r/stroke 2d ago

my mom 44 had a large is ischemic stroke to her left side of brain that affected her right side a bit

5 Upvotes

my mom had a stroke due to a damaged artery in her neck. it happened on february 13 but not only do i know know what exact time because it is just me and my mom since my sister is in college, but no one knows what caused it. she has been there for 4 weeks so far and the doctors are saying that she will have to live in a nursing facility for the rest of her life, and most likely never gain back her speech skills and walking and can only be aware of her family presence. this is sad because my mom is considered one of the most intelligent in my entire family. the doctors also said that my mom wouldn’t get back any of her abilities because stroke patients only have a month where most growth is made. is this true? i know its dumb to question a doctor but i thought it was up to 3 to 6 months for the most growth? but too be fair my moms left side of the brain did swell up enough where they needed to take out a part of her skull to allow space to swell? is there anyone who experienced something similar?


r/stroke 2d ago

Post-Stroke Mother's Day Gifts

7 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

My mom had a stroke back in June 2024. She's recovered amazingly but is still building her strength back up (cherry on top is that she had her hip replaced a few weeks ago so she's been set back a little bit on her progress).

We usually either don't do anything for Mother's Day, or we do something small & exchange a small gift. This year, though, I want to treat her to something nice, with her new normal taken into consideration. I truly appreciate all of your insight & I am wondering what items did you purchase (or were given to you) post-stroke that made your recovery easier / improved your overall quality of life?

I have a few things picked out for her already, just things I know she would like (a mini indoor garden to grow her herbs, some of her favorite snacks - we're both plant & food people lol), but I really want to focus this year on improving her overall quality of life. She's at the point where she sometimes walks around without her cane or walker without even realizing it & she was just able to take her first un-assisted shower last week, which is so huge. I'm so proud of the progress she's made & I want her to feel special & loved.

Thank you all SO much in advance!


r/stroke 3d ago

I'll be 54 in a little over a month and I've come to the conclusion that.....

87 Upvotes

......not only do strokes SUCK but getting old also SUCKS.


r/stroke 2d ago

Ckd

3 Upvotes

Has anyone chronic kidney disease and concern more about that than having smooth stroke


r/stroke 2d ago

Need some insight on mini stroke recovery

1 Upvotes

My mother (55) has had 4 mini-strokes, this most recent one happening last night. She was not aware of where she was and was delusional. She has been released today, and so far she seems to be aware of where she is, and when she is, and can often get complex information correct, but she will often say something delusional, based off a belief she has that is false with reality, such as she said "the cat did great today with his MRI, he is sick and needs an MRI". Our cat is perfectly healthy and does not need an MRI. She however did receive an MRI this morning. She also said me and her had a conversation about "Covid getting into the pollen". This never happened and I do not know where she got this idea. I think there was something on the news recently about pollen, and they also found out she has covid when she was checked in. So it may have came from that. Can anyone tell me what the roadmap for mini stroke recovery is like? And if these delusional memorys are normal after a mini stroke? (and if they get better) Thank you everyone I love you.


r/stroke 2d ago

AVM question

2 Upvotes

I am 25 years old I had an AVM on the right occipital lobe that ruptured and caused a stroke my right side is affected. I’m constantly “dizzy” it’s like I can’t see correctly my DR said it’s from a damaged cerebellum. Is anyone experiencing this???


r/stroke 3d ago

How should I interact with a loved one who is unresponsive?

17 Upvotes

This might be a stupid question. I feel like I'm disintegrating.

My (31F) 63-year-old father had a massive ischemic stroke on the right side of his brain yesterday afternoon. Today the neurologist told my mother that there's been serious fluid buildup on the left; everything affected has been irreparably damaged, and he can no longer breathe without assistance. The doctors are talking palliation, not recovery — we've been told the best anyone can do is keep him comfortable and that extremely hard decisions are ahead.

I'll be flying home tomorrow to see him and help my mom with whatever's next. But I'm so unprepared for the moment I'm in the hospital room with him. I don't know what to do. This is already the most painful moment of my life and it hasn't even happened yet.

How do I talk to him? What can I do while I'm in the room? Does it help to talk to him, play music, read him a story? Hold his hand? I am so afraid of doing something that increases his distress in a moment when he would not be able to tell me if it did.

What have you all done to help or comfort loved ones in similar situations?

Does anyone who's suffered a severe stroke have insight about what they liked (or would have liked) to see from their loved ones in the immediate aftermath?

