, sister and myself were present) were ushered into an office and we were told that my father had a bleed into the brain and we needed to call our other family members because he would most likely pass away at anytime and it would take a miracle for my dad to pull through this. WOW!!! We were not prepared to hear this and we had no idea that this was a possibility. Note: Prepare for the unexpected when major surgery is involved, in other words get your affairs in order.
Within 24 hours we had 25 family members at the hospitol where he was in CCU. We are Christians and we began a spiritual warfare on behalf of our dad/grandfather/great grandfather/husband/father in law, that only if you are a believer can you understand and too be honest, I never witnessed a miracle first hand until now. It was important the bleed stopped within 48 hours, it did! It was important that my dad was pulled off the oxygen supply and sedatives and he was w/i four days. I was standing at his bed side on day five and I said to him "dad, lift your right leg" and he did!!! Yes..yes!!! You see, he had not been able to move his right side since the surgery. I began yelling "he's moving his leg, he's moving his leg". He also was trying to talk, but usually mumbled. We found that asking questions that needed one word answers was good. We brought flash cards on shapes and numbers to get him thinking. Basically we kept our faith, I must admit, we strengthened our faith because of this event.
We continued to pray daily, as a family for healing. We praised God for the healing he had already allowed. We thanked God for hearing our prayers. We sang songs to our dad like "Jesus Loves Me" and prayed over him. We asked for the angels of comfort to surround our dad and give him peace and comfort.
He moved to PCU on day 8 or 9. He stayed there for a few days and then was admitted to acute rehab. Which was not in my parents insurance but somehow the surgeon with some heavenly assistance was able to get him admitted to this program.
Note: Make sure you have good insurance that covers major illnesses/surgery and rehab if needed.
He was in acute rehab for a couple of weeks and as of Friday 10/19, he is now home. He is talking better. He is thinking better. He can move is right arm somewhat. He is walking on his own. with little assistance. He eats everything on his plate and feeds himself. He always had a joke to tell, which he hasn't told any jokes yet, but he can recognize when to laugh and what is funny. He began in-home therapy today and eventually will go to an out patient therapy. My hope is to give you hope. My hope is to strengthen your faith. My hope is to let you know not to give up, but to be stronger than ever. My hope is for you to know that God is in control and that prayer works and that God still performs miracles. My hope is that if you don't know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior that you will pray right now that you will accept Jesus into your life and let Him lead your life. He died on the cross to save you from an eternity in Hell and give you everlasting life in Heaven. He shed his blood to cover your sins, He gave His life in your place. Jesus Loves You!!! I speak freely because I believe and I have seen with my own eyes the very miracle that the surgeon said would be needed for my dad to live and recover.
Yesterday, I took my dad to Dunkin Donuts and we sat inside the place and had coffee and donuts...NOW THAT IS LIVING!!!

[brain2005]

Hi Shrish! I notice that you have received considerable response to your original question, but I thought I would add my experience too. My full narrative is available for review at: http://www.msnusers.com/StrokeSurvivorsandCaregivers/Documents/Survivor%20Narratives/WALTER012797%2Ehtm

I am a 59-year-old man who suffered a massive brain hemorrhage and hemorrhagic stroke on September 14, 2005 and nearly died as a result. I spent 3 weeks in Neuro ICU and was comatose part of the time. I have no memory AT ALL of 7 months following the bleed and stroke.

The hemorrhage was caused by a ruptured giant aneurysm on my lower right carotid artery in the brain. The statistics for this type of stroke are pretty bad: 80% die outright and 20% survive but with substantial disability. So ... your mother is VERY fortunate to have survived this type of bleed, especially without surgery to clip the bleed.

Today I am permanently disabled in the cognitive and emotional areas. My physical abilities have pretty much returned with the exception that I have very limited stamina and must rest often. Life is good today because after coming so close to death, I know what really matters in life: family, friends, my health and the well-being of those I love. I have devoted a large part of my time to helping other stroke survivors and my online stroke group is indexed on the major search engines and publications such as Stroke Smart and the Stroke Connection magazines. Please keep in touch!

WALTER

[BGUS]

What a great testiment of your faith and your dad's struggles.  It was personally very encouraging to me as I am watching my mom suffer from a severe hemorhagic stroke and am so discouraged.  I know God is bringing us on a journey and I have a choice to be bitter or allow it to build character and see His strength in our weakness.  Thanks again for having the courage to share.
- Fredericksburg, Virginia

[mikljd]

Thank you for your response. My dad has been home for about a five weeks now. We live in Orlando and he is with my mom in Delray Beach. They're both 73 and my problem is like yours in a way because I can't be there with him and my mom feels like she is doing the best she can and doesn't want to be pushed and my dad does not have the motivation to push himself, to strengthen himself. That's my frustration. He came so far, so fast and now it seems like he is stuck in neutral.
I talk to him daily and I want my dad back the way he was, but that is not possible, so my hope is that he continues to get better and my prayer has to be to give my dad the strength and motivation to want to get better. I don't think it would be right for me to be bitter, but I definitely have felt annoyed and frustrated at both of my parents, each for the reasons described above. I would encourage you to stay positive, as best you can, even though things can really suck sometimes.

[PegB]

My husband suffered a hermorragic bleed November 3, 2006. He is 53 now, Praise the Lord. I had people who stood with me in confirmation that he would heal throughout his hospitalization. His bleed was on the right side of his brain and severe. They did not expect him to make it through the helicopter ride to the hospital in the big city. He did. They thought they would have to place a shunt in his brain to relieve the pressure caused by the swelling, they did not. With therapy I watched a man that was comletely paralized on his left side learn to sit up on the edge of a bed again (initailly he would just fall over), I watched him go from that to learning to walk again, and  before we left the hospital and rehab 6 weeks later he was walking with a cane. He was being called The Miracle Man at the hospital and rehab center.  He made it through the bleed, he made it through the pulmnary embolllisms he developed in the neuroscience ward.  The rehad doctor almost did not let him come into the rehad department because he was progressing so slowly. Many stroke victums only spend  a few days in intensive care, he spent a week, many stroke victums only spend a few days in the neuoscience ward, he spent 2 weeks there because of the embollisms. Those were just as dangerous as the bleed. I watched his slurred speech come back, I watched his left side neglect, fade away.  He could not see the bottom of a page, he would run into door frames. With continued therapy I watched this man who was told he would never ride a horse again learn to ride a horse. It was great therapy for the soul and the mind along with the body. We were told more than once by doctors and therapists that he would not regain the use of his arm and hand. He is now gaining back some use of his arm bit by bit after a year. We have every confidence that with time and effort and prayer he will regain the use of all he lost. Don;t ever give up and don't ever let anyone tell you it just isn't possible, God answers prayers and he has given us a miraculous body, especially the brain. More and more research is happening these days concerning stroke and the brain. They are proving you can have continued recovery for many, many years. We still run into issues and problems and life certainily changes, dramatically, but we am not ready to give up just because some doctor has.
I only wish I had known more about the power of prayer, I would have prayered harder. But I will say this, I had the oddest sensation, even though the whole ordeal was the most intense time I have ever experienced, that God was incontrol and that angets protected us. God placed particular people into our lives that seemed to have been put there just for a time like this and we have found out who is and who is not truly a steadfast friend. It is a surprise sometimes to find out things like that. Our best friend is the Lord, Jesus Christ who lifts us up when it gets rough and carries us, who supplies all our needs and beyond.
We will never give up this battle and continue to pray for improvement and continue to see improvement. Sometimes we need to learn patience but there is always hope.
Don't let the medical society get you down, ask questions, read, research..... dig, dig, dig. Have faith and keep on working.it is a journey not only for healing of the body but also healing of the soul and mind. God bless you all!!!

[ZG768]

Hi,

Reading everyones stories on here gives hope and reminds us of our precious life is.

My father had a stroke 4mths ago. He just turned 53. We had no warnings watsoeva. Mum saw him in the morning as he come home frm work (he did nite shifts) as she was heading out to work, She then found him on the floor when she got home frm work in the afternoon.

doctors didnt give much hope at all. They gave him a 50/50 chance then 6days later in ICU they said he had days to live. I remember feeling numb, scared and things i neva felt before in my life. How do u tell urself that the person u love so much in this world is being taken away from you and there is absolutely nothing u can do to stop it.You just cant even begin to imagine life witout them.

So many times we left the hospital in tears. I remember standing next to this bed praying all hours of the days and nites to see any movement, even just the fingers, anything to give us hope. Then our prayers got answered he opened his eyes but wasnt focusing on anything. Doctors then later moved in into the neuro ward saying this is the best he will be, that will be a vegetable for the rest of his life.

He improved in the ward but still weak for rehab. Then we got told they need the bed so the best thing is to move him to a nursing home on 2mth contract as"Respite Care" and hope he imrpoved more to get into rehab. He has improved so much in the nursing home now, His assessment is in Jan so see if he gets in Rehab. He is paralysed on the left side. He does feed himself wit his right hand but cant sit up on his own yet but getting there. His gone from feeding tube, to puree, to soft food just last wk.

We have hired our own private physio and massage people and we can tell it has helped
We hoping to bring him home on xmas day for few hrs. He cant stay over as "respite" ppl from nursing home cant stay out overnight. My dad will come home for the first time in 4 long months, (although its only for few hours.)

To everyone, please dont loose hope. Dont stop praying. Dont give up even for a split second!
They need u just as much as u need them. Miracles do happen and i think we all believe in miracles after going through all this....

[Liltazz]

My father suffered a massive stroke affecting his middle cerebral artery on Tuesday, December 18, 2007.  My son found him within 15 minutes of having the stroke, and an ambulance was transporting him to the hospital 5 minutes later.  My father is 80 years old and I am told that the prognosis is very poor.  The most upsetting thing to me is to deal with doctors who seem to believe that since my father has lived 80 years, I should accept the prognosis, run along and quietly wait for him to pass away.

He cannot speak, and did not pass an evaluation to eat or drink.  The doctor has tried to convince me that my father cannot hear believes he is completely non responsive.  I know that my father can hear me.  When I enter the room he turns to my voice and consistently grips my hand.  When I asked my father if he could fight with me so that I could try to get him better, he distinctly nodded his head yes.  The doctor also claims these actions are nothing more than reflexes.

Never give up hope whether your loved ones are 20 years old or 120.  Going through this is probably one of the hardest things you'll ever do.  Strokes are devastating because of the destruction of brain cells, and creation of major additional complications including, asphasia, paralysis, high blood pressure, brain stem damage, bleeding, pneumonia etc, etc.  

God bless all of you!  Tracy feel free to call for support ANYTIME!   760-590-3338

  

[lahinva]

My father also had his stroke at 80 and we were told he probably wouldn't make.  Well he is home with my mom and a few caregivers taking care of him.  His short term memory is not good and he can't walk, but other than that he has come a long way.  So don't give up hope.  Fight for more therapy.  They are very quick to give up on 80 year olds, but in my dad's case he was a very active 80 year old before the stroke.  He was still painting and wallpapering just before the stroke.  So since the doctors didn't kow what he was like before the stroke, they were quick to say he wan't improve.... Good luck, it is a long road....

