stroke recovery

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Apr 6, 2006

If doctors have no answers there probly arent any. Any experience anyone may have will still not answer any questions you may have floating around in your head. Every case is different. Im sorry this has happened. Hopefully your husband is otherwise healthy and strong and maybe that will get him through rehab with as much success as possible.

I'm afraid only time will tell.

BennyMambo · Apr 6, 2006

This whole experience has made me so much more aware of the fear families have about the futures of their loved ones and the frustration they must feel that there really aren't any clear answers. I guess I just want to know what exactly I can expect. I don't like the unknown. I've been with this man for 17 years. He's the love of my life and I just want him to come back to me.

indigo girl · Apr 6, 2006

My husband had a stroke a week ago. It was in the basilar artery and then parts of that clot broke away and caused several smaller strokes in the back of his brain. His whole right side is affected, along with speech, swallowing, bladder and bowel control. He's only 36 and I want to know if you've dealt with stroke patients and what results they obtained through rehab. Doctors will not give an answer to what percent he'll recover, I can understand that, but if you have any experience, please share.

I'm not sure if this will be helpful or not, but I was just reading an article from Robert R. Rowen, MD, who writes a monthly newsletter called "Second Opinion". I was intrigued about the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help stroke victims along with IV DMSO also for neurological impairment. The phone number of the publisher, Sound View Publishing is 800-728-2288. You could also contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) for assistance in finding out who offers this type of assistance. Obviously, not all of those who work with HBO, might agree with this use of it. I'm only offering the info because I remembered that Dr. Rowen used this in his own practice as did David Steenblock, DO of California.

I sincerely hope that you'll get some answers. God bless.

leslie :-D · Apr 6, 2006

i have had pts w/traumatic injuries r/t stroke. yet their determination combined with aggressive pt restored them close to baseline. yes, there was residual deficits but only minor in contrast to what the pt initially suffered. Godspeed.

leslie

jenn_rn_nj · Apr 6, 2006

My father had a hemmorhagic stroke on Feb 28th and what we've been advised by the doctors is that the first 3 months after the bleed are when we will see the most improvements (whatever will be taking place) and then the next 18 months after that could still bring about improvements.

It's so frustrating that there is no real answer out there and it is literally day by day looking, watching, wondering. My heart goes out to you. I wish there was more known about the brain and brain injuries/recoveries.

I will keep you in my thoughts. :icon_hug:

Trauma Columnist · Apr 6, 2006

Am so very sorry for your dear husband and you! If you are not getting the answers you need, please, please take your concerns up the chain of command in order to get the answers.

We can't provide medical advice and even our experiences may be radically different than your reality. Please get the answers you need.

BennyMambo · Apr 6, 2006

Thank you all for your posts. I will check into the info you gave indigo girl. I guess at the moment all I can do is treasure each small success he has and know that he's trying to find his way back. Also wanted to say that the nurses where my husband is are so compassionate and caring. I'm so proud to be part of this profession. Kudos to all you nurses!

chadash · Apr 6, 2006

You are so young to be facing so much, all I can say is that this will be something that will have to be taken one step at a time.

I am praying for good things, and the help and information you need.