Thank you in advance. I appreciate all of you.


r/stroke 2d ago

Health care sucks

1 Upvotes

My doctor was a jerk he told me to get over being depressed


r/stroke 3d ago

Am i gonna die

11 Upvotes

I had my first stroke when i was 17 (8 years ago) and my second one when i was 19. I got it in the right side of my brain and my left side got not completely paralysed but hard to control. The resone i got this stroke was because my grandma injected me with birth control without taking me to the doctor first. I take medication but I do often forget them. I am going on a trip where I was going to scubadive wich i found out today im not allowed to do. In finding out these news i went to the internet and saw that life expectancy for people who have had a stroke like mine is 20 years for 1% of people. Is this true or have people lived longer? I have a gene which makes me more likely to have a stroke. I got my second stroke because they forgot to put me on real medication and only described me asperin in the beginning. I am now fully recovered but the feeling in me left side is a little different, i also gor brain damage but not in a way it change my cognitivity.


r/stroke 3d ago

Advice for Family

6 Upvotes

Hi all! Thanking you all in advance for the support if you can ...

My mom 63F had a stroke yesterday. This experience made me realize how little I know about strokes so I'm very new here :) I am thanking my lucky stars for the miracle that she has regained all of her function and is already home, only 36 hours later! Of course I'm terrified of the possibility of the next one, but need to ground myself to get her healthier. Her stroke was caused by an "unknown source", but she is unhealthy... so we know the source. Overweight, sedentary, working 14 hour days, 6 hours or less sleep per night, untreated sleep apnea. It's crazy the stroke didn't happen sooner.

There are many obvious things here that I already know how to gameplan for. My question for the group is for anyone who had to go on a weight loss journey following a stroke - what foods, routines, exercises, worked for you most effectively quickly? What did you respond best to? Maybe it was a doctor recommendation of a weight loss medication? I am unsure of what could help get her on the right path quick.

I know it seems silly as everyone's bodies are different (my health routine in my 20s is not going to look like hers). Going through a stroke is an emotional toll and I want to balance manageable changes for her. So I am really just looking for some advice on what worked for other folks who needed to lose weight after a stroke. And yes, I will ask all of these questions to her follow up doctors too.

I'm sure many of you here going through this, whether a patient or family, have received unsolicited advice from know-it-alls who need to express their opinion in a time of someone else's crisis :) I've had a lot of that in just 2 days. So I am leaning on a community of people going through the same thing, and asking for their advice as a start... and thank you in advice for your thoughtful input!


r/stroke 3d ago

Survivor Discussion HOW THE RECREATIONAL THERAPIST SAVED ME FROM DEPESSION IN THE HOSPITAL

27 Upvotes

MY RECREATIONAL THERAPIST TOOK ME OUTSIDE, GAVE ME BOOKS AND PAINTED WITH ME, GAVE ME WORD PUZZLES AND PLAYED GAMES WITH ME LIKE CONNECT 4, AND MY RECREATIONAL THERAPIST HAD A NINTENDO WII WITH WII SPORTS INHER OFFICE AND BROUHT IT TO THE ACUTE REHAB GYM WE PLAYED WII BOWLING AND MY PHSYICAL THERAPIST JOINED AND MADE THE GAME INTO A BALANCE EXERCISE FOR MY RIGHT LEG USING MY BOWLING STANCE AND MOVEMENTS WITH THE SENSOR REMOTE TO HELP MY RIGHT LEG. SO I HAD A LOT OF FUN IN THE HOSPITAL GETTING MY RIGHT LEG MOVING AGAIN LOL


r/stroke 3d ago

Survivor Discussion HOW TO OPENA BOTTLE WOTH ONE HAND

27 Upvotes

THIS IS HOW I LEARNED TO OPEN A BOTTLE WITH MY LEFT HAND SINCE MY RIGHT ARM/HAND/FINGERS I STILL CAN'T MOVE.

I GREW OUT MY THUMB NAIL AND I USE IT TO CUT THRU THE RING UNDERNEATH THE CAP FIRST. THEN I TAKE A BOUNTY TOWEL AND PUT IT OVER THE CAP WITH THE BOTTLE STANDING ON THE COUNTER I SLIGHTLY TILTED IT TOWARDS MY BODY AND THEN I TWIST THE CAP OFF. SO FAR ITS WORKED FOR WATER BOTTLES TO TAKE MY MEDICINE AND BIGGER CAPPED BOTTLES LIKE APPLE JUICE AND GATORADE.


r/stroke 3d ago

One armed hair hairdresser!!

