50 Year Old Stoke Victim Recovery Prospect

[TaraTruong]

My mother who is 50 years old had a severe stroke July 2, 2007.  She survived and went to rehab for 5 weeks.  Before the stroke she was fine.  She did smoke 2.5 packs of cigaretts a day, but other than that there was no other problems she worked and was normal.  After the stroke she lost use of her right arm and her right leg and she had severe aphasia.  They worked with her in rehad and she can now walk with a cane and she just needs help getting up out of bed or a chair.  She can use the bathroom and she eats very well.  Her right arm just recently she was able to start moving it.  She does have a brace on her right leg as well.  She is continuing physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy each 1 hr per week outpatient facility.  Her speech is slow to return still and I am just concerned how much better she can get and when she will level off in getting better it has been a little over a month since the stroke ocurred and she spend almost 1 full week in a hospital before going to rehab?  How can we help her continue to improve with such little outside therapy compared to her being in a rehab facility?  Is there anything specific to help with her speech and communication?  She can say some words and sometimes even a sentence or two, but then she gets frustrated because she wants to talk to you and she cannot get the words out.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[sara12345]

It doesn't sound like your doctor told you anything.   Yes, you definately will get better with time. You are doing remarkedly well after only a few weeks since your stroke.  Yes, it is common to not have much energy.  I needed 12 hours of sleep since my stroke.  You are very very fortunate not to have many of the other severe disabilities that most others suffer from after a stroke.

Let me know if you are feeling any better now.

[tweeter52601]

Well, it seems odd to say but, I had a stroke on July 24, 2011 and I am 50 as of November 28th.  After many tests they are still not sure about how it happened.  But, the experts are sure that I had a stroke.  I am too as I lost control of the lower left 1/4 of my body for about 2 hours.  I had no risk factors..... this was a surprise to me.  I have always prided myself on my excellent health.  I eat well, watch my weight and try to lead a healthy lifestyle ie: use the stairs, sleep regular hours, and laugh whenever possible. Still the day came .... I had a stroke.  I do not feel well, people ask me constantly and the truth is, I do not feel good, not at all I want to rest, I have so little energy compared to three weeks ago.  Will this change?

[caregiver222]

Try using a dry erase board, using large block letters, and put down a series of simple answers she can point to. (Yes, No, etc.) This is a good start while she is regaining the power of speech. It enables you to communicate without frustration on day-to-day issues. At her age, you have an excellent chance of recovery.