will dad ever be dad again

my dad had a massive clot stroke on his right side about 1 month ago, he came home from the hospital about four days later, he can walk, he can speak clearly, he has limited movement in his left arm and hand. the dr. told him to not smoke-not drink alcohol. dad does drive short trips, he used to drink and smoke, but hasnt since the stroke, he is very sad all of his enjoyment has been taken from him. he crys at night and says he dont fit in anywhere, he crys and is scared that he will never be his old self again...i see my fathers will to live slipping away. the dr. say he is so lucky to get back to wher he is in a matter of weeks w/no professional physical therepy, how or what can i  do to help him? we have no medical insurance, i just want his will to live get stronger, i dont want him to be afraid, i want to do all i ccan to help him....any suggestions?

[sue_in_oz]

Hi

Sorry to hear about your dad's stroke :(  But great to hear about his physical recovery to date - fantastic :)

He seems to be going through a rough patch emotionally though.  This is very common in stroke survivors.  While his life may not have changed completely, he has had to make some significant changes, also coming face to face with his mortality.  He needs emotional support & perhaps psychological support +/- medication.  Depression post stroke is really common.

Please continue to love & support him, he needs it.

HTH

Sue

[Jlynnlee]

Hi! I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I'm 22 and had a stroke caused by a clot last month as well. I can tell you that depression beginning 1 to 2 months after a stroke is common. I am currently prescribed both Paxil & Vistaril for depression, anxiety attacks, and insomnia. I can tell you that when you're faced in that situation the fear is like nothing you can ever imagine. I have never in my life felt the rush of emotions i've felt in the past month. I find I cry at the drop of a hat over crazy things. I also find myself just all at once having heart palpitations and extreme fear that i'm going to have another stroke or that i'm going to die. I'm sorry I can't tell you what you can do for your dad. I wish I knew what to do, because i'd do it as well. I'll be praying for him!

Jeanne