[Liltazz]

Thank you for your hope and encouragement.  Can I ask you if they considered the stroke massive and how long it took for you to see any changes of improvement.  I know that each case is very different with stroke patients.  It just feels good to hear when the doctors are repeatedly proven wrong.  I feel that my father is fighting for me so that I can stay strong.  I am very close to my father and short of a miracle, things don''t look well.  I would appreciate a prayer from all those who would be willing to pray for us.

Thank you and God Bless.

[lahinva]

Yes, my fathers stroke was massive, it was more than a 5 cm bleed.  The doctors said his ct scan was  a mess and they couldn't believe he was doing as well as he was.  I just spent the last week with him for the holidays, and he is doing a little b etter.  His worst sympton is his short term memory.  He can't remember much in the present, but we had a great holiday and really enjoyed him.  We hope that he will continue to improve.... I will be praying for you... How is your dad doing???

[StarZing]

Hi all,
God is great & listens to every one. we all need courage to get our loved ones back on their feet as they were before and we shall find Him working for us all.

My father is 66 & had a stroke affecting left side of his body, it has been 25 days now and his left left has started moving, he can stand (with support), he is able to walk with support for short distance & has also regained his speech & memory.

Have faith --> have regular physiotherapy & keep the patient happy & stress free (no deppression) & thing will come back to normal...

My thought is with you all & your loved ones....Praise the lord.. chant His holy name & he shall deliver..

Hare Krishna.

Thanks
Ashish

[ZG768]

Dont believe the doctors.... thats all they said to us, any movement my dad did, they said its just Reflex nothing else. Do not believe its all Reflex.... in time you will get to know which actions are reflex and which are actually him. Talk to him, he can hear you, he just cant respond at the moment.

My father was in ICU and there was no movement watsoeva yet we talked to him and soo many ppl came and saw him. He remembered his brother from overseas came. his brother had to go back in 1wk and my dad wasnt even awake to see him yet my dad told me he knows his brother was here coz he heard him. Hold his hand and tell him to fight, tell him he can do this. They need to hear it.

My prayers are with you.. dont give up doesnt matter how hard it gets. He needs you just as much as you need him

[believing4miracle]

My brother-in-law just had a large bleed in left brain 5x6 cm.  Today is Day 21 in intensive care.  He had to have a tracheostomy.  Is off sedation and respirator now and appears to know who we are and understand what we are saying as he often acknowledges things and tries to smile.  However, he can not stick out tongue or move anything on right.  Has anyone experienced their loved one not being able to stick out tongue or move right side, but then see them recover later?  We are praying and believing for a miracle.  We already had one in that he is alive, but we want him to return to his life.  Any encouragement would be appreciated.

[KJQESP]

All I can say is that after my mom had her stroke in September I thought that there was no way she would ever be able to function normally again. I came on this website and read stories of loved ones almost completey recovering. I DID NOT believe these stories at that time.
NOW I do. My mom is back. She is doing everything she used to except driving. She also is not able to read or write but we are working at it and she gets better and better. I KNOW that she will read and write again soon. I have personally experienced her remarkable recovery. She did not move her right side for many weeks and we were told that she would never regain use of her right side. BULL!!! She has complete use of right side now with no weakness whatsoever.
The thing about a bleed versus an ischemic stroke is the although you are more likely to die from a bleed, the recovery is much better if you live. The only thing that is unlikely to come back is vision problems. Unfortunately my mom lost her right side field of vision and therefore will never drive again. However you would never know this. She gets around just fine.
DO NOT stop believing!! DO NOT listen to the doctors prognosis!!! They tell you the worst case senario. The human brain is amazing!! Your brother in law will be ok.  You have many tough times ahead. You will get discouraged. He will come off the trach and then have to go back on. Some days he will huge strides forward and then other days,  seem worse. This will pass. Get through it. Just focus on the light at the end of the tunnel when your brother in law walks through the front door of his home again. It will happen. You gotta get through rehab first. Keep him focused on the same thing. Reassure him and tell him he will be ok. I have been through this and am here to tell you that it gets better. Much better. Hang in there. I could go on and on but my post will be too long. Good luck to you and your family through this very difficult time.

[believing4miracle]

Thank you sooo much for your response!  I really didn't know if anyone would respond, but just decided to check this site today and your posting was a blessing.  I will call my sister right away and share with her.  She called a few minutes ago very discouraged because when she wrote his name on a piece of paper and held it up to him and asked him if he recognized it, he shook his head "no".  Then she did her name and received the same response.  
On the other hand, everyday there have been positive steps in the right direction.  Several good things have occurred since my original posting.  Thank you again.  If you would be willing for me to email you directly, please email me at "***@****".

[KJQESP]

....".when she wrote his name on a piece of paper he didn't recognize it"........ been there, done that.  Keep showing him that piece of paper every single day and tell him what it means. Show him magazines with big words.  Get children's flash cards. Tell him every day who you are and name his family members. His brain is in the process of making new connections right now. You need to stimulate this process by giving him information.  My mom said that it was as if all of her memories are in a room in her brain but someone slammed the door on her. You need to forget about opening the door and figure out how to go around it. That part of her brain is permanently damaged ( the door).  So we are building a new door. The brain is capable of building new neurological connections to take over, but in order for that to happen you have to work it out like a muscle. Be careful no to overtire your brother  because he will be VERY tired for many weeks which is normal. But be consistent and repetive. Repeat the same info every day. It WILL stick.  Get some books on how the brain functions and on strokes. Not so much about stroke recovery because I think those books were pretty depressing.
My mom also could not recognize her name but now she writes it.  It has been four months and her memories continue to flood back.  Recovery is a long process but you will see improvement weekly. The doctors are full of ****......they will list all of his impairments he will 'permanently' have.  They were so wrong about my mom.  I remember when I ran up to the doctor so excited because I saw my mom scratch her nose with her supposedly paralyzed hand and he told me not to get so excited because it was only ' reflexive'. That was when I quit listening to them.  One more thing!!  Very important. At one point after my mom was doing very well, she suddenly became very lethargic and almost catatonic! I questioned the dr and he said they put her on a preventitive anti-seizure medication just to make sure she wouldn't have one.  I researched the med and found out that one of the side effects was extreme drowsiness and unresponsiveness. We demanded they stop the med which they did and she immediately improved.  She never did have a seizure. Watch your brothers meds!!! Look them up online and research what they are giving him. Question everything. You guys will be ok. I know you will. We were in this exact same situation and we are OK!! Mom is home and getting better every day. Hang in there and pray!  Keep an eye on your sister. She needs you big time right now. Give her lots of hugs and do some research for her. Make sure she eats! You too! I wish I could give all you guys a big hug. Good Luck.

[Liltazz]

My dad is truly my heart and has shown amazing heart and strength through what I know is the most difficult challenge of his life.  Even though his hospital doctor claimed "reflex" to EVERY improvement, we know better.  I thank all members of this site for offering support and sharing your stories.  Dad is unable to speak, eat, walk, or move with the exception of his left arm.  He initially slept the majority of the day waking up only briefly and then closing his eyes again.  My father now wakes up when we enter the room and call out his name.  He will look at us and often raise his hand up for us to hold his hand.  The other day when I entered the room I started talking and noticed he wasn't responding to me.  I followed his gaze to the TV set and then turned to him and said "Dad, you're watching the game."  My dad turned to me and then turned his eyes back to the TV.  (I think his team was losing:)  The nursing assistant witnessed my father say one word on three separate occasions.  I continually reassure my father that I am doing EVERYTHING I can to help him get better.  I have asked my father on multiple occassions if he can hear and understand me and he nods "yes".  I tell my dad daily that I love him and that this is "our" fight.  I applaud each tiny step he makes toward recovery.  I also daily tell him what is happening with his family.  Everyone please remember, they can hear you and need to be kept informed with what is going on not just with their recovery, but also family issues, the weather, success stories about stroke recovery etc.  Strokes cause extreme depression so it's good to constantly reinforce that they are not fighting alone and that you are striving to help them improve.  We have combined an arsenal to fight for my father's recovery.  Prayer, faith, hope, love, energy healing, research etc.  Stroke recovery treatments now include:  Accupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen, neuro stimulation (thought to aid in retraining remaining brain cells to take over the function of destroyed brain cells), energy healing, automove arm devices, stem cell options etc. etc.  Tracy 760-590-3338

[Believing4amiracle]

I can't tell you how much your words have meant to us.  Thank you so much.  Today Ronnie passed a swallow test and the trachea test!

[Believing4amiracle]

He is also putting a few words together!

[Colorado2007]

Hi, I have been reading your posts, and my husband is currently on a trach, after his stroke 7 wks ago. Can you give me more info about what type of swallow test and trachea tests were done on him. My husband's right side is completely affected, and he too, can not really stick out his tongue when asked. Can your brother in law now stick out his tongue? My husband's stroke was also a bleed, deep in his brain. Thanks for any info you can supply. I am glad your brother in law is improving. Thanks.

[Colorado2007]

Sorry, I just realized that the post I just added, that I typed the wrong to name, I meant to ask you the questions about the swallow test etc. regarding your brother in law and inadvertently typed in kjqesp in error.
Sorry

[Believing4amiracle]

This is a test to see if this is posting correctly before going on.

[Believing4amiracle]

My brother-in-law had a trachea tube and a feeding tube.  I wasn't there when they did the swallow test--only know that he passed it.  I also know that they capped the trachea tube for 5 hours one day, then 12 the next, then overnight, and after the passing the swallow test, they removed the trachea tube yesterday!  We are thrilled about this.  They are beginning to feed him pureed food, but he doesn't have any appetite yet.  He is very alert and comprehends everything we say, but has zero movement on the right side.  We are praying and hoping for a continued miracle and that we will begin to see something on the right side.  Today he is exhibiting that he is very aware that the right side is not moving--doing things like picking lame arm up with his good arm and showing us he has a problem.  I think this is even encouraging.  

I will be remembering your
In answer to your question about the tongue, I still have not seem him stick his tongue out!  I joked a little about it today to see if he would stick it out, but he didn't and I'm trying to let him keep some of dignity.

I will be remembering your husband in prayer.  I know what a trying time this is!

[Liltazz]

Update:  My dad was transferred to a local nursing facility about a week ago.  He has begun to receive therapy and is showing improvement.  The other day the therapist tickled the bottom of both of his feet at the same time.  My father withdrew both of his legs.  Until now the right leg had been paralyzed (flacid).

I researched a treatment called Vital Stim Therapy and I pray that it will help my father.  The therapy has shown very high success rates of assisting patients with recovering the ability to swallow.  The treatment is given using a device that gives neurological stimulation to the neck area for 30-60 minutes per session.  Many patients are able to be removed from feeding tubes after 10 or 11 treatments.  My father should be starting Vital Stim next week.

