mom is getting better in some areas and worse in others?

[rhonda70]

My mom (56 years old) had an intercerebral hemorrhage of unknown etiology the end of february, many dr's were giving us a poor prognosis but we decided to give her a chance. She started to nod her head yes and no to questions 1 1/2 wks ago. Days after that she was following some commands. Today she is vocalizing some words but is not following commands. Is it normal for progress to bounce back and forth like this?

[welsh34]

my mam is 51 3yrs ago we fought breast cancer a year of chemo and radio therapy. i have 2 brothers which are younger than me so it was me and mam every step of the way but we got there! my father was worried sick but buried his head in sand. autumn 2005 she had the all clear! feb 2006 me husband left me for another woman and she was my rock but in july 2006 my father left her for another woman and yet again it was me and mam against the world our divorces came through around same time. but hey we are tough cookies and can deal with whatever life throws at us. and now this? mam is there but she is not my mam? last friday 25th may 2007 i had a 6.30am call from my brother that lives at home get here quick something wrong with mam, frozen peas in washing machine, fabric conditioner on kitchem floor, dog food in sink, peas and grapes and a frozen chicken on a plate so not like her so i thought a breakdown? i got there and we were taken to hospital by ambulance where thay found out it was a large brain bleed she was on blood pressure tablets but her b.p excelarated the bleed. she was confused but still knew us. talked complete nonsense and was in intentsive care for 4 days now in an ob ward her b.p has been so high and they have explained all the risks of the blood dissolving into system she has not had a stroke yet no signs at moment but at high risk? results of todays scan are inconclusive and need to scan again was told on phone tonight by the doctor that they found where weak vessel is but on one side there is a supicious segament? which they could not delve into because of blood/muscle spasms cant remember what the doctor said? will know more tomorrow after more scans? i have 2 young children my mother is my shadow and i am lost without her i am a strong person and so is she but i just feel lost not knowing the future is worse than knowing, welsh 34 x

[pamasks]

I know what you mean-every day you don't know what to expect. My 76 year old Aunt is recovering from a ruptured brain aneurysm-it's been a little over a month and while she can talk pretty well, she rarely seems to recognize her family. It's so weird, one minute she'll be talking about Barbara Walters (go figure!) but she can't remember her own, or our, names. I've posted a question to learn more about brain recoveries and what to expect. All I know so far is that it can take a very long time for someone to recover and the variables that can affect it are almost too many to count. My heart goes out to you, and all the "posters" who are part of this scary ride. It's the first time my family has ever had to deal with something like this and it's truly gut-wrenching.

[vja]

My mother had a massive stroke at age 87. She is now 91, still cannot move her right arm or right leg except from the hip.  She cannot speak, but I agree with the previous post...somedays she understands what you are saying, other days not...that could be why your mom is unable to follow commands sometimes.  The brain is trying to rewire itself, and it is very undpredictable and frustrating for the family.  Be patient and take care of yourself.

[lahinva]

My dad is the same way.  He had his stroke 1 year ago at 80.  Some days he is great and seems to know what is going on, he's strong and in an overall good mood.  Other days, he is so weak, doesn't realize where he is, and gets mean.  It is so sad.  I hate to see him that way.  Lately he has been having more good days than bad so I hope he continues to improve.  The weirdest thing with him, is that he thinks he can walk and he gets really mad if you tell him he can't.  THe brain is really weird how it works.....

[safetylady]

First I am so sorry that that has happened to you mom.  I think what she is going through is very normal.  The way I understand it takes the brain a long time to get to where ever it is going after a stroke.  Time is said to heal a lot of things after a stroke.

My mother in-law 79 suffered a massive stroke on the left side in July 06.  She has been left unable to move her right leg and arm.  She has also lost communication factors including speech and answer most yes and no questions consistently.  She has also suffered a 2nd stroke around 3 months ago.  

This has been like a rollercoaster ride, one of us visits with her everyday and some days she is great (smiling and babbling away) other days she is in pain and then even worst we go through times that she appears to not understand anything you are trying to tell her.

take care