recovery after massive stroke

[aunt juju]

My 59 year old (otherwise healthy) mother had a right side brain stroke two weeks ago. The DR. said it was prety massive on most of the right side, leaving her unable to move her left side.  She is able to talk, eat, drink, and able to answer any question. (still not completely normal in thinking and talking, but really close.)
She started a live-in rehab last thursday (3 days ago) and now can move her left leg some.  Stil no movement of the arm.  She does have the neglect of the left side. my question(s)
1.  How long does the brain swelling take to go completely away?
2.  Well the neglect she has get better?
3.  Well she be able to walk and move her arm, and if so how long with rehab will that take?

[narny115]

Hello Sara,

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement.   You are absolutely right.  He is much better than he was before.  I know that is what we have to focus on.  It is just hard.  However, he is amazing.  He just keeps working.  He is very strong mentally and very focused.  I am sorry about the migraines.  I am a migraine sufferer.  I have no idea how handle the constant pain.  I can definately see depression with that!  You have managed very well.  Your kind words and encouragement based on what you have to deal with really shows your strength!

[sara12345]

It does take a long time to make progress with the stroke affected side.  I went through months and months of PT.  At one point, I asked the physical therapist, how come when I'm working so hard, does it not improve much at all.  She said that it just takes a long time after a stroke.

Just have him focus on the progress that he has made.  He was probably a lot worse when he started.  Sorry to tell you, but I never got full use of my hand, arm or leg back, but remarkedly better than it was initially four years ago.  

Plus, it may help him to realize what might have been the disability or death.  You could find out to get a better perspective on it.  I was told 8 months after my stroke that if I hadn't been the age that I was AND if I hadn't had such an excellent circulatory system, that I would have been sitting at the neurologist's appointment paralyzed and not able to speak.  She showed me screen by screen on one of my scans, that as the one side of the brain was dying from no blood, the other side was sending up more and more blood.  It was a wake up call for me to be grateful considering what might have been.  

Still, I have my times when I get depressed about my disabilities, especially a 24/7 migraine that never leaves me.  It is difficult to adjust.

Also, there are very small changes for the better with stroke survivers as the years go by.  

Good luck with encouraging your husband.  A stroke is a very serious event.  Many die from it.

[narny115]

Forgot to mention, unfortunately he was not able to receive the TPA shot.  It was past the time.  

Thanks again for your concern Sara.

Narny115

[narny115]

Thank you so much Sara.  My husband, by nature is a very active person.  He did coach football and basketball.  He worked out frequently and ate right.  Unfortunately had high blood pressure we were unaware of.  It's been 5 months.  He was very aggressive with PT and OT.  He now goes to the gym.  He is constitantly working his leg, arm and hand some how.  He seems to be getting stronger, but it is moving so slow and of course, the fear is that is will not come back.  Moving fingers individually is difficult right now.  Thank you so much for responding!  It is really good to hear from others.  I am so happy that you are recoving well!!!  I sure wish the best for Helln's husband as well.

Narny115

[sara12345]

You don't mention anything about physical therapy (PT).  The first year is when patients make the most progress, but PT is essential as well as the patient putting in significant time with the exercises!  Your husband should continue to make progress IF he is exercising from his PT exercises.  Please let me know that he is getting PT.  That's what helped me tremendously from severe pain and disability after my stroke.

But to Helln, patients can continue to make progress after a year or even years later.

[narny115]

Hello Helln, sounds like you are trying to find out the same answers as I am.  My husband is 47 now.  It has been 5 months since his stroke.  Right side weakness, walks with a stick.  We are also concerned about arm and hand movement.  I asked the same questions. It has been a long time for the other patients.  Not sure if they go on this site any more.  Have you heard anything?   Best of luck with your husband.  My thoughts and prayers are with you as well.

Narny115