It has been a little over a month that my father had his stroke.  When I sat with him yesterday, I held his right hand and asked him if he could squeeze my hand.  To my amazement he shook his head no.  He often nods his head yes, but yesterday was the first time he shook his head no.

Last but not least, Ambien (Zolpidem) is currently being researched because it has strangely awakened people from comas.  The drug is considered to "sometimes" stimulate the area around damaged brain cells and as a result patients have taken the drug and been able to temporarily speak and move paralyzed limbs.

[veronica645]

i had a hemerragic stroke july 2007 a week after giving birth to a daughter had no warning signs but had a crainyotomy to relieve the swelling was in surgical icu for a month in a half i believe was in the hospital for a total of two momthswih rehab i have severe left sided weakness but can walk with a cane. can lift my arm but unable to move my fingers i am 31 and have 4 kids this is so devastating have no cognative impairments and can speakan remember things well. can anyone tell me what is the recovery times like.want to get back into rasing my kids. having one arm to work with is a drag. but i am a miricle docs told my famly to exspect the worst. but i made it through thank GOD. in december my surgen put my bone flap back in he had stored it in my abdomen for safe keeping. so im pretty much back together just want this arm to get back in order. am a nurse can;t understand how i let this creep up on me.   after hearing alot of the stories i do have alot of hope docs say i'll never be 100% but i remain hopful anxious to get back to work an picking my kids up from school and taking them. and being a mother my parents are caring for me and my children. have beendoing well in day rehab leg has been gettin stronger. my gait is unstable me pt says i can walk more stable but im afraid of losing my balance.forgot to mention never had a feeding tube or trach no coma either but did get a blood clot in my left leg a stent with filter was put in my left leg.had a million ct scans of my head. no high bp DIABETIES OR ANY HEALTH PROBLEMS.

[wstarcat]

Thank you for the information.  My son, 34, the father of an 11 year old daughter who thinks he hung the moon had a 2 cent aneurysm. He was stable prior to surgery but ruptured during the administration of anesthesia.  He had stroke the next day.  All on his left side so his right arm and leg have moved only slightly.  He has partially put weight on both legs when they are helping him into bed.  He was in SICU for 1 wk, then in NSICU for another week + 2, then in a neuro stepdown floor for a week and now in an inpatient rehab.  The doctors were very surprised with his progress in the hospital.  They had originally told us he would be in ICU for 3 to 4 weeks.

He has a feeding tube and has not spoken yet.  I have read so many success stories that I am confident my son will recover well.  

What I need some advice on if anyone can provide is how do we keep him motivated to participate in therapies.  He is quite stubborn but clearly understands our questions to him. He nods yes and shakes no.  He is very active on his left side and assists the nurses with everything.

Also, has anyone experienced the head hanging down forward when sitting?  Is there something specific that can help him regain the control of his head.

My prayers are with all families and survivors.

[Sue100]

I am so sorry to read so many sad storys and wish you all the best recovery possible.  I feel sefish for even writing this as i am very lucky and understand that.

I had a stroke 9 months ago at the age of 32 however my stroke was not a clot but a bleed to the brain - hemorrhagic stoke.  I was very lucky to have only had eye sight problems and hope to make a very good recovery in time.  Doctors have no idea why it happened or if it will happen again. I have a 19month old little girl already and understand that if I am at a risk of another stroke I would not have another child or maybe it could happen again and then my kids would not have a mum or worse still I would need to be cared for.  Has anyone had this type of stroke and also had a child?

I admire all of you and your courage to fight on.  Also to the ones who have children with having a stroke as I am sure it is a hard decision to make that could and can change your life for better or worse.

All the best

[shawna27]

My mom of which is 47 on 4/18/2008 was found unconcious and incoheirant in her home it appeared she collapsed,  was rushed to the hospital when we learned of her hemorrhagic stroke. She has an avm and a year ago had surgery on the avm.. For 3weeks she was in a drug induced coma but 2weeks ago today the dr. decided to start waking her on friday she was fully awake and responding, very confused and at first did not know who i was but she eventually said to me your my child! it has been such a challange since she has awakened she's in indiana and i reside in arizona. initially she had no movement on her left side and since then she has full movement and will be moved to a rehab hospital on monday. I have never experienced anything like this and being her oldest child and only daughter is such a struggle for me because i dont have my mom. I for the first time since i have been back in az had the chance to speak with my mom via the phone and she sounds so good but she is so confused kinda like in a child mode she says some things that make since but other things dont she is able to eat and her speach is very well. The problem is she wont eat because she doesnt like the food and she seems to be somewhat combattive is this normal?? My mom has never been a mean or confrntational person this is reports i recieved from family and nurses. When I spoke with her the conversation was different but she seemed to be very encouraged and let me know how much she appriciated me and my help to her so is this good that her mind is working? I'm so confused please advise if you can. Thanks  

[PamRam228]

Thanks for your story.  You're right...you are lucky (I like to say blessed).  You were so young to have had a stroke and that's one of the factors that's going to contribute positively to your recovery.  

You said you have eye problems?  What kind?  My husband had a hemorrhagic stroke last year in July.  Now he has double vision.  Docs said if it doesn't go away in a few months then it won't go away.  I am now looking into getting some kind of surgery for his eyes.

Good luck with your recovery.

[PamRam228]

Hello and a speedy recovery to your mom.  I totally understand what you mean by your mom being confused.  When the brain takes a hit like what your mom went through there is going to be confusion.  My husband had a hemorrhagic stroke 10 months ago and he still has moments of confusion.  Not often but every now and then...mostly when he wakes up from a nap.  The confusion will subside.  You will see your mom slowly coming back to herself.  The amount of recovery is really all up to the brain.  Be patient and keep encouraging your mom.  My husband was almost child like, too, but it's getting better and better.  My husband was also defiant at the hospital.  He didn't want to do the therapy at first but then he started participating.  He used to love my cooking but now he says it tastes too bland so his taste buds are out of whack.  

Thankfully, my husband has no speech problems nor walking problems, but, he gets tired quickly.  The stroke hit him in the occipital lobe and it's mainly affected his eye sight.

Your mom will improve over the months.  She will need your encouragement and support.   May you and your mom be blessed.

[clssyrose]

  hi I'm Teresa I have my friend's mother with a couple of strokes 2 tia's and one stroke  that paralized one side. She always been a very strong woman and very healthy . I would like to get some of teh best stem cell treatment center in Orlando for elderlys with strokes I've done my research but havn't found and location in orlando.Please send me a listing of teh best care for her with speech therapy in the home. my email is ***@****

[Sue100]

So sorry it has taken a while for me to get back in contact.  I hope you and your husband are doing better each day in your recovery.
My stroke did affect my eyes however I already had a slight turn in my left eye from birth which made it hard to know how much damage was done to the left eye but the right was very noticeable so they had that to gauge the damage.  Because of having a turn in my left eye to the doctors amazement I did not get double vision and they seem to think it is because my eyes have always had to work independently. Which was a blessing so I never got double vision, I couldn’t see for the first week and then took about 3 months for me to be able to walk without feeling like everything was on an angle as well as really bad headaches.  I still get headaches and the vision improvement they have said has come to a stop. I have had no improvement since month 4.  They said that I would make the most recovery that I will do in the first 6 months and then after that take it day by day.  They say I have Parinaud’s Syndrome with down gaze paralysis. As well as light near dissociation of my pupils, convergent retractor nystagmus and fine portional nystagmus. For me in my language, means that means that my eyes have trouble reading.  I have to move my head to read from the beginning of a line to the end.  My eye tend to get into a stare that I have trouble trying to get them out of and have to blink a few times. And my eyes get really tired after a day of work.  I am only working 3 days a week and only went back to work after 5 months off.  Still on a rehabilitation program at work to get back to full time.  I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s eyes as I know how long it is taking for my recovery and I don’t have double vision to deal with among any other problems if he is going through more than just eyes.  I can’t imagine how hard it is for you both as I know apart from the eyes, being tired and memory not being what it used to be like it is hard not to just be the person you used to be even though you try.  The brain just does not let you !

I hope you find his eye sight gets better or that they can operate to help him. My thoughts are with you at this time.


Sue  

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Most stroke rehabilitation is through by physical exercise, but the cognitive aspects of stroke rehabilitation are also very important. The intact nerves have the possibility to utilize new and different paths from the brain to build new functional synapses. Mental training is an important element in stroke rehab.
ElectroMyoGraphic signals are called EMG. They are electrical activities originating in the brain and transported via nerve cells to the muscles. These signals cause the muscles to contract. Often EMG signals are disturbed after a brain attack leading to paralysis of muscles.
NeuroMuscular Electrical nerve Stimulation (NMES) is the application of an electrical stimulus for muscle rehabilitation. During NMES an electrical impulse is passed from a device to electrodes placed on the skin over a targeted muscle or muscle group. The stimulation causes the muscle(s) to contract.
ref:http://www.biomove.com/faq1.html
How well a person does depends on the size and location of the bleed. Recovery can occur completely, or there may be some level of permanent loss of brain function.
Medications, surgery, and other treatments can have severe side effects.
You can discuss this further with your doctor.

[Rolz]

Hello! my dad just had hemorrhagic stroke last week that affected the left side of his body. The doctor had to do a ventric which they inserted a small tube in his brain to drain the fluids. Yesterday, my dad underwent tracheatomy for breathing and gastrostomy for feeding. His blood pressure is still going up every now and then.

All your posts are very encouraging and uplifting. It has been difficult for my family. I am 8 months pregnant and had to control myself for getting upset for my unborn child.

I am praying that one day I can post here and announce great news about my Dad's progress. At this time, we don't know yet.

[PamRam228]

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad.  My husband had a hemorrhagic stroke July 12, 2007.  He also had to have fluid drained off his brain.  I really do feel your pain.  I was you almost a year ago and I know how scared you are.  I wasn't given much hope about my husbands survival of the stroke but I never lost faith.  He has recovered a great deal from the stroke.  

You can read my posts to get an idea of his recovery, which, by the way, is nothing short of a miracle from God.  Although, hemorrhagic strokes have a higher mortality rate than ischemic strokes, survivors tend to recover much better.  My husbands only real deficit is double vision.  Everything else is fine.  His doctors told me (after the fact) that they didn't think he would survive.  One of his doctors was absolutely shocked when he walked into a room and saw my husband sitting there, just as alive as ever!

So, don't give up hope.  Recovery is a long road but it's simply amazing to see how the brain heals itself.  Good luck and keep us posted!

[RJack]

Thanks for your post. My husband just had a massive stroke on Friday, July 18, 2008. He has a hemmorage on the left side of his brain and they are watching to see if his body will re-absorb the blood. They have stated that he too will possibly need a tracheatomy and gastrostomy within the next few weeks if he does not breath and eat on his own. What has your dad's progress been in the last week?

