Recovery time table

[RZ000]

My 71 year old mother had a massive stroke on Jan 7, 2007.  Nine days after she had a double bypass and valve replacement heart surgery.  The stroke has impacted her left side (her arm and leg). She is now in rehab.  She is still has a hard time standing up.  We would like to know whether she can ever walk again.  

[mbremont]

RZ000 - I read your thread and I am going through exactly what you are.  My mom, 74, had a stroke and after 3 months is not able to walk or stand.  I know your thread is over 1 year old.  How is your Mom today?

[celinalamar]

I am just finishing reading a wonderful book by Jill Bolte Taylor "A Stroke of Insight".  I decided to order it after a friend sent me a link to a talk she gave.  It is fascinating that she is a neuroscientist and is telling her very personal story about recovery and the psychospiritual journey her brain injury AVM took her through.  This is a must read for anyone that has had anything at all to do with stroke in their lives - and even if you don't (like me) it is a wonderful insightful read on the miraculous human brain.

[RZ000]

It has been a very difficult few months for my family.  My mom has not been able to even stand up on her own. It has been 3 months since her stroke and eventhoug h she can move her leg, she has diffiuclty keeping her balance and stand up.  I am afraid that my poor dad is getting very frustrated since he is the primary care giver,  I am glad to hear about your mom and that makes me hopful but My mom is 72 almost and she seems a bit passive about all of this and that worries me. If she does not have the will then we can not do much. We are very tired as you might can tell!!

[jimbo48]

Hello, my mom has been going at it for a couple weeks shy of a year and they dr's did not think she would even be able to transfer and she is now starting to walk again and plays games on the computer and all kinds of stuff, don't lose faith it will happen, read my post on the main forum if you can, it gives you a better insight on whats been happening in our lives.
jimmy

[RZ000]

Thank you for your encouragement.  It is so overwhelming to see such an active person be now dependent on others for everything.  I keep telling my mom to be positive and hopeful and it will get better.  I really want her to believe it. She has a therapist that is coming in 3 times a week and she practices the exercises he gives her.  I think it is just the rate of improvement is so slow that is discouraging her. Again thanks I am hopeful.

[PamRam228]

Your mom is showing improvement.  She's moving her leg.  That's a start and most likely she'll be able to walk again.  It's going to take time and work.  I know your worried about your mom and you a bit discouraged, but, it takes time..weeks, months, and even years to heal after a stroke.  You'll see the most improvements in the first 6-12 months.  I was in your shoes once...wondering and questioning.  Make sure she is getting good physical therapy.

[RZ000]

Now my mom is home and my dad is taking care of her and we have help coming in a few hours a day to give him some relief. My mom is still very sad because she still can not stand or walk. Now it has been 2 months since the heart surgery and the stroke. She is dependent on others for bathing and using going to the bathroom.  She is avery private person and this really bothers her.  She can move her leg up a bit and down very well.  But she can not keep her balance while standing up.  Will she ever walk again?

[RZ000]

I hope your father is feeling stronger and recovering. THanks for the info on Ritalin I will check with my Mom's doctor.  It has been now 2 months since my mom's stroke.  She has more movements in her leg but still not very stable standing. She is now at home and my dad is the primary care giver.  He is 76 years old and we are very worried about him taking on too much. I live far away from them and can not help out in day-to-day stuff. This event has completely changed the course of our lives. At times I feel very depressed and just pray.

[michie118]

My dad is 68 also had a massive stroke after triple bypass surgery about a month ago.  He is in rehab now, has had lots of problems with fatigue.  The doctors started giving him ritalin and it has really helped a lot. He seems to have more energy and more focused since starting the ritalin.  My dad's stroke affected his right side/speech.  He cannot speak, only mumbles, but we think he has been depressed, too.
I hope your mom has a speedy recovery.

[RZ000]

Thanks for all your replies.  It has been a month since she has had her stroke.  She is sitting well. She speak very well and has good memory.  Physical therapist are trying to get her stand up and be stable. Mom tries hard but she is not there yet and gets tired easily.  We all hope she can continue with the exercises and does not give up.  She does seem frustrated at time.  My dad belives that she is depressed and has told the doctor.

[jonathan_PTRP]

Yes! but it depends..
I'm a license physical therapist..
Your can walk 100% if she has:
- good communication
- cooperative
- she can move even just a little her affected leg..

[PamRam228]

Oh, my!  Yes, it's possible that she'll be able to walk again.  Only time will tell. Physical Therapists do wonders in getting a person walking again.  It may take time and your mothers walk may not be what it used to be but she may walk again.  Just have faith and keep helping her.  My husband also had a hard time standing after his stroke.  It took him almost two months to be able to walk again with assistance.  Don't give up and God bless!