Stroke after heart surgery and its rehabilitation?

[bohemian_pk]

My dad after heart surgery (CABG they called it) got stroke that affected his left side. (4 months before). Now he can walk with or without support but problem is left arm and hand which is not recovered well. Initially he got swelling on hand but its gone now. He complains for pain in arm and hand. If anybody faced same can tell me, how long it takes for hand recovery? What is reason for pain? I will really appreciate. Last question is if electronic therapy is useful or harmful? for hand and arm. Thanks in advance

[sue_in_oz]

Hi

Sorry to hear about your dad's stroke :(

My stroke paralysed both my arm & leg.  Whilst it is easier to get the leg going in a useful way (it's a much simpler limb), it is possible to get the arm/hand going again - depending on what part of the brain the stroke affected & how much work your dad is willing to put in.

He needs to be in therapy for his arm & continue to do the exercises as much as he can outside of formal therapy (not forgetting to allow plenty of rest time).

Regarding the pain, there are a number of possible causes: subluxation (dislocation of the shoulder, muscle injury, spasticity, central nerve pain, etc).  The limb needs to be properly examined & assessed by his medical/therapy team.  Once the problem is identified, it can at least be managed if not cured.

If by electronic therapy, you mean functional electrical stimulation, the answer is yes it probably will help get the paralysed muscles going again.  But again, this needs to be done in conjunction with his therapist.

All the best to you & your dad.  Feel free to ask more questions.

HTH

Sue