This forum is a God-send. God bless each of you who are willing to share your experiences with others. I need prayer and help to make it through this life-changing experience.

Today my husband did respond to the nurse and held up the two fingers he asked him to. However the doctor has confirmed that we are not out of the woods yet and that the road will be a long one.

Most of our family lives in Louisiana and we are in Texas. This makes it even harder for continued family support. Please let me know what questions I should be asking the doctor to get a better understanding of what is happening to him and what I should expect.

The nurse printed up some information on Basal ganglia. Does anyone have a layman definition of what this is and how it relates to my husband present condition.

Thanks so much for your help.

[Rolz]

My dad was discharged from the Intensive Care Unit last friday July 18. A lot of people think this is good news but I am a little skeptic because I really prefer the "intensive care" he was getting from ICU. I will have to trust the medical team's decision on this. Just hoping it's not a money issue why he is getting transferred but means that he is on the road to recovery. He was transferred to a Select Specialty hospital where he can start rehabilitation. My biggest concern is he has a lot of issues with breathing. I don't think he scan swallow so a lot of fluids are going to his lungs. Problems with secretions are getting in the way as well. He had pneumonia and was on a 10 day antibiotic. He has a fever every now and then. The left side of his body is still paralyzed. He was responding to me like squeezing my hand, moving his right leg, and noding.

Right now, I don't know how he is progressing. He is a very positive and religious person so I am sure he is trying hard to overcome this ordeal.

As for me and my family, all we can do right now is PRAY and let GOD handle the rest.

I am 8 months pregnant and hopefully by the time I deliver, Dad is improving.

[RJack]

You, Your Dad and your entire family are in our prayers. God will give you the strength you need to make it through this. My husband is listed as stable now in ICU, but they have to do another CAT scan tomorrow to check the status of the hemmorage. This is so hard, but I am trusting God to work a miracle in my husband's life. I am praying that same prayer for your father.

[Rolz]

Thank you very much for all the prayers. You are also include in my prayers.

How's your husband? Glad to know that he is stable now.

[erickaweb]

My dad suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on July 20th and is still in ICU. The doctor had to perform an emergency surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. The first three days went alright, the brain swelling went down, he was responding to commands to squeeze fingers and wiggle toes, but his condition has deteriorated the last few days. The original doctor asked a neurologist to take a look and they can't figure out why he's not responding anymore. They ordered more tests, more MRIs, more CAT scans, echocaridogram, etc. He is running a fever - anyone else run into this?

[Rolz]

Sorry to hear about your Dad. I know how it feels like. My thoughts and prayers are with your family as well.

What I noticed with my Dad during his first few days and even weeks in ICU was there were times where he was very responsive and few days where he was completely out. I used to refer to it a "roller-coaster" ride, each day was different. There were days that he was sleeping constantly. The neurosurgeon decided not to perform surgery because it might create more damage for him. I thought that was a good decision.

Yes, fever was frequent for my Dad. He suffered pneumonia due to problems swallowing; liquids are going to his lungs. He was on antibiotics and nurses gave him tylenol to keep his body temperature down. ICU medical team is very cautious, they will conduct a lot of tests to be sure. Just make sure they keep you posted.

As this time, he is going through speech therapy. He underwent tracheotomy and it looks like it is bugging him because he would try to pull it out. He is on a restraint. I pray with him and sing with him everyday. His lips are moving and he seems to understand what I'm saying. Hopefully his swallowing ability comes back sooner so I can hear him talk again. I do miss my Dad a lot.

[erickaweb]

Thanks for your words of encouragement. In my prayers I am including everyone who's lives has been touched by strokes as a stroke has a ripple effect outward from the one who suffers it to the people around them. Luckily my Mother has a wonderful support group in our family, her church members, my parents mom and pop gift store, and my parents friends. My Dad has multiple people visiting everyday even though we've warned them not to expect much as he is still in ICU and not responding. It warms my heart to see how much my Dad is loved. I believe he will get better.

I pray that your dad will be able to speak soon!

[goldspecs]

My 48 yr. old friend suffered a massive stroke 14 days ago.  She has had 2 drains put in to reduce pressure and had been in a drug induced coma for 8 days.  She is only opening her eyes and is unresponsive.  
She is still critical.  Any thoughts?

[Rolz]

Sorry to hear about your friend. My Dad is 67 years old when he had a massive stroke a month ago. I've been told that age can have an impact on how well the recovery is going to be. Dad also had 2 drains to reduce pressure which were taken out 3 weeks later.

[goldspecs]

Thanks for your response and I am sorry to hear about your Dad.  How is he doing?  Did he have any other surgeries?  My friend also had surgery the day of the stroke to remove the blood clot.  Is your Dad responsive?  I guess patience is imperative.

[Rolz]

My dad is doing better. He is responsive, nods and squeeze my hand. He didn't go through surgery because the danger is greater since the location of the hemorrhage is way into his brain. The doctors indicated that it might create more damage for him.

He went through tracheotomy to protect his airway. Up until now I don't think he can swallow yet but the speech therapist is working with him 3x a week to regain that ability. He is breathing on his own and very responsive. His main issue is secretion and fluids keep going to his lungs.

His left side is paralyzed but we are starting to see movement in his left leg. It might be reflex but he seems to react everytime we move it.

[nicola130601]

Hi all, My mum, 59 suffered a hemorrahagic stroke on Saturday, 23rd August.  She had emergency surgery to remove a very large bleed and survived.  Mum is still in ICU but is responding to commands and had the ventilator removed today.  The bleed was on the left and she has no movement on the right side although her arm did move but they say that was a reflex!
We have still to hear her speak but are not not puishing too much, the docs say she is doing really well and should make a full recovery, whatever that means. From the stories here I'm not expecting a full recovery well not in the next few months at least..so whay do the doctors say that!!!!
It is good to hear the stories on encouragement, I now know this will be a long journey, if only the doctors could tell us that.

[ni1ck]

I am seeking some information for myself and what expectations I should have for my father who is 59 years old.  He suffered a hemorrhagic stroke caused by a bad fall when he was on blood thinner in late May of this year.  
He had two sugeries to remove blood within the first three days.  Then spent 4 weeks in an induced coma to keep seizures under control.  In early June he went to in patient rehab and has just now come home.  
He still has no sense of time or memory and only speaks when spoken to; sometimes making perfect sense and other times no sense at all.  He initiates nothing and will just stare off at nothing until spoken to or something else garners his attention.  The physical effects were not that bad, he can walk with help, has some mild tremors, and balance but his cogitive ability is that of about a 2yr old.  Does anyone have experience with this?  When does cognitive ability start coming back or should it have started already?  

[Gino1000]

Hello ni1ck.  My dad also had a hemorrhagic stroke in late May.  He took a big 'hit'.  He has had similar issues but he cannot walk (yet).  I'm no doctor and can only speak and ask questions based on my own experiences - and I realize that every stroke patient is different.  About the seizures - I assume he is on anti-seizure medication.  About the tremors - is he on neurontin?  My dad had constant tremors in his 'good' leg which have subsided since the neurontin was recently adjusted upwards.  Also, Neurontin combined with an anti-depressant have helped to alleviate much of the neuropathy pain and emotional spikes.  I've also seen a slow/steady improvement in cognitive abilities.  We used to have to initiate conversations but that's slowly changing.  We also tried to exercise his mind as much as possible.  We started with flash cards with pictures and words on them... dog, cat, etc...  We continue to talk with him one-on-one (in a calm environment) which has helped him to become conversive.  Just this week, I had a meaningful 30 minute conversation with him.  He's recently expressed interest in TV again.  

About the childish behavior - is he battling with urinary tract infections (UTIs)?  I've seen my dad regress to childish behavior and dementia during UTIs.  The behavior adjusted within a couple days of antibiotics.  

I hope this helped and wish you well.  

[Gino1000]

Hello nicola130601.

Stay positive for yourself and for your mother.  I'm relieved to hear that her doctors are encouraging and optimistic - unlike my dad's doctors who were the complete opposite.  He had a hemorrhagic stroke in his left thalamus in late May.  I think his doctors copped an attitude because he was 83 at the time.  After three months of sifting through books, journals, magazines and web sites - there's one thing for sure.  No one out there really knows much of anything.  You will now become an expert in your own right.

They say every stroke patient is different but I assume your mom's recovery will take several months.  I've read instances where some patients took up to 9 months to walk again and others longer.  About the 'reflex'?  I heard that too regarding my dad but over the past 3 months I've noticed more and more 'reflex' and now everyone agrees it's not just reflex.

It's too early to know the residual effects.  Meanwhile, here are some tips to get you and your mom through the recovery process.

1) Encourage her.  Talk to her.  Reassure her.  She can hear you.  
2) Make sure no one overwhelms her, smothers her or talks down to her.
3) Mouth Care.  If she's on a feeding tube, make sure nurses are doing mouth care regularly so her mouth doesn't become dry.  Learn to do it yourself to supplement mouth care and keep her as comfortable as possible.
4) Hand care.  Make sure to use a hand moistening/cleaning towlet on her affected hand every time you see her.  
5) Stay on her right side when you visit her.  It will help her to be mindful of that side.  Also, remind her of her right arm/leg.  Touch them and ask if she can feel your touch.  Stroke patients often neglect the affected side early on and that direction in general.
6) Ask doctors, nurses and therapists for their opinions about her condition and recovery.  But don't accept them at face value if you suspect otherwise.  After all, you are your mom's advocate and champion.  In my dad's case, speech therapists kept him  on a feeding tube for two months.  I was convinced he could swallow and insisted on a swallow test (fluoroscopic).  The man eats like a champion.
7) Take care of yourself.  Make sure you alternate visits with family members so you can take days off.  Otherwise, it will become a daily vigil and wear on you.  You can never completely 'get away' but time off will help.  It's important that you remain healthy and strong for yourself and for your mom.  Make sure that no one makes you feel guilty about not being there 24x7.  I can't tell you the number of times that a nurse has called me to say 'are you planning to visit today'?  Of course, they don't realize that I have seen my dad 90 of the past 100 days.  Push back on them if you have to.  After all, it's 'their' job to care for her as she recovers.  It's your job to support and encourage her.
8) Things to watch out for.  Cognitive issues. Neuropathy pain (on the affected side). Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).  Inability to swallow.  Depression.  Sleep disorders (hypersomnia or insomnia).  Inappropriate behavior.  Bowel and bladder incontinence or bladder retention issues.  Shoulder pain and subluxation (in the affected shoulder). Vision problems.  Hopefully your mom will not experience any of these but look into them so you are prepared.
9) Movement.  If you notice 'any' movement on her right side, investigate it.  I noticed slight movement in my dad's right leg about 5 weeks post stroke.  I told him about it which peaked his interest.  I picked up his right leg - my hands supporting his foot and ankle.  I asked him to push.  I pushed against him and he pushed back.  At first he pushed from his hip but over time he's pushing 'with' his leg.  I do the same thing with his right hand and arm.  Look into getting a 'mirror therapy box' for her right hand.  Do a search on Google and you'll see it.
10) Rehabilitation.  When it's time for rehab, make sure the therapists have experience with stroke patients.  Attend rehab when you can to observe and encourage her.  Stay attentive but realize that your mom will recover as best she can on 'her' schedule and not the schedule of therapists, doctors or insurance companies.  

