My Mother had a stroke Monday.

[lm6y]

It appears to be a mild one, affecting her right side. She initially had some speech problems, and trouble swallowing. Yesterday, she had a small set back, and lost partially control of her right arm, and hand. All of these symptoms are very much aggravated when she is tired. When she is rested, it's much better, and that gives us hope for a good outcome.

I know it could have been much worse, but it's killing me to see her like this! She has always been so independent, and on the go. I think the worst part is seeing her so frustrated.

So, if you have any tips on how to cope, how to help, or just want to share experiences, prayers, or even good wishes, we could use them.

[Rikao4]

sorry to hear that..
it's hard to let others do what you did before..
had a bout with 'Saturday night palsy'..
pinched nerve= my left arm was totally useless..
and I'm a lefty..
wife had to cut my food..
getting dressed was frustrating..
and I was short-fused 90% of the time..
as I got better..
so did my temper..
it will take time..
just be there for the journey..

Rika

[azasadny]

Your mother and family are in my prayers.

[VINMAN]

My heart goes out to you Brent. My dad suffered through two. The first mas massive. Left him paralyzed on one side for months. it was a rough time. It killed me to see him go from a tough self sufficient man to someone virtually helpless overnight.

[masraum]

Praying for a fast recovery. I've seen folks that recovered to the point that you couldn't tell they had a stroke.

[Hugh R]

Best wishes. Sorry no advise except patience

[sc_rufctr]

I feel for you and you family... Prayers for your mother.

[Zeke]

Immediate treatment and therapy did wonders for my MIL.

For those of you that witness stroke, the paramedics said the aspirin she took right then and there made a difference. If they can't swallow, use an un-coated aspirin and place it under the tongue. Monitor this.

[tabs]

It sadens me to hear this..this is a painfull experience..

Given some time I think she will recover pretty well. Unfortunately it will never be the same. There will some lingering affects. That weakness when tired is a good example. She probably will get tired more easily now. Also he confidence in being alone or living alone will be an issue.

KID we all got it comin...

[Brew 66]

My MIL had one about ten years ago. Changed everyones life.

The thing that she didn't do was stick with PT. Therapy is amazing. Part of her stroke was that she has almost no inner drive to do anything and gets frustrated when pushed.

Do whatever you can to keep your mom focused on recovery.

You are all in our prayers, it is a long road, but better than the alternative!

[futuresoptions]

My mom suffered a aneurism about 9yrs ago and spent a couple weeks in a coma... she recovered with therapy and family being around her. Yesterday she was climbing up and down the banks of the lake to fish and caught herself a nice freshwater drum. I pray your mom has the same type of recovery and with time I am sure she will... Take care...

[lm6y]

Thank you all So much! I just left the hospital so she could get some rest. I cornered the therapist, and asked what I / we need to be doing, and got a lot of really helpful answers. Mom is already trying very hard, and now that we have a direction to focus those energies, and exercises to do, I'm already feeling a lot better about this.

And as an aside, I honestly can't thank the Nursing staff at the hospital enough. If you, or someone you love is being treated by someone in the healthcare field, please let them know if they are doing a good job. I honestly couldn't imagine doing what they do day after day. It really does take a special kind of person.

And again, Thank you all so very much. Pelicanites truly are some of the best people in the world!

[pwd72s]

Brent...an attaboy for your good attitude! Hoping for the best for you and your mom.

[12own911]

Hi Brent, I suffered a stroke 8 years ago. I did not follow therapy and did not go to the rehab facility as was suggested and I am still dealing with right side weakness. I was 38 when I had the stroke. Contact me off-line and I will tell you some of the things that you and your family can do to help your mom. My email addy is kdoll2@yahoo.com.

Good luck.

[crustychief]

Your family is in my thoughts today.
Regards,
Sandy

[NY65912]

Very sorry to hear about this. I wish you and your Mom much luck. I have a doc who had a stroke a few years agao and it was pretty bad. He made a full recovery, so have hope.

[Oh Haha]

Sorry to hear this news.

Here's to a good recovery although it may a long road.

[HHI944]

My prayers are sent. My grandmother suffered a massive stroke in her 50s, did all the rehab and pt and lived a very happy and fulfilling life to 84.
I've gotten a bit spiritual lately due to some things is rather not discuss, but one thing that's stuck in my head: you were only given this life because you are strong enough to live it...

[lm6y]

HHI944, I know what you mean. Since my Father's heart attack two years ago, I've been changing too. Add this on top of it, and it's shaking me pretty good. I used to be a smart assed, surly, prick most of the time, and the last few years has caused me to change my whole way of being. A close friend noticed, and sent me this in an email today, and she didn't even know about my Mother. I hope it's not too sappy, but it is really ringing true to me right now. If it is too sappy, understand I haven't slept much / well this week

An old Cherokee told his grandson, "My son, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies, & ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, & truth." The boy thought about it, and asked, "Grandfather, which wolf wins?" The old man quietly replied, "The one you feed."

[M.D. Holloway]

Sorry man. Shyts tough. I know your pain. Sorry.