Recovering from a Stroke after Open Heart Surgery

[stephanie1070]

Hello,
My mother recently underwent  bypass surgery on Mar 24,2009.  Two days after the surgery she suffered a stroke.  She had bleeding and swelling of the brain along with very high blood pressure.  She is now out of ICU but is not responding very well.  Her memory is okay but she is unable to stay awake...she is in and out. She can move her left leg and arm but don't have control of them.  The doctors said it's because of the swelling and we are looking at months until recovery.  I have so many unanswered questions.  Are the doctors doing enough for her?  Is she on too much meds?  Is there a chance she may go into a coma and never recover?  The doctors only give positive answers and I do want to stay positive but are there any negatives, I need to accept. If anyone has and answers please help...thanks

[stephanie1070]

Hello,
I wanted to give an update on my mother. Not much change. She still isn't responding.  It's like she is in a deep sleep and can't wake up.  All organs are working fine.  She can't talk or keep her eyes open.  She does move her arms and legs and will moan.  We did transfer her to Clevland Clinic.  The doctors are running every test possible to see if something else may be causing this.  They are even running some test twice, to make sure nothing was missed.  I hope everyday we will see improvement but nothing so far.  Does anyone have any answers?  It likes she is in a semi coma...I hate to see her in so much pain but all we can do is love and support her.

[sue_in_oz]

Hi

Sorry to hear about your mum.  I can't tell you exactly what is going to happen because every stroke is different.  It's good to hear that she is awake & alert.

She is going to be tired a lot of the time, this seems to be the one thing we have in common. Sleep is how our brains heal, so please let her sleep.

Stroke recovery is a very slow & long road.  You cannot measure it in your usual way, like a broken limb or surgery.  It is going to be a long, hard road ahead. If she does the work she will make progress, if she does not, she will no.

Regarding her meds, please discuss with her doctor.

Please continue to love & support her, she is going to need it.

HTH

Sue