I hope this helped.  I too am learning as I go.  It can be an up-and-down experience so don't be discouraged. I wish you well.

[Rolz]

My dad who suffered hemorrhagic stroke last July 1, 2008 is still in rehab. He also has the trach still. The speech therapist is working with him. My dad can swallow but it's going to the wrong pipe so they are not confident of removing the trach. Does anyone have a similar case? I am wondering how long it takes before the trach can be removed and when swallowing comes back.

[amy1887]

on friday 19th oct 08 my dad, 47 suffered a sub arachnoid hemmorage. he had a terrific pain at the back of his head and within minutes the pain moved around to the front of the head which made him fall to his feet. me and my mum (i am only 19) sent him to bed thinking it was some sort of migrane and told him to sleep it off. the next few days he got sicker and sicker he was being sick diorehoea and confused. we new there was something wrong on the sunday we phoned a doctor to some out and see my dad who immediatley suspected it was something to do with an anyersym on the brain and told him he must go to hospital immediatley. we took dad in the ambulance after it taking 3 hours to arrive. when we got to a & e the nurse came in to our room and said are you the man with the headaches and was very rude. after waiting 4 hours in a & e walsgrave hospital we finally were moved to another department (still not seen a doctor this was 4.5 hours after we got there) the department was called something along the lines of detective the problem. it was now 5 hours and finally a doctor came to see dad. my mum gave the doctor the note the doctor who had visited the house gave us and we told her that he needed a CT scan to rule out an anyrsm. she said she would need to speak to her senior doctor to get his approval before she went ahead. eventually we left dad in hospital not knowing whether or not he was going to have a ct scan as we could only stay till 8 oclock as the hospital couldnt have many visitors and had restricted visiting hours due to a sudden mrsa scare. later on that night we called to see the progress and what was happening. the nurse said i have the registrar here who would like to speak to you (to my mum) and he said they had called people in the hospital to do the ct scan and had found my dad had actually had 2 anyersms, one had burst and caused a subarachnoid hemmorage and the other was on the same artery which wasn't helpful. he told us my dad would have to have an operation either in the night or in the morning first thing. we got up the neext day after having no sleep at all at 6 o clock and called the hospital yo see what had gone on and whether dad had had the op or not, they said not yet but he will be having it soon. we got to the hospital which is 30 miles away at 7. as we got there the surgeon who was very nice told us he would be taking dad in fifteen minutes and the surgery would take 2 hours. everntually that fifteen minutes went (at this point dad was very sick had severe headaches was confused and didnt really know what was going on) they took dad and i can tell you now that was the longest 2 hours of my life. me and my mum sat on the hospital ground floor and as soon as the clokc struck 2 hours later we went straight up to the receptionist who was very very nice and got her to call the theatre and see if dad had been taken to recovery - which he hadnt, they told the lady he would be another hour or so... half an hour later we went back to reception and asked her to call again which she did, and we were told dad was out and in recovery and the operation went succesfully. because the other anyrsm (the one which hadnt burst) was on the same artery, it was to risky to do the coiling both at the same time so he wouldd have to come bac 6-8 weeks later to have the other one done. we went straigh up to see dad and he was fine he said he was so relieved the pain had gone and hadnt felt as good. it was amazing - a dream come true.
the surgeon came in and told us the operation went 100% and dad had to stay in for 10 days just to make sure he was ok and he had to stay in bed for 3 days then could get up as they had to let the brain recover.
((amazingly the operation was done through his groin and he didnt have to open his head up at all and he currently has no scars whatsoever!))

then...
3 days later my mum and i went in to see dad and he said he felt weird.. he had numbness in his right hand and slowly it was getting worse to a point in which he couldnt move it and his speech was all slurred etc.
we told the doc immediatley who said if it gets any worse well take him fora ct scan. ( we werent too happy)

it did get worse later on that day he couldnt move his right arm, leg wasnt making much sense with talking etc -- something was wrong

they took dad for a ct scan which showed a part of his brain wasnt getting enough oxygen/blood... they rushed him off to intensive care where he stayed for 2 weeks. after about 5 days we eventually got to speak to the neurosurgeon who told us this was a comlication with the surgery and this was why he needed to stay in for 10 days as this is a complication. it was called vasospasm
vasospasm is when an artery in the brain spasms and goes thinner and opens up. i dont think doctors know actually why it happens but with the surgery he had done this happens to 20% of patients.
the only thing they culd do was force dads blood pressure up so high to force the blood through the artery to the part of the brain which wasnt getting enough. the only problem with that was that he had another anyersm and is there was too much pressure the other one will burst which would be a big big big risk. (normally they would put the blood pressure up alot more than they did to stop the brain dieing but couldnt in dads case)
  so the doctors could only put the blood pressure up so high to save the other anyrsm. so eventually dad started to get a bit better started saying yes and nos after a week and a slight movement of his right leg etc.

[amy1887]

continuueeed........


then dad was eventually moved out of intensive care and back into the other ward which he was in previously he was there for 2 weeks or so with some (very little) physio speach therapy etc
dad kept asking me and mum to ask the doctor when he could come home as he is a very home person and if he could of got up and walked out then and there he would have done! the doctor told us he would deffo be in for weeks and we found this very hard to tell him so we told hi mthe doctor said he would have to see how he got on as it different for everyone. (in the mean time the doctors confirmed dad had had a hemmoragic stroke and a part of his brain that moves his right arm and side of the face has died) this doesnt mean dad wont be able to move it , it means there will be some problem which could in fact be minor, it may just mean he wont be able to clench his fist fast etc

then came the next issue
because we dont live in the county the hospital was in the hospital wouldnt get paid for dads rehabilitation he had to be transferred to our countys hospital (even though we live NEARER to the hospital he was currently at)  in the time this took for the hosp he was at to call the other hosp get a bed sorted we were adament he wasnt moving hospitals and after much hard work and determination we got his physio at the hospital he was currently at to let him come home as he wasnt getting much physio where he was he wasnt in the proper rehab ward he was ment to be in and would of been in if we lived there so we brought him home. now he gets physio every day they come to our house
dad is walking short distances and long distances with a stick
his talking is SO much better he can have a conversation and may get stuck on one word or so but it is remarkable. dad still has problem with the right arm but he can move it (with difficultly) he can move his shoulder but he hasnt got the clenchin the fist back yet which is what we are working on now

before dad left his doctor got some university students and doctors to come and see him and they were so amazed at how well he was doing

he is such a strong person and has done this all himself with his families help. it has been six weeks today this whole trauma happened and we are so amazed and i bet the doctors are that he had done this

i am so proud of him
and because it ha only been 6 weeks
he is doing remarkable and no one can tell him he wont be able to do this and that because he will!
many people would take years to do what dad has done in 4 weeks!

[Allykat2008]

hello all. I am a 19 year old collge student whos mother suffered from a hemorrihagic stroke on Aug. 28, 2008. The stroke occured through her left eye and affected her whole right side of her body it caused paralysis as well as exspresive apahsia. The day of the stroke she was alert and was able to respond appropriatley. Later that night we had recieved a phone call stating "that theres a big posibility that my mother would not make it through the night and if she does survive she will only have 30 days to live". So being the devout christrains that we are we began praying and praying and praying. And the next day they said that she would make it pass the 30 days and that we were givin the wrong information. However we wernt out of the woods just yet. Later that night my mother went into a coma and had contracted a unrinary tract inffection which was not good for a person who just suffered this type of stroke. 4 days later she came out of the coma and then became responsive however she still required her antibotics for the UTI and a feeding tube. Each day the doctors would come in and tell us how shell will never be the same or even be normal how she would forever be in a child like state and will never be able to walk again in her life. 15 days into the stroke she was released from the hospital and was placed in a skilled nursing facility. There things didnt get much better untill she became comfortable there and she began doing her intensive speech therapy and physical therapy. Towards the end of her 2 month stay at the nursing home she began to walk using a walker. However her speech did not return as much as i would like and her cognition is very bad. Now that shes home we attend out patient therapy however there ending our sessions because they feel that theres nothing they can do to hel her. Although we havent quite reached our 4 month mark yet i was wondering does anyone know what kind of time line i should look forward to? I am only 19 and an only child  this is very new for me .....

[mother080163]

My  aunt just had a hemorrhagic stroke on 12/29 with a  bleed that measured 10cm on the right side of her brain.  She had surgery and was off of the vent within 24hrs.  She was speaking, alert and opening her eyes shortly after being taken off of the vent. The next day she could speak, but not open her eyes and now she hasn't spoken or opened her eyes for  3days.  She does have a feeding tube and is responding to pain stimulus. Has anyone experienced anything like this?  She is 75, a Dominican nun and a Phd. in education.  Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[zmstar]

My Father (who is 62)  had a hemorraghic stroke on the left side measuring over 5cm. Today makes day 5 and its been very difficult on my family. I am 26 with 2 brothers 30 and 34 he is not off the vent yet and according to the dr during their exams has not made any "purposful" movements. he was a nurse for 35 years and made his wishes to us very clear never to be hooked up to machines in order to live. I am at the hospital now writing to all of you while my brother and mother sit in his room. I would like to thank everyone on this site for for their stories of hope . I don't think I am ready to tell them about this site however I will check back everyday and keep everyone up to date on his progress. He may never be the same man I knew but a small part of his is all i need. Once again thank you and I will be praying for all who come for comfort.
Z

[couganator]

My Mom (78)  suffered a hemorragic stroke somewhere between Monday and Tuesday nights (Jan 5-6)  and was in bed alone for almost 48 hours before i found her.  She was very dehydrated and incoherent.  Upon getting her to the ER she has recovered somewhat already but her speech (Where the bleeding occured in the brain)  is all jumbled and words are audible but in the wrong order or otherwise just jibberish.  I'mm told this is normal.  She is now working with speech therapy at the hospital.  What i'm wondering is has anyone else who has a loved one with these types of strokes found anything that actually lessens the chances of recurrance?   The doctors so far have said the cranial capillaries and arteries are not thin,  they're brittle.   There's got to be something that can be taken to add back some elasticity or otherwise lessen the odds of it happening again.  

[Mella317]

My mom had a massive hemorragic stroke on Dec. 22 2008.  I was home with her when it happened and called Ems right away.  She was in the ER with in 30 mintues of the stroke happening.  But nothing was done, no operation, nothing.  She was transfered to the ICU, where she was monitored and the CT scans showed the bleeding got worse, however the last CT scan showed it stop.  The doctors told me there was no hope for recovery she need to be put in hospice.  And to make it as comfortable for her as they can.  My mom was my best freind.  She was only 66 years old.  She died on my birthday Dec. 29 2008.
After reading some of the post I am concerned that she could have recovered.  And I made the wrong decsion.  

