STROKE

[Anniemae21]

CAN ANYONE PLEASE HELP.  MY 48 YR OLD BOYFRIEND HAD A STROKE ALMOST 1 MO AGO.  HE DOESNT SEEM TO UNDERSTAND HE CAN'T DO WHAT HE WANTS TO DO.  HE CONTINUALLY WANTS TO GET OUT OF BED SO THEY (HOSPITAL) HAVE HIM RESTRAINED 24/7 WHICH SEEMS TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE.  HE KNOWS PEOPLE BUT REALLY CANT CARRY A NORMAL CONVERSATION YET.  I UNDERSTAND THE RESTRAINTS TO PROTECT HIM AND THEM BUT I CANT IMAGINE BEING RESTRAINED FOR THIS LONG.  HE ALSO REFUSES TO EAT.  I DON'T THINK HE IS AWARE.  I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE IN BRAIN INJURY/STROKE SO ANY RESPONSE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.  I AM SO LOST.

[ekunina]

I understand and hurt for you as well as your boyfriend.  He is restrained for his own good.  Sadly, his brain thinks he is functioning fine and thus, he wants to get up and do, but physically, he can't.  You wouldn't want him to get a hold of keys, start the rig and drive somewhere and cause an accident to him or someone else.  My mom had a stroke in July 2012 and she thinks she can still walk around just fine.  She can't  She's already fallen once and hurt her head.  We tell her she can't, but her mind isn't what it was so she can not comprehend.  She pretends she does, but she can't.  All you can do is pray and be there for your boyfriend.... that is a testament to your love and support to him and all who love him too.  Oh, Music helped my mom.  Music got her to move her arms and feet!  Maybe try that for your boyfriend....  

[Anniemae21]

Thank you, Kristinesue

[kristinesue]

Hi Anniemae21

I had a brain bleed which lead to a stroke, and also had to have brain surgery. I could not do a thing to begin with, and I do remember pulling my nose tube out, apparently I was trying to pull my ventilator out as well. In the end the nurses had to bandage my hands up as I kept pulling tubes out. I know I would have hated to be restrained even though it might be for your own good, but at the time logic does not come into it. I thought I spoke ok but I have since found out people did not understand me. It is still very early days for your boyfriend, Things do get better, but it does take time unfortunatly it can take a long time.Your brain has to settle down.
I hope your boyfriend is a lot better.