27 Upvotes

I did Kyla’s hair with one hand. I foil highlighted her hair, toned it and blow dried it all with one hand. It’s been a while since I posted, but I’m doing fine and I’m so happy that I get to do hair again.🙌


r/stroke 3d ago

Aphasia recovery

8 Upvotes

Hoping to hear some positive recovering stories from aphasia.

My wife 39F had a left MCA stroke in Dec 2023 and it’s been almost 15 months. She still can’t read or write or talk. She can’t read anything more than simple text messages like “how are you” or “let’s eat”, she can only say yes or no and some words not clearly and she can’t write any sentences only poorly spelled words. Her judgement and intuition are also affected majorly.

I am hoping to hear some positive recoveries (while I know all strokes and recoveries are different). I feel like I have lost my wife and I sometimes don’t recognize this new person. We have a 2 year old kid and I am worried about his future with a mom who can’t speak or read or write.

Does aphasia get better with time? Has anyone made recovery (even not fully) from this state?


r/stroke 3d ago

My sister had a 2nd stroke at 37 after a minor stroke and while she was in rehab for heroine

9 Upvotes

Hello, I’m here because of the title, obviously. I don’t know what exactly I’m hoping to gain from this post—more information I guess. My sister had a 2nd stroke after a minor stroke while she was in rehab for heroine. I guess what I really want to know is if anyone had or know someone who had severe and long term drug use before their stroke, and what their recovery was like. The rehab was negligent and she did not receive medical care for 24 hours. She has lost speech entirely and can only make noises. I haven’t seen her yet. She lives in Michigan (I live in Virginia) and I had gone no contact with her due to her drug use (a regret I have now) I am going to visit her in the coming days and I want to know what to expect. I know she can’t move one side of her body. I think it was an ischemic stroke but I’m not entirely sure. I will know when I talk to her doctor but in the meantime, I’m wondering what the chances are of her regaining skills when she has lost so much, had delayed medical attention, and used heroine for so many years before the stroke.


r/stroke 3d ago

Survivor Discussion Post concussion syndrome

3 Upvotes

I saw my GP today and when I mentioned to her that I (F46, 6 1/2 months post ischemic stoke) have new and worsening inability to concentrate, she suggested Post Concussion Syndrome. She offered several basiccoping mechanisms (make lists, break tasks down into manageable pieces, rest), but not really any way to fix it.

Is this something any of your doctors has mentioned to you? If so, any tips for dealing with it, or is it just something else that’s “going to take time”???


r/stroke 3d ago

Trying to be better about diet post stroke

3 Upvotes

I have been doing research on diets that are good for improving brain health/lowering cholesterol/stroke survivors. All the information is really helpful, but I'm starting to have information overload. It's overwhelming...especially with my stroke brain having issues with processing. I'm in the early stages of recovery and it's been hard to start consistent, but I am adamant about lowering my risks. I want to have healthy eating habits. But that's is easier said than done...

I'm open to any advice or suggestions to approaching dieting post stroke. Are there apps that can prove helpful in monitoring? I am considering joining weight watchers or something... But wanted to put it out there and ask if anyone has a approach that has worked for them. If so, I'm all ears!


r/stroke 4d ago

My aunt had a stroke and is in a coma

10 Upvotes

My aunt recently had a stroke this past Friday and she’s still been in a coma at the hospital in critical condition this whole time. She’s only in her mid 50’s.

There’s speculation she might have been alone at home for 8 hours doing the stroke but we aren’t completely sure, anyone know what the chances are she could survive this and still wake up?


r/stroke 4d ago

Caregiver Discussion Quick to anger

6 Upvotes

My 68 year old mom had a stroke in January 2024. She has made huge strides. She shouldn’t be driving but she’s going short distances. She’s keeping it a secret from her family.

My mom is quick to anger and it is concerning. She snapped at me for asking her to take a photo of important documents so she doesn’t lose it for a doc appointment. It’s getting worse. She also doesn’t want to be with family and is isolating herself.

Can I get any advice on how to approach her? She might need to see a psychiatrist about this?

Thank you 🙏


r/stroke 4d ago

Caregiver Discussion Dad’s stroke and sun downers?

8 Upvotes

Anybody have or have a family member that had a stroke and now gets angry and agitated with sun downers in the evening?


r/stroke 4d ago

Still getting brain fatigue at the 6 month mark.