[Crystal521]

Hello everyone, my mother just suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. She has been in a coma since she got there. About 8 days ago. They took her out from icu and and put her in a recovery room. she is breathing on her own but still in a coma. She is bleeding all through her brain. The doctors said that hopefully it will absorb on its own.I am reading all these stories and its very aspiring. I will like to know how long where they in a coma? that is my mine concern. when we talk to her her heart start beating fast, she moves but they say its just reflexs. but i know she hears. i will like to know more.

[eenunez]

My Uncle Lou suffered an hemorrhagic stroke on the left side of his brain on Jan 15th. He was rushed to the hospital within minutes of his stroke thanks to wonderful people that were around him at the resteraunt he was at.  His pre-surgery prognosis was grim, after surgery the doctor was a bit more optimistic indicating that he will eventually wake up.   He is still in sicu and is under the best care possible.  Now all we can do is pray and endure that long road of rehab  I read Mella317 comment from Jan 10 and can't believe doctors did not operate.  My uncle will be 61 next month, not much older than her mother at 66.  Please do not feel guilty about your decision, it sounds like you trusted the advice of the doctors.  Though it seems that surgery should have been an option for your mother.

[KJQESP]

Mella, I am so so sorry for your loss. It all depends on where the stroke was. If it was somewhere deep in the middle of the brain there is nothing they can do. My mom's stroke was between the skull and the brain. It was an area they could get to easily and the blood clot was removed. But this did not reverse the damage. Blood on the brain tissue kills that tissue. It is eventually absorbed but the damage is already done. Please, please find peace in the fact that your mom did not suffer. Unfortunately my mom has never been the same since her stroke 16 months ago. She cant drive,read, cook, put on her make-up or do her cross stitch that she loved so much. She can walk and talk but her short term memory is lost and she is very cognitively impaired. Now to top it all off, she is suffering from vascular dementia and has horrible hallucinations, and sometimes does not recognize her family. She just got home form spending 2 weeks in the geriatric psych ward where she cried every day.  I know that this is not the kind of life my mom would have wanted. I now have a living will. I dont want to live to be like that. Take care and enjoy your life like your mom would have wanted you to.  Has anyone else out there had a loved one who suffered from dementia months or years after their stroke?

[nascarmike99]

On Dec. 31 2008 my 50 year old brother had a massive hemorrhagic stroke..The ER doctor was suggesting the family not start life support because there was no chance of him coming out of it and if he did he would be a vegatable but I wanted a second opinion.After a Neurologist examined him he told the family that my brother was on the poor side of a 50/50 chance of making it.At day 5 the Neurologist suggested the family pull the plug on the life support, myself and my other brother voted yes and my sister voted no and we were told we couldn't pull the plug without a  unanimous vote..Well my brother woke up from the coma on day 12 and started breathing on his own and was responding to commands and asking questions in a weak breath kinda speech,but we understood him..He stayed in neuro ICU for another week then moved to the neuro ward..After a week there the hospital says he is ready to be discharged to a sub-acute rehab (nursing home)..He has pretty good movement on his right side but his left side is kinda weak and his speech is like a whisper and he failed the first swallowing test and has a feeding tube in his stomach.
   When the hospital discharge planner called me and told me that there was 5 insurance approved nursing homes in the area and then asked me which one I want to send him to!!! WTF,she said he had to be out of the hospital by the next day...Confused, I went to one of the nursing homes and went into a deep depression on the spot,there were 3 or 4  80 and 90 year old people to a room,the smell was unreal...After a talk with the nursing home social worker,she told me that it would do more harm than good for me to send my 50 Y/O brother to that kinda setting,even if it was for just a few months of rehab to strengthen up for a 3 week acute-rehab stay..And she told me that the discharge planner was just trying to rush me to make a decision so that her job would be easier..Well needless to say,I had a talk with this discharge planner the next day and told her my brother was going to go nowhere and that she had better be up-front and straight with me..She told me that the hospital would start billing him directly for every day that he was in the hospital room pasdt the insurance cutoff date..I gave her his address and said send the bills,there is no way he is ever going to pay this bill..Now she is being up-front with me and working with me but I am still in a stall mode since I know they can't kick him out of the hospital..I know he can't stay there forever but it is giving me time to check places out and stuff..All the other family members have gone about their lives and act like they don't even want to be bothered with the decision making or helping out,So it's just me taking this on..have learned a lot by reading these posts and will gladly help anyone out if they have any questions about anything..I hope everything works out for everybody here that has had a loved on stricken down by this terrible thing.

Peace
Mike

[Rolz]

I am so sorry for your loss. I feel so sad because my Dad who suffered hemorrhagic stroke back in July 1, 2008 is recovering slowly. He is still in the feeding tube, paralyzed on the left and having problems with his trach. It's his birthday tomorrow and everyday I fear of losing him. I am not ready and there is nothing in this world that can prepare me for it. Please help me pray for my Dad's recovery.

I was 8 months pregnant when it happened and now my baby girl is 5 months old. As my baby grows up, it makes me happy but at the same it brings me down knowing that it has been that long my Dad is in the rehab. I do miss him a lot and it makes me cry just thinking that it will never be the same anymore :(

[cg636]

My father had a third hemorragic stroke on 1/21/09 (this one is massive)...he was in ICU for a week or so and then moved into the stroke center section of the hospital...moved last Mon into Acute Rehab...the stroke happened so deep within the brain that it was inoperable due to risk of harming other parts of the brain.  He has left side paralysis (NO movement in left arm and minimal in left leg)....speech impaired now...he is a physician.  He even initially received HORRIBLE care in the first hospital that I had him placed in, which is why we chose to transfer him by DAY 2...we also had to have a  g tube inserted since he had failed 2 barium swallow tests...he still cannot swallow properly, however they are practicing with spoonfuls of water a few times a day via speech therapist..

I pray for your father's recovery as I know that you will pray for my father...this is going to be a LONG road to recovery and you will have to stay positive and let him know that you BELIEVE in him!!

[guji]

My heart goes out to all of you who have been affected by stroke.  Many of these comments are really touching and my thoughts and best wishes go out to you all.

About 6 weeks before mom had the stroke, mom burned her finger badly cooking. Never one to complain, mom said it was nothing - it was not until a few days later that we noticed it become infected and my brother took mom to hospital. When I went to our doctors surgery a few days later to get the bandage changed they also checked moms blood pressure which the nurse said was high and simply advised to cut down on things like salt. The nurse then booked appointment at clinic for blood tests which we went for about a week later.  Somewhere around this time my brother also went to gp's to change bandage again and still blood pressure was higher than normal. A few days before the mom's stroke dad collected mom's presciption for iron tablets as a result of the blood tests.

I saw in front of my own eyes my mother having a hemorrhagic stroke in 2007.  I will never forget the day it happened - I came back home in the afternoon knocked on the front door as I didn't have a key and no answer.  This wasn't unusual as if dad slept then mom would usually sleep as well just to keep an eye on dad or mom was often in the kitchen cooking so would not hear the front door.  As it happened, I knocked the gate round the back and eventually mom came from upstairs...sadly this was the last time i last saw mom walk. Mom was sisitting right in front of me with hands clenched as per usual looking tired..i told mom to go back to sleep but mom said no she's fine. 10 minutes later, I saw mom slowly slip off the settee on to the living room floor and just thought mom was joking for some reason but then mom collapsed to her left-hand side. I asked her what was wrong and as unselfish as ever, mom always thought about us first and said she's fine and told me not to tell dad but obviously i shouted to come downstairs quickly. Then it seemed to get worser and mom clung on to my jeans..mom's speech became very slurred - i dialled 999 and the ambulance seemed to take an age to arrive.

We waited at the hospital for hours for mom to be examined and then there was only 1 doctor who was in that department..all the rest of the nurses seemed to be having a chat and fun which I don't think was appropriate. Once examined, the doctor confirmed it was a major stroke and mom would have a ct scan the following morning and were promptly told the first 72 hours are vital if mom was going to survive.

A couple of days after the stroke, I went to see our family gp - I don't know why i just needed answers..he said there was nothing they could have done in the couple of visits that high blood pressure was identified as sometimes this can be down to something else and mom should have been coming in regularly which mom never did..i guess mom was too scared.  The gp also said because it was a bleed mom would be fine and would walk again eventually.  This really did raise my hopes for mom.

Mom was put on a drip and was unable to swallow anything.  It was the most difficult time not being able to understand was mom was saying.  The doctor did tell me it was highly unlikely mom would ever walk again due to the nature of stroke. However, mom slowly regained her speech.  Mom's blood pressure was very high for the firsty few weeks and still high when they decided to send mom to stroke pyhsiotherapy unit.  During this time, I came everyday..straight from work on the weekdays to see mom, encourage mom, attend pyhsio sessions etc.  However, after about a month they said they have done all they can but physio was going to be reduced as other patients were arriving and mom was not showing any signs of improvement.  To be fair, I think the physio's were doing all they could (some actually spoke the same langauge as my mother which was a huge plus as mom hardly spoke much english) but I know for a fact that ideally they would have liked more time with mom as they told me so but due to resources....

Regrettably, mom is a nursing home - mom is only in her 60's and many patients are a lot older than mom in there.  Don't get me wrong, they look after mom well and other than not being able to walk, mom is absolutely fine and even a couple of the staff speak the same language as my mother and mom still has plenty to smile and laugh about.  However, it still pains me to see mom there.  I realise there may not be much that we can do as I and brothers all work and dad wouldn't be able to do much as he had a stroke himself but can walk.  Mom virtually looked after dad and all of us..did everything, especially the cooking.

Life hasn't really been the same since mom had the stroke - the stress has somewhat eased but there are still times when it I really do feel stressed out.  I may be in my 20's and the youngest son but sometimes it feels like I am the wisest and most responsible.  May be it's becuase I feel really close to mom...i enjoy visiting mom..i can't imagine what i'd do if mom wasn't there any longer.

I will never give up hoping that one day mom will walk again though.  I still try the electrical stimulation and massage mom's leg.  At once stage, we got a private physio @ ÂŁ60 a session twice a week..there was some improvment but nowehere near enough to walk again.

I just wish there was something else out there that I could try or possibly buy.  If anyone out there's knows anything that may help please let me know - I will do anything for my mother.  They say money doesn't mean anything..it's partly true compared to a life it's worthless but if I had the money required the first thing I'd do is bring mom back home and spend whatever is needed on any treatments.

Nevertheless I will never give up hope and will keep praying like I did back when it happened and neither should any of you.

I hope this wasn't too long-winded for you.  Take care all of you and all the very best for the future.

