topic Re: Strokes in Wellness

Strokes

qualitygal — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 11:17:44 GMT

I'm not answering questions on this, since I'm pretty loaded down in the brain with what's going on. I'd like to hear and read about others experiences and tips, since there's no real guidelines helping a lot right now. I just can't talk about it for now. He's 9 yrs younger than me and no prep for any of this.

Can you comment on PT for this, doctors, proceedures, outcomes, etc. Feel quite alone on tackling some of this and so many questions of my own. It's a bit overwhelming right now, trying to handle it bit by bit.

So if you want to leave a comment or statement, please do. I can't get into a discussion on it now. My head spins.

Thanks.

Re: Strokes

gardenman — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 12:08:20 GMT

Strokes come in two forms. There's a clot-based stroke and a hemorrhage-based stroke. In both cases, fast treatment can help save the life and minimize the damage to the patient. Finding a stroke center is ideal. That's mostly what such facilities do, and they know how best to treat and help stroke patients.

For a clot-based stroke, a "clot buster" drug (TPA tissue plasminogen activator or similar drug) is the first line of action. That can melt away the clot and restore blood flow saving brain tissue. There's also a roto-rooter, type catheter that can be inserted to chew through a clot and remove it.

For a bleeding-based stroke, treatment can vary. If the bleed is active, they can insert a catheter to the site and plug the bleed. If the bleed has stopped on its own, then they typically resort to just sitting and watching to be sure it doesn't recur, and if the patient was on blood thinners, they'll more actively monitor or discontinue the blood thinners.

In either case, some brain damage will occur. The brain is generally hard-wired for certain parts to do certain things and the parts damaged will often fail to work as before, but brains are fairly plastic and with time and therapy can adjust and return to near normal function. You're typically looking at weeks/months of therapy and rehab to get back to a near-normal functionality again.

My mother had multiple strokes in her later years, so I've had too much experience in such matters. There's a lot of anecdotal evidence that strokes lead to dementia. My mother and an uncle both had that happen to them. Surviving a stroke is the big first step. They kill a lot of people. Once you survive then it all comes down to time. In general, most people can return to a relatively normal, or new normal state over time. A lot depends on the severity of the stroke and where it occurs. Good luck.

Re: Strokes

phoenixbrd — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 13:36:43 GMT

@qualitygal I don't have any information that I can contribute. I'm just want you to know that I wish you and yours the best of health. It is disconcerting when faced with a life threatening event. If you feel you need more support, maybe seeking a group that is going through your challenge would help at this time. Hopefully you have an MD that you trust, is competent, and informative. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing...sending you and yours love hoping that you will weather this storm together with peace.

Re: Strokes

Terrywu — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 14:18:48 GMT

Hoping and sending a prayer for a good recovery for this issue.

Re: Strokes

Laura14 — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 15:12:09 GMT

Just want to add I had a family member who had multiple TIAs which are "mini" strokes.

Not sure what's going on with your loved one but that was hospital care and therapy and getting back to normal fairly quickly each time.

I wish you and your loved one a fast and speedy way through.

Re: Strokes

qualitygal — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 15:16:48 GMT

Thank you all

Re: Strokes

eadu4 — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 15:25:03 GMT

@qualitygal I can offer only my heartfelt prayers and some advise. When my daughter went through cancer I had so many questions and so much varying information that I got a notebook and wrote down my questions for the doctors. I had them print out instructions, information, you name it. I kept a binder. Then I did research on my own. Question anything you feel you need to. Get answers printed out if you need to and again prayers you have the best outcome and healing.

Re: Strokes

qualitygal — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 15:29:45 GMT

@eadu4 wrote:

@eadu4 wrote:
@qualitygal I can offer only my heartfelt prayers and some advise. When my daughter went through cancer I had so many questions and so much varying information that I got a notebook and wrote down my questions for the doctors. I had them print out instructions, information, you name it. I kept a binder. Then I did research on my own. Question anything you feel you need to. Get answers printed out if you need to and again prayers you have the best outcome and healing.

Thank you, I did start that way right off. Need all in one place. Can get too crazy with all you get hit with.

Re: Strokes

RedTop — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 22:00:24 GMT

I lost my best friend to a cerebral hemorrhage/hemorrhagic stroke 2 years ago. An EEG within 24 hours showed she was brain dead; family took her off life support, but it took 5 days for her heart to stop.

My mother has had mini strokes, which has led to her diagnosis of vascular dementia.

My oldest daughters boyfriend had a major stroke in his late 20's, before she met him. He apparently had quite a road to recovery with PT and occupational therapy. He recovered better than expected, but struggles with slight memory issues.

I send strength and best wishes your way.

Re: Strokes

Jersey Born — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 23:28:04 GMT

I am sorry you are dealing with the stroke of a loved one @qualitygal. Strokes can take a lot of physical rehab to recover from. Sometimes the effects are only on one side of the body. Sometimes speech is affected due to paralysis of one side of the face, which can improve over time.

