Mother in Law Just had a Hemorrhagic stroke on November 20, 2009

[ticiagirl]

My mother In law had an Hemorrhagic stroke 11/20 and was in ICU for three weeks in a coma . Week one was absolutely no response and the left side we were told was paralysed. Week two she was able to squeeze your hand and open her eyes for no longer than 10 minutes. Week three she was released on wednesday to a rehabilitation center. When she got there she was able to open her eyes for long periods of times and follows the commands on her right side only. She is unable to see I believe, although she turns in the direction of the person talking to her she can not talk. She coughs she yawns and feels her chin because she has stubbles (LOL) we fixed that for her. She also will twist your ring off your hand and puts it on hers. She is still on a ventilator but it has been turned down to an 8 so she breathes on her own mostly. My question is has anyone gone through this and when will she finally wake up from the coma and talk or will she talk ? we were told yesterday that she is in an vegetative state and that she is not aware we are there  even though she interacts with us. We were also told that everything she does is reflexes. Saturday she heard my husband in the room and reached out with her left hand for him to come to her bed. He held her right hand and she began to caress his hand rubbing it back an forth with her thumb. Am I exaggerating this or is she really in a coma? My husband is an only child and is deeply depressed. He refuses to get excited about any progress because of the fear of losing her. When this happened he would not even talk to her while she held his hand. I am confused what state is she actually in ? Why does she play with us and move her mouth to speak if she is in a coma ? Please help I am trying keep my husband encouraged is there hope ?

[loveletter]

That is all normal. Every thing you just described my mom did the same exact things. She might not remember who you are sometimes but Don't get discouraged, the brain has to heel.  Keep talking to her, but not to much, let her rest. It took my mother four months to start talking, but she gets tired somtimes. She laughs and makes jokes.  Remember this. Everyone is different, and you don't know how long it's going to take for them to get better. It can be a year or more. You have to be positive around her and make her laugh. Laughter is always good.

[anne5448]

hi my name is anne my husband had a stroke 2 years ago he to was in a coma for 3 weeks.then he was semi comatosed then he went to lathargic and confussed your mum seems to making progress myself i think she maybe semi comatosed keep talking to her get an ipod put her faverite music on even when she sleeps music dose help the brain they told me and my family this when terry was in icu talk to her even when she sleeps she can here you.is your mum having physio if not ask why tell them she needs to have it learn how to do passive movments.she needs this so her joints dont freeze up i hope this helps please stay intouch so we can compare your mums and my husbands progress take care xxx