[Rolz]

I've been posting about my Dad who suffered hemorrhagic stroke back in July 1, 2008. He was rushed to the emergency room last Friday, February 6, 2009 due to low blood pressure and high fever, temp was 105 in ER. My Dad looked like he was really suffering. He has been diagnosed with Urinary Tract Infection(UTI) and it spilled on his blood so he has sepsis now, medical term for blood infection. His blood pressure has been really low and he has having a hard time breathing due to too much secretion. He is constantly coughing and grasping for air. He has a trach so he keeps getting suctioned but it's endless. It hurts me to see him suffer like this. I googled sepsis and it sounds really scary. He is on anti-biotics now and hopefully the infection goes away. It seems like my Dad takes a one step to recovery but two steps back with all the complications.

I pray for everybody who's going through hard times like my family. Stroke is a long road to recovery and the sad part is, it seems like there is no assurance that at the end of the road, things get better. GOD is a GOD who heals. I am continously praying for a miracle of healing.

[mattwa]

My 73 year old father suffered a hemorrhagic stroke 2 nights ago. He is in a coma and shows limited movement on his right side. His left hand continually reaches up to touch his head, most likely to due an intense headache. He shows slight response to verbal request (raise arm, squeeze hand etc.) but doesn't open his eyes and shows not recognition. This has declined somewhat today. Part of this decline may be due to the morphine that started giving him to alleviate pain. The Doctors and Nurses are very careful not to give any false hope to the point we don't expect any improvement. I have to say though that the nurses have been really great. Today his Doctor questioned us on whether to provide antibiotics for an onset of pneumonia because of his desire not to be resuscitated. Dad has been very clear on not being kept alive artificially and we will respect that but he is still breathing on his own. Not sure exactly why I'm adding to this post, except that your stories have moved me from fatal acceptance to a slightly cautious optimism. Thank you all for sharing and I wish you all the best.

[Mona1957]

Hello, My Daughter had a stroke at 28,she is diabetic,she has dialysis every other day,can not speak or swollow. She is now a quadraplegic. I miss her so bad,we are best friends.I would die to hear her say I love ya Maaaa, again.She does know who people are,she can give looks to kill when she's mad.And now the Doctors insist that I put her on comfort care (Take away all her medical help,feeding,and dialysis) and let her die.I don't know where to turn or what to think. Can I have a little help here. I have no one to talk to or discuss this with.... Mona

[hyacinthbucket]

Hello Mona;
My heart aches for your situation.  You didn't say in your post how long ago your daughter's stroke was.  If it was in the last 12 months, there is great hope for significant recovery.  Even after 12 months, the brain continues to re-wire and people with severe disabilities often re-gain some use of their limbs and speech.  If the stroke was fairly recent, she could make great strides over the coming weeks/months and the doctors should never be taking such an approach with you.  Is she getting lots of re-hab?  It really is the key.  Keep fighting and listen to your instincts. Good luck and please let us know how she's doing.

[rmag8205]

My father in law, a 55 year old male, had a massive hemorrhagic stroke on the entire (literally, the entire) right side of his brain last Tuesday night (Feb 17) while taking a shower. They got him to the ER within about 30-45 minutes of the stroke (his blood pressure was 350/150) and they inserted a tube into his brain to help drain the blood. It has been 9 days now and he is still in a coma (not drug induced) and has had the same reflexes for the past 5 days with no improvement (moving feet when tickled, moving his head when they clean his mouth, and that's about it). The doctors and nurses are not optomistic and all and performed a tracheostomy yesterday and put in the feeding tube. He looks more comfortable and they stated that on the Cat scan 5 days ago his brain had moved back about 4mm into place (still has 6 mm to go).

Basically, there has been zero change. As I said before, the doctors are not optomistic and have told us to not expect any decent recovery. When they shine the light in his eyes they don't react, and he has only opened them once (not on command-he doesn't do anything on command).

I have read the above posts and find great comfort in some of them. We have been told that all we can do is pray for a miracle, but it just looks so grim at this point.

[keepthefaith5]

My father-in-law, 76, had a hemorrhagic stroke 3 weeks.  I will give the details where he is now and then ask a few questions.  He was in ICU for 2 weeks then moved to TCU for a week.  Four days ago, he was moved to a LTAC (long term acute care center) that specializes in getting stroke patients off the trach.  He was given a trach and a feeding tube while in ICU.  He opens his eyes, looks at us, smiles a bit, shows emotion with facial expressions, scratches his head, rubs his face, moves his left side very well, can hear and respond to commands at times, has moved his right leg and has resistance in his right arm when exercised.  Like the rest of you, he was told by some doctors that he wouldn't live, have any meaningful quality of life and be in a persistent comatose state for the rest of his life.

We do believe that he will continue to make progress as his brain heals and the "fog" lifts.  Little by little, we see this happening.  Though the last 2 days have been less encouraging with progress (he wasn't able to really wake up much), we think it is just part of the healing process and his body is still recovering from brain surgery and the stroke.

Regarding therapy, did you start any kind of therapy while in the stage I described?  So far he hasn't received any.  We've read that therapy is key and there is a one year window to recover as much as possible.

What about the trach and feeding tube?  We've heard different explanations on if this is part of it or the longer he has it, the less recovery he will have.

I will leave this now.  But thank you for posting and giving us the opportunity to learn more about strokes and all.  I look forward to hearing from you.

[strokegirl]

Have hope - Please have hope!

I had a massive haemorhage on the 10th of May last year which left me paralysed down the left side BUT I now walk everywhere unaided and my arm is slowly getting better.

It does get easier, but you must believe - that is key. Without positive thought you are 'game over' as it is crucial to any chance of progression.


Strokegirl

[glen22]

A cookie cutter approach is what is specifically needed for stroke rehabilitation. IE curled toes, there are a couple of options, most of which doctors do not seem to know about. Each approach should be able to specify the percentage of survivors who improve using that. If that information is not available then research should be done to prove efficacy.  I understand the different effects that each stroke has but right now patients are not given very much information at all - just look at all the questions on all the stroke forums out there.. Regarding NDT, I would argue that the patient should choose between that and the Brunnstrom approach.

[tania715]

My nephew Marco 26 years old, had an AVM bleed located at the cerebellum area on November 6 08.  He fell unconscious in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.  He was then operated on and now the AVM is cleared.

Marco was in a coma and opened his eyes for the first time on November 11 08.  To date Marco is making steady but slow progress.  He can now answer yes or no by nodding or shaking his head.  He can do thumb up with his left hand.  He attempted to wave goodbye to a visitor by lifting his front part of the left arm up 90 degrees.  He is starting to move his fingers a little bit on his right hand.  There is also little movements on his left toes but not the right as yet.  Marco's memory, intelligence and sense of humour are there, because he can recognise people and even smiled when one of the doctors cracked a joke.

In the last couple of weeks he tried to say "hello" to friends but of cause that's not clear as yet, so I believe speech is coming along.  Marco is still wearing a mini trachea but hopefully it's coming out by the end of this week.  Marco's biggest enemy now is his fatigue problem, he seems to be sleeping a lot even during the day.  He is constantly having body temperature and whenever he gets that he is sleeping all day.  Marco is still in hospital (it's been 4 months), one rehab will not accept him because he is not advanced enough and another rehab will but not until May.

Is it normal that patients has this sort of injury (in the cerebellum) they tends to need more rest to recuperate?   Marco is still sleeping a lot day time now 4 months post injury.  Is it normal?  Can I say this is a good sign that he sleeps a lot because the brain still needs recovery rather than awake all day and not being able to response to any thing at all?  

IIt seems to us that his control of movements are intact it's just that he needs lots of energy and fully conscious to do what he wants to do.

Because he can sometimes move his fingers and toes on command does that mean that he will be fully functional again but it's just a matter of time?  and how long does it usually take for someone to start moving his fingers till being able to walk again?

Your feed back on all these questions would be very much appreciated as we are a very close family and I'm loosing sleep over Marco's tragic illness.

Tania

[cg636]

UPDATE:  It has been 2 months (almost EXACTLY to the day) since my father's 3rd massive hemorraghic stroke...initially left side hemiplegia....YESTERDAY is the first day he was able to drag left arm from side onto stomach area (while laying down)!!!!  Two days before that, he claimed to have some movement on finger tips (being able to grip lightly)...we're making progress!!!  

My dad was in ICU initially for a week and then moved to a regular hospital bed in the Stoke unit of the hospital for another 2 weeks...THEN, moved to ACUTE Rehab in the hospital for 1 month...once kicked out due to "FREEDOM BLUE-Anthem" lack of coverage, they moved him to a nursing home.  Though he was receiving therapy for the alleged hours that they claimed to give them at the hospital, we did hire a family friend to do some electrical stimulation on the left arm and leg to slow atrophy of the muscles...it appears to have worked...I'm a believer in this therapy though the ACUTE rehab didn't provide this...should be a CRIME to not allow this treatment!!!  Anybody that is in this situation....ASK IF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION is available...this helps the muscles contract and keep them active since the body is unable to do it on its own!!!

[ameling]

This is a very informative and yet family oriented forum and I would love to join.I've read all your stories and made me feel so much better knowing that there are many out there with the same story as mine.My father had his first stroke in May 2005,he recovered beautifully thanks God.When my mom passed away in 2006 he suffered another mild one he regained the use of his legs and hands but communication wise is rather slur but understandable.He had another stroke again just last March 11 2009 and stayed in the hospital for a week.It is really difficult for me because he lives overseas he resides in the Philippines while I am here in Canada that made things really worse for me for the fact that I can't take care of my dad.I thank God that I have brothers with their wives who truly cares for my dad.He is home now and being fed with mashed fruits and vegetables.He's having difficulty in ingesting food and liquid but hoping for the best that recovery is around the corner.I purchased ensure and ship it to the Philippines.Thanks for all your stories made me feel I have a bunch of family in here.

[Paul4946]

My 86 year old Mom suffered a massive stroke to the left side of her brain 3 days ago and the neurologist has told us 1/2 of the left side, 25% or her brain is dead.  He is recommending Hospice care and the removal of the saline solution drip, the only care my mother is receiving.  She is breathing on her own and is not being given any medications.  She appears to understand when asked to perform movements with the left side of her body, move arm, move leg, close eyes.  She has been sleeping most of the time but on day 2 she was awake for at least an hour responding to being spoken to and movements of her arms and legs by nurses or the doctor.  Luckily I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters who all love and care about our Mom.  We are going to seek a second opinion from another neurologist and look into more treatment options; feeding tube(PEG), physical therapy.  I hope others will read this forum and let us know your experiences whether good or bad to help us all.  This forum has given me and my family hope.  

[rimarlena]

Hi all, reading your posts has given me hope again, which was snatched by the medical team the last two days.

My mother, 80, suffered a massive hemorage stroke to the left side one week ago. We were told she would not make it and that is the reason they would not send her to ICU. They even discussed with us the option of not reviving her if her heart stopped as her quality of life is diminished. Her right side was completely paralysed and she was unable to speak.

