Strokes

[seanywal]

My father has just had a stroke and he is now in an intensive rehabilation ward where he does physio therapy and speech therapy. He has been there for 2 weeks and I cannot see any difference. How long will it be before a do? and Is there any thing I can do to one2one to help him along?

Thanks

[Clanad]

The doctors will tell yout that it's difficult to assess the results of any stroke. It really depends on the area of the brain and how much damage there was. During the initial treatment, a brain scan, such as an MRI or EEG was done and the doctors should share the indications from that with you.
My mother had a series of strokes and two of them appeared to have radical consequences. She was unable to move the left side at all and the typical face muscle droop accompanied the symptoms. However, amazingly to me, she recovered with little or no visible impairment.
The one thing she commented on later, after recovery, was that she really appreciated me and others talking to her throughout the ordeal. Often, people come to visit and, out of misplaced concern for the patient, really don't talk or visit much. Most stroke sufferers, accoding to our doctors, comprehend very well, it's just that they can't respond very well.
I'm sorry I can't give you more information, but each case is highly individual. Best wishes...

[WendyS]

So sorry about your father. Recovery from a stroke can be a long and seemingly unrewarding process in some cases. Every individual's case is different and it would probably help if you could talk to the physiotherapist and find out exactly which organs/muscles have been affected and what the exercises he is doing are specifically directed at. If the stroke was a serious one, you may have to face the possibility that he will never completely recover all his faculties, which is a devastating prospect for all of you. However, many people will tell you of cases where individuals have largely recovered from a stroke, but time and patience do seem to be the main requirements. Be patient with your father and if you can, read some books from your local library about Strokes and therapy. The internet will also provide you with valuable information if you Google "Therapy for Strokes" or something similar.

[silverdaler]

hi there

so sorry to hear about your father, strokes are very distressing for all concerned, but the rehabilitation programmes nowadays produce some amazing results.

i have worked with patients who have had strokes for many years and sometimes when you think things are not going to improve, they do. it does, of course depend on the damage caused by the stroke, but never give up.

ask his physio if you can help with his recovery programme. he may not be well enough to start it yet though.

our thoughts are with you and your father x

[Aprilis]

My mum had a stroke some years ago that severely affected her speech and ability to write anything remotely understandable. However, with therapy she made a marvellous recovery in just a few weeks. Apart from her dire spelling (which wasn't great in the first place) and a bit of muddling her words when she is very stressed she is fine.

I truly hope your dad recovers as well as my mum did.

Love and best wishes to you and your dad seanywal.

A x

[seanywal]

Thank you all for you kind words and support i shall speak again to my fathers physio and i shall make sure i continue to talk to him and be patient with him and myself.

Thankyou you have helped. x