Stroke Victim Care

[cookie2012]

Hi, 8 days ago my mother of 83 suffered a stroke & hear attack.  She survived  completely paralyzed and possibly in a coma.  I brought her home yesterday with a fluid IV (not a central line) and cath.   It appears that she may understand (or maybe just hear us talking) sometimes, as she makes grunting type sounds 1 -2 times a day.  She has to be turned every 2 hours and I am trying to provide comfort for her last days.  Any suggestions for a person in this condition?  I know she would not want to have her life prolonged in a fully paralyzed state, and possibly comatose.  She does swallow occasionally, but I haven't tried to feed her by mouth.  Doctors and Nurses are all holding the 'middle line', " its all my choices...ie., dnr, peg tube, fluids, etc.  

Love to have some suggestions. ann

[i_jennings]

Hi Ann,

How's your day going there so far? I read your post here and I feel for your situation. My own mother (who's 63) had suffered a massive stroke about 6 months ago where she is still currently paralyze on her entire left side of her body. I know in the first few couple of weeks. I also thought that my mother was in a coma as she slept nearly 18-20 hours a day. She would only wake up for a few moments then drift back to sleep again. There were moments where, she was unable to talk to us but she would motion with her right hand. Later, I got her to scribble down her messages on a pad of paper.

Later, my mother got moved to a different hospital where I met other families. Who were facing similar or much worse situations. They told me to be prepared for a long road to recovery but not to give up hope. Some of them mention that it was their 2nd or 3rd time going through a stroke with their parents but they did tell me. Their parents did regain some mobility back in their bodies after some time (even after a year or more). The hardest part for you will be keeping up your patience in waiting for your mother's recovery. Unfortunately, there's no post drugs which any doctor can administer after a stroke. It's just a long waiting game. Although, I have read that there's some current research in Scotland with some stem cells studies for stroke patients. Unfortunately, it's still 2 years away from making it here to North America.

  I would follow your doctor's advice as they have experience in this area. There's lot of information on this site and other ones about strokes and stroke recovery. I wish all the best to you there, Ann.

Just remind yourself to be patient and be strong. Don't try to do it all by yourself. Surround yourself with some support and ask any questions here. I found alot of people have given some great advice and information with my mother's own situation. Remember, you are NOT alone. I know your mother will appreciated having your presence around her. Be positive as it helps in their recovery for a goal to strive for in their road back to health.

Take care Ann and all the best to you.

Ian Jennngs,
Toronto, Canada

[oc1dean]

You need to go back to your doctor and specifically demand a diagnosis,eg. what parts of the brain are dead and what functions did they control. I know they will use the Sgt. Schultz reply, ' I know nuthin', but try anyway.  There are numerous therapies that are available even with no movement that your doctor should know about. If s/he doesn't know about them then get a new doctor. The therapies are: music, passive movement, thermal stimulation, mirror-box therapy, mental imagery.
Dean