Is there hope?

[bigfoot1009]

My father had a massive stroke 3 months ago.  He is 70 years old and prior to his stroke was in excellent shape.  He is still paralyzed on his right side and is unable to speak or follow commands.  He is standing for us with some assistance.  He did receive tPA during the 3 hour window.  Has anyone ever heard of someone making a recovery from a stroke at this late stage?  We are hoping that we can get him well enough to take home, but we still have a long way to go for that.

[bigfoot1009]

You said that neuroplasticity will require excellent cognition.  Sometime my father seems to know what you are saying to him or asking him, but most of the time he does not.  He is not able to follow very few commands.  Will these books still help me?  I am willing to read anything if there is a chance of help!  Thanks for your help!

[oc1dean]

Doctors way too easily give up hope without telling you about the positive recoveries. 6 months is normally considered the time where you recover the brain cells that were just stunned during the stroke, After that you need to use neuroplasticity to recover function, that will require excellent cognition and lots of willpower.
Here are some books on neuroplasticity
The mind and the Brain : neuroplasticity and the power of mental
force / Jeffrey M. Schwartz and Sharon Begley.
Train Your Mind, Change
Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential to
Transform Ourselves by Sharon Begley
The brain that changes itself : stories of personal triumph from the frontiers of brain science / Norman Doidge.

Neuroplasticity can still take place even years after a stroke.
I received tPA within the hour of my stroke and still was paralyzed on the left side, it probably prevented an even worse outcome.
Dean

[tok2lana]

my mom had a stroke 7 months ago. tPA was also administered in a timely manner but did not help. also right side, no speech whatsoever.
I was devastated, panicked, scared... However she started showing some progress now, some walking, some words. 3 months post stroke is not that much, 70 is not that old. Keep hoping and do not give up on therapy and hard work. good luck

[lahinva]

My father was 80 when he had his stroke and we were told that he would never be able to come home.  But with a lot of fighting for more therapy he has been home with my mother caring for him along with a little bit of nursing help.  He still cannot walk, but is able to transfer to wheelchair, toilet with just a little help.  His memory is not very good and sometimes he still talks crazy, but he has come alot farther than anyone had ever hoped.  So don't give up, keep fighting for more therapy, It's a long road to recovery...