In the last week she has survived. She has regained some movement in her right foot and her face and head are no longer droopy. She still does not look to her right side. She has full movement in left side. She looks at us and seems to recognise us and will follow our instructions of moving her good arm etc... Sometimes she doesn't do things like touch her nose etc... Up until yesterday we were told the next step is rehab, however, yesterday they said she was not responding to instructions and will not gain anything from rehab. This upset us terribly. This morning my sister called and said the dr said she is responsive and followed instructions. We were terribly excited. Today we had a family conference with the whole team and were advised that my mother has considerable damage to her left brain which means she will remain high care and nursing home is the only option. No way will they give her a chance for rehab. They are advising us that it will be very difficult to take her to live with my sister and to be cared for at home.

I am so confused. Sure she is sleepy most of the time, but if you walk in the room and say hi mum, it's me, she opens her eyes and acknowledges you. She may even lift her arm to hold yours (I think purposefully). Today my husband and I visited and I said hi, she opened her eyes, and then I told her Dom my husband was there and she gave the first biggest smile I had seen. She loves my husband, but I think moreso because he is a physiotherapist and I think she believed he was going to get her better. How can this not be responding. It has only been one week. Surely she needs more time. One week for gods sake, and they have given up on her.

We don't know what to do. They say that she will have a peg tube put in before they discharge us. Up to 3 weeks max she can stay. I'm hoping this will buy us some time to show them that she is a good candidate for rehab. She may have even been a good candidate for ICU.

One more thing, now they're thinking with the amount of damage, she may only live for another 3 months.

I don't know what to think or do.

Sorry to go on and thanks for all your stories
Rima

[rimarlena]

Hi all, just wanted to add one more thing to my earlier comment that I'd written yesterday but posted today.

This morning I was with my mother alone and was telling her to fight and not give up and to try to speak etc... I was getting pretty worked up and she started to get frustrated so I kept telling her to ask god for help and I kept repeating the work god to her in Arabic (Allah), again and again and again and she started groaning and making some strange sounds and then she said it Allah, and I would say it and she kept repeating it.

I was so excited and clapped for her and hugged her. She knew she had done something. She was pretty tired after that and dosed on and off for the rest of the day.

Thank you all again for giving me hope and giving me ideas of what to do and say. My mother is still there, I don't care what anyone says.

Paul, don't give up. Seek a second opinion. I think I will be. They look at the persons age and think, oh well they've lived their lives. Don't go with the drs.

Thanks again.
Rima

[lahinva]

My dad was also 80 when he had his stroke and it was the same way.  They just thought since he was 80 that he really woundn't benefit from therapy.  Well we kept fighting (for 2 months) and finally got him into an acute rehab facility.  He stayed there 2 weeks and then was able to go home with the care of my mother and some caregivers.  He is doing pretty good, still cannot walk, but is able to pivot enough for my mom to move him.  It is a long road, but don't give up.  Keep fighting for more therapy.  It will help.

[rimarlena]

Thanks for your encouragement.

My mother is doing so much better today. She is actually responding and was alert for the whole 2-3 hours I was there. She was even able to show me when to stop putting bed up for her.

I have asked the nurse to write in notes that we would like her re-assessed. My sister also went off at them yesterday for discontinuing her physiotherapy.

I have also been able to get private health insurance for her with immediate cover for physio, OT and speech therapy and a 2 month wait for a private rehab hospital. We're going down that path if they do not do it through the public system (you don't need private health insurance in Australia).

Anyhow, I am positive that if they reassessed her they will transfer her to rehab. Otherwise, my siblings and I will not sign the authorisation to take feeding tube out and put in peg tube. This will buy us at least another week. I don't want to play this game, but I do not want to see my mother given up on.

was your dad able to speak initially and was he responsive in the first 5 days?
Rima

[kathilanae]

My mom suffered a bleed on the right side of her brain 60 days ago. She is now being discharged from acute rehab where she has been for almost 3 weeks. The Docs don't think she will improve anymore. She has some delrium and is parylized on her left side. She can speak and still has her memory. I think she will fight but she is sort of afraid at the hospital and does better in therapy when I am present. I am wondering if anyone can offer advice on subacute care in a nursing home vs rehab at home. The facilities that we have been given are not very good and insurance is preventing her from going into a subacute hospital facility. Can anyone offer advice on how well a patient progresses in a SNF vs home care. I have aback up person to help me along with nursing and rehab at home.

[kathilanae]

My mom suffered a bleed on the right side of her brain 60 days ago. She is now being discharged from acute rehab where she has been for almost 3 weeks. The Docs don't think she will improve anymore. She has some delrium and is parylized on her left side. She can speak and still has her memory. I think she will fight but she is sort of afraid at the hospital and does better in therapy when I am present. I am wondering if anyone can offer advice on subacute care in a nursing home vs rehab at home. The facilities that we have been given are not very good and insurance is preventing her from going into a subacute hospital facility. Can anyone offer advice on how well a patient progresses in a SNF vs home care. I have aback up person to help me along with nursing and rehab at home.

[jessjjoiner]

I am looking for new therapy options and possibly a new stroke doctor for my Dad in N. Atlanta.  My dad had a massive hemorraghic stroke in Nov. 08 and is paralyzed on the right side. He has regained some movement in his right leg and can walk a few times a day with a walker.  It was been 10 months and he still cannot say a single word.  He was at Emory hospital in Atlanta for awhile after his stroke and was at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for 6 weeks for rehabilitation.  He was enrolled in outpatient therapy through Shepherd for 3 months and now the doctor has not ordered any new therapy.  Does anyone have any advice for resources?

[dbz35]

My dad had a massive stroke on May 6th of 2009. He had a large bleed on the left side of his brain. After the stroke he couldn't talk at all...just kinda nod. He couldn't move his right arm or right leg at all. He was on a vent for a couple of days too. I remember the nurses getting him up for the first time, and it took 3 people to sit him on the side of the bed. It is now October, and he is talking fairly well. He can carry on a conversation with you. He gets a little confused at times, but not bad. His is walking with a quad cane...super slow though. He can actually walk short distances without a cane at all. He is very afraid of falling, which I think holds him back from walking to his full potential. He can climb up and down stairs if there is a railing. He can move his right arm to his mouth. His fingers are starting to open and close. My mother takes care of him, and tries to get him to exercise non stop. Their insurance company didn't pay for any outpatient rehab..which is nuts. My dad is 63, and they refused to pay for any rehab...sad! My mom had to pay out of pocket for  3 months of outpatient rehab. They are now at the VA (veterans hospital) getting free rehab for as long as the doctor thinks he needs it. My mom does speech with him at home every morning for an hour. It has really helped. At first he didn't know where a single body part was on his body, and she had to re-teach all of that. He now knows all his parts. We try and get people to visit him all the time for stimulation. My husband took him to the golf course on the golf cart to drive him around. Golf was the love of his life, and after that you could tell he got motivated again. It is such a fight every day, but you have to keep at it, and find things to get them to want to live again. My dad has said a few times he wishes he would have died...that just makes us try harder. My mother has worked so hard with him, and will continue. It is such a fight every single day. I hope this story encourages someone out there. He improves just a tiny little bit everyday! It is a slow process, but your loved one needs someone to really be there and work with them all the time. There are so many days where my dad doesn't want to do anything, and we still make him. We don't want to take "No" for an answer.

[monpan]

my dad had a hemorrhagic stroke two days ago. He is currently in ICU. Incredibly, he is able to speak, move all extremities with minor difficulty on his left leg, his memory is intact and he is alert and oriented.  His last CT scan shows that he is still bleeding.  THe doctor advised us to monitor the next 24 to 48 hours if bleeding will stop.  They did not give us any plans if the bleeding do not stop though. so for now, we are all praying for bleeding to stop....pls pray with us.

[elmo80]

My dad who just turned 52 had a hermorragic stroke on 9/17/09.  The doctor said the blood vessel that busted was in the middle of the brain and they were unable to perform surgery.  The doctor said he would not last even a week.  It's almost 2 months now and he is still here.  He is completely locked in now, which means he is unable to move or speak at all.  He can only blink.  We think he can see and hear us, but we are not sure.  It is really hard because sometimes we would ask him if he can hear us and if he could hear us then blink.  Sometimes he would follow, but sometimeshe won't.  The doctor said there's less than 1 % of him recovering and have been trying to persuede us to put him in comfort care.  I'm just hoping that there's a miracle and the doctors are wrong.  

[JessicaR92]

My mum is 54 and went in for her operation a few days ago to stop the bleed in her brain she is now in ICU. She came round after her operation n made eye contact, moved both of her legs and arms but was making a sort of crying become laughing noise. The day after they sedated her so she had time to recover from her op and they are also asisting her with her breathing. Can any 1 tell me what will happen in the next stage when they decided to bring her round?

I have read most of these stories and they are very similar but they all sound as tho as soon as the bleed happened thts when they were rushed in to hospital, well not with my mum. My mum has just recently ome back from a trip to canada to see relatives and while she was there she was complaining of an ear ache. when she came back she went to the doctors and they gave her antibiotics, which obviously never worked. Then she was discovering numness in the side of her face but in her self she was still ok. she went bk to the doctors and they now diagnosed her with nuralger which i think is something to do with her havin weak veins. then on the 31st of october ma mum had an appointment at the hospital for a check up on her heart  as she had heart surgery 16 years ago and was put in a pacemaker and now on warfarin. Everything was fine and we went home. As soon as we got home ma mum started with this nasty headache which seemed to worsen as the night went on so my dad decided to take her to hospital. All they did was does her up with antibiotics and send her home. A few days later this headache had got worse so i tuk her to the doctors, by now my mum was starting to get confused asking weird questions like how many gigabits were in a bottle of ribeana, which was starnge. The doctor asked her to name the computer screen and she couldnt, she knew wat it was but couldnt find the name to describe it, again he gave her some different antibiotics by now im thinkin something isnt rite. Later that nite she seemed to pik up a little she had something to eat and was a little more relaxed. The next day she was worse now she was complaining about pain at the back of her legs and the bottom of her back the next day she was being sik all this 4 a week, then we decided it was time to phone 4 an ambulence. When we arrivied they decided they would do her a brain scan when they eventully found the bleed, they then transfered her to a hospital where they had neuro surgeons, a few days later thats when they performed surgery. It just makes me think how long my mum had this bleed and if we had left it any longer, what sort of dangers could she of bin in? Am just really hoping that am gunna get my same old mum back, we do everything together, she is one of my best friends.

[Wilks116]

I'm so happy I was able to find this site. I'm a very lucky stroke survivour. Three months ago I had a Lobar Intracerebal hemorrhage. With the exception of losing my left side vision and experiencing considerable fatigue I've recovered.
My problem is I'm obsessed with not having a second one. I check my blood presure a dozen times a day (I bought a portable blood preasure machine,) cut back on sodium, walk my dog...in short, I'm doing everything I was told to do by my doctors. I haven't returned to work at this point mostly because I work in a very stressful invironment and I'm worried it will lead to a second stroke because of hypertension. Does anybody else have the same concern?