My dad had a stroke

[Misseuropadiscodancer]

As the title says, my dad had a stroke yesterday. He was in hospital having clot busting drugs within an hour has is much improved today. He was fit and healthy (former professional sportsman and currently has/had an active job), never smoked even 1 cigarette, rarely drinks. Only 63. It's such a shock. Anyone have any experience? Would appreciate some advice.

[Groovee]

My dad suffered a stroke last year. It was quite mild but his personality has changed. The support he received was excellent and we couldn't have asked for better.

Some people recover quite well from a stroke while others it can be life changing. Try not to stress but take the time to be patient and write down any questions you may have.

Much love.

[bubblemcgubble]

My DS had a stroke when he was a toddler (rare in children, it was caused by chickenpox).

As Groovee says sone people recover well from strokes, others don't fare as well. It will depend how significant the stroke was, and which part of the brain it happened. Your Dad will most likely stay on aspirin to thin his blood to guard against any further stroke.

I think one of the worst things about having a loved one having a stroke is not knowing for a while how much they will be affected and also it's shocking that it is so sudden. Hope you are able to get some answers today from the doctors. In the meantime the Stroke Association is an excellent source of info when you feel ready. They can put you in touch with local support groups

[KurriKurri]

My XH has had four TIAs (mini strokes) and one full stroke in the last nine months. He is doing OK - the full stroke gave him a paralysed left arm but it was temporary and is OK now.
They keep a good eye on him at the hospital - he has to go to the stroke clinic fairly frequently, He is on blood thinning medication (anti clotting) and statins to lower his cholesterol, which was high. (he's not overweight though and he doesn't smoke).

Meds have brought his cholesterol right down and he seems to be doing fine. He is 56 - no family history of strokes - so bit of a mystery why he has been having problems. He's being tested for some condition called anti something lipid (sorry I can't remember the name, but it causes strokes) also he has had an MRI scan to see part of his brain affected.

I know it's very worrying (I was with my X on two occasions when he had TIAs and took him to a and e) it is scary. But the fact that your Dad is stable now is good and it means they can start treating him and keeping an eye on him.


My dad had a stroke when he was 70ish, and was left with a bit of facial paralysis which he recovered from and he was fine afterwards - he lived to be 91.

[KurriKurri]

I would also add that in hindsight my X was acting very confused on one occasion when he had a TIA (kept asking me if we were divorced and then getting very tearful - most unlike him and we've been divorced quite a while !) So I'd say watch out for any signs of slightly odd behaviour or forgetfulness/ confusion etc. as I think in X's case these were sort of warning signs.