One thing that is common for practically everyone (if not all) suffering from a stroke is a feeling of hopelessness and depression, so elevating that person's spirit and belief in their own recovery, and being encouraging around that person is extremely important. Be prepared for either excellent improvement or less-than-expected improvement as either are possible outcomes, depending upon the type and severity of the stroke. You will learn more in the days ahead, for sure. Nothing is set in stone, however. People can recover almost fully and seemingly miraculously, or recover partially. Be prepared emotinally as best you can be for the fact that additional strokes might occur as well.

I wish you and your loved one the best during this scary, tumultous time for both of you.

Re: Strokes

vsm — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 04:18:49 GMT

Wishing you and your loved one all the best, @qualitygal . I won't presume to opine on strokes/treatments/therapies. Just want to remind you to take care of yourself during this time, both for your sake and his. Rest, eat well, walk, exercise. And be very judicious about the time you spend online, googling symptoms, treatments, etc. You can work yourself into a frenzy that way, with nothing to show for it afterwards except stress and strain. Focus on quality websites and resist the temptation to compare other cases and outcomes to his particular situation. You are much more in control than you think you are.

Most importantly, my prayers go out to you. As your friends here have said, let us know how you're doing.

Re: Strokes

qualitygal — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 16:47:39 GMT

While I'm here: please put your passwords and pin #'s somewhere where someone trying to help you out in case of a stroke, has a chance to do that. It's super frustrating. and, it's a dead end.

Any suggestions on this, let me know please. For t.v.

Re: Strokes

hckynutjohn — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 22:10:15 GMT

@qualitygal wrote:
While I'm here: please put your passwords and pin #'s somewhere where someone trying to help you out in case of a stroke, has a chance to do that. It's super frustrating. and, it's a dead end.

Any suggestions on this, let me know please. For t.v.

@qualitygal

I have no idea what anything you said here even means. Then to end this with: "for t.v."?

hckynut 🇺🇸

Re: Strokes

RedTop — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 22:27:34 GMT

@hckynutjohn

OP does not have her spouse/significant others passwords or PIN numbers to access accounts to do essential things he cannot do following the stroke. Due to the predicament she's in, she is making a suggestion to others to get this necessary information.

I am not sure about t.v. either.

Re: Strokes

shoesnbags — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 23:03:28 GMT

@qualitygal wrote:
While I'm here: please put your passwords and pin #'s somewhere where someone trying to help you out in case of a stroke, has a chance to do that. It's super frustrating. and, it's a dead end.

Any suggestions on this, let me know please. For t.v.

@qualitygal

Do you mean that you're trying to access your husband's passwords and hitting a "dead end"? Does he have a password for something on the tv?

Re: Strokes

qualitygal — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 14:18:31 GMT

@shoesnbags wrote:
@qualitygal wrote:
While I'm here: please put your passwords and pin #'s somewhere where someone trying to help you out in case of a stroke, has a chance to do that. It's super frustrating. and, it's a dead end.

Any suggestions on this, let me know please. For t.v.
@qualitygal
Do you mean that you're trying to access your husband's passwords and hitting a "dead end"? Does he have a password for something on the tv?

No, not that. It's in the event of an emergency, when someone you have to care for, can't tell you these things. You may have POA or not, and you might need to know the info. Trust someone with the info, so they don't have to try and find it. That's all.

Re: Strokes

qualitygal — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 14:19:40 GMT

@RedTop Thank you, yes that's exactly it.

Re: Strokes

shoesnbags — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 20:16:25 GMT

@qualitygal wrote:
@shoesnbags wrote:
@qualitygal wrote:
While I'm here: please put your passwords and pin #'s somewhere where someone trying to help you out in case of a stroke, has a chance to do that. It's super frustrating. and, it's a dead end.

Any suggestions on this, let me know please. For t.v.
@qualitygal
Do you mean that you're trying to access your husband's passwords and hitting a "dead end"? Does he have a password for something on the tv?
No, not that. It's in the event of an emergency, when someone you have to care for, can't tell you these things. You may have POA or not, and you might need to know the info. Trust someone with the info, so they don't have to try and find it. That's all.

Sorry, but you mentioned passwords and pin numbers - and tv. We have wills and POA in paper form at home and it's also on file with our attorney. No passwords or pin numbers involved. Do you have a family attorney you can call to check? If there's a Power of Attorney, someone in the legal profession probably provided the paperwork and notarized it.

Re: Strokes

RedTop — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 20:58:18 GMT

@shoesnbags

It seems all the OP is referring to is the PIN numbers and passwords for the accounts her spouse set up.

Re: Strokes

PAlady — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:29:03 GMT

I am sorry you are going thru this. My DH has had a couple strokes and we found if he followed what the doctors told him and did all the PT at the office and did the homework they gave him, he did very well. Take a notebook and write down any questions you have, you will not remember everything you want to ask at an appointment.

It can take up to two years for a person to recooperate (to the best they will be), so both of you must be paitent. No two people recover the same and at the same rate. I wish you both the best of luck.