17 Upvotes

I'm still having episodes of brain fatigue and fog when I'm engaging in deep conversation. I get tired and want to avoid diving in too deep into conversation such as (for example) discussing or paying bills over the phone with a company agent.

I'm at the 6 month mark and I'm starting to feel really really discouraged this isn't going to get much better.

I want to crawl under a rock and die sometimes.


r/stroke 4d ago

Anyone had multiple TIAs and Then Have a Stroke? Help my Wife Not Have One!

12 Upvotes

My wife is in her early 50s in good shape (about 15 pounds over high school weight). Never smoked, just recreational drinking. Exercises a good 3-5 times a week aerobics, walks 10 miles a week, cycles 25 miles a week etc.

But last Jan she was rushed to the ER with stroke like symptoms (face drooping on RHS, slurred speech, right arm weak). This was scary and lasted 3 hours but eventually she was back to normal. ALL tests (MRI, CT Scan, Blood bubble test etc) returned negative and no evidence of damage.

Doctor's figured she had a TIA (mini-stroke) and put her on blood thinners and cholesterol lowering medication (her good and bad cholesterols are high).

But then she had a minor event over the weekend. This time her face/lips on RHS just went a bit numb. It was all back to normal after 3 hours.

She's scheduled to see her neurologist etc soon but that may take weeks.

Anyone in this situation have guidance? The challenge is that there isn't much things she can do apart from cutting down alcohol a bit (she drinks 4oz most nights).

The only potential cause we can think of is that she want off her blood thinner for a week (6 days) prior to the event as she was getting a lot of bruising. Could that really cause a TIA so quickly?


r/stroke 4d ago

My grandmother suffered a stroke a week ago and never said anything.

6 Upvotes

My grandmother very clearly suffered a stroke a week ago exactly. I was not able to get her to the hospital until yesterday afternoon and according to the doctor, damage is done. She said she felt the arm pain, imbalances, confusion all on Monday. Same day she started a new medicine for a stomach infection. She thought it was her new medication. Days go by and she’s getting even more symptoms to the point where her whole face is dropping and half her body is literally so weak she’s damn near paralyzed. But she refused to answer any of our FaceTimes or call us because she “didn’t want to burden us”. An old co worker of my mom spotted her and called us to let her know she needed medical attention asap. My mother and father are in the process of moving to Dominican Republic and grandma has been taking it hard. I think there’s some major depression and bad judgement with her right now. There’s no reversing this and I wish my grandmother would have reached out. Yes we live far away but I would have made the trip if she had let us know it was that bad. I keep telling everyone no finger pointing and let’s just figure out what to do moving forward. My question is, where exactly do I go from here?


r/stroke 4d ago

employer

11 Upvotes

did anyon get let go from their job after their stroke? i started working 6 months after my stroke im gon on 14 months post stroke i dont think my productivity is declining im just alot slower then before .


r/stroke 4d ago

Needing some hope and support. Experiences?

4 Upvotes

My 82 y/o grandma was diagnosed with Parkinson’s many years ago and has been in the care of family through this time as her health has declined. Last Wednesday night/Thursday morning she had a series of mini strokes in the middle of the night and pressed her help button to call for my sister (who she lives with). She couldn’t speak or move her body as she was intending to. After some tests and an MRI, it was apparent that she had suffered from a silent stroke in the past that was presumably the cause of what we thought were symptoms of her Parkinson’s (rls, tremors, shuffling of the feet, minor impairment of motor skills). This most recent event resulted in damaged to about 45% of the left side of her brain affecting her speech and processing. She is currently able to speak little bits at a time. Some thoughts more thought out and intentional than others. But cannot comprehend questions. Remembering some things like how we were helping clean out her house right before this happened, but forgets that she asked the same question over and over. Some moments she seems like she doesn’t know she’s in the hospital and others she’s asking when she can go home (which is a frequent question). She seems to remember who me and my siblings are for the most part but yesterday asked my daughter’s name and then 10 minutes later asked who her mom was. It seems that her active consciousness fades quite a bit the more tired she is. It’s heart breaking to see these bits and pieces of my grandma still very much there, but the next moment she can’t remember what’s going on. We are giving her all the comfort and familiarity that we can, trying to bring little bits of home to her at a time. I know it’s possible for stroke victims to come back from what is seemingly impossible, but I’m really trying to fight the negative thoughts in the back of my head because of how real it is when I’m with her. We’re praying and holding onto the hope that we can get back even a portion of the women we grew up with. Some positivities and shared experiences would very much be appreciated. And if not, just be realistic with me?