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Original poster

Talk to me about stroke please.

42 replies

Lostnafraid · 04/10/2018 08:30

DF has had a stroke, he’s in hospital at the moment. He’s improving but speech is jumbled or words just won’t come.
He’s an otherwise fit and healthy man in his 50’s, just wondering what he/we can expect going forward, if you have any experiences yourself or family members I’d really appreciate your input.

OP posts:

antshouse · 04/10/2018 09:25

Have just PM ed you because I don't know how to name change!

Original poster

Lostnafraid · 04/10/2018 10:24

Thank you antshouse your messages have been really helpful x

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antshouse · 04/10/2018 10:44

Forgot to mention I was also called up by my GP to get the flu vaccine last autumn. I was surprised as stroke wasn't on the list of long term conditions on the NHS website but a quick google showed research that suggests having the vaccine can reduce the risks of stroke, so definitely worth thinking about when your dad has recovered. X

Sparklingbrook · 04/10/2018 10:49

My friend had one a few years ago. Her speech was awful when it happened and she couldn't tell the nurses where she was at first, the words wouldn't come out or they were very jumbled.

Within about a week she had made great improvements and slowly returned to normal. Now, 2 years on she will stumble over the odd word or not be able to think of the right word but that's all.

Hope your DF recovers as quickly.

SubtitlesOn · 04/10/2018 11:05

If he can write ok get him a huge A4 lined notepad (so his writing is able to be larger than usual)

Sellotape some string to a biro and then the other end fix to the writing pad so that the pen doesn't keep dropping on the floor

This will hopefully help with his frustration as he is trying to communicate with yourselves and medical staff

Dowser · 04/10/2018 11:06

Yes, hopefully he’ll make a good recovery
My dh had a stroke 2.5 years ago
Physically he was fine but the clot happened in a part of the brain that affected his eyesight
He lost his peripheral vision
He’s got most back...sadly not enough to drive
He was 62 now 65
He tires easily . Th emotional driving has had a massive impact on him and us as a couple
I hate being the only driver.

Dowser · 04/10/2018 11:11

The not being able to drive...not emotional...although it is 😡

Original poster

Lostnafraid · 04/10/2018 12:57

antshouse thank you that’s a great tip
sparklingbrook I’m so glad your friend has recovered so well, it gives me such hope my dad will be the same. Thank you
SubtitlesOn thank you for that tip
unfortunately Dad’s writing is confused also, he tries to write what he means but other words are going down on paper, he seems to know it’s the wrong words but can write the correct ones, much like his speech.
Dowser sorry to hear about your DH I’m glad he’s recovered so well but sorry he can’t drive anymore I can imagine how frustrating that must be.

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CatLadyToddlerMother · 04/10/2018 13:04

My granddad had a stroke about 13 years ago.

His speech is mostly ok now although he does stutter a bit, or forgets what he was going to say.
He gets over emotional a lot so things that never used to make him cry do - he cried when my daughter walked for example.
He walks with a stick as he has a slight weakness in the left side - he uses a folding one so he folds it up and uses a trolley in the shops.

Otherwise he's great. Very active still which is great for an 85 year old. He's got a better social life than me. Doesn't drive much now but does have 3 lovely daughters, and 6 grandchildren to ferry him around so doesn't really need to,

foxyfemke · 04/10/2018 13:45

No direct experience, but am a SALT in training. He should be seen by a SALT at the hospital to help understand how his language has been affected by the stroke. Recovery varies greatly and depends a bit on which part of the brain has been hit by the stroke. A SALT can diagnose and treat any language and speech issues, and help him communicate as best he can. However, I'm sure he's already seen by a SALT (at least I really really hope so!) and some kind of treatment plan is in place or will be soon. When did the stroke happen?

You can help him by speaking to the nursing staff about preferences, if he can't tell them what he wants. Make a sheet with how he likes his tea/coffee, what he likes to eat. Just some basics that helps the staff care for your dad when he's not able to express what he wants. This is a massive issue with stroke patients, and often there are some very simple things to help.

Original poster

Lostnafraid · 04/10/2018 14:31

foxyfemke
Thank you that’s really useful info, the consultant was talking about SALT, physio and OT yesterday but he hasn’t seen anyone yet maybe that will happen today.
The stroke happened Tuesday evening.

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foxyfemke · 04/10/2018 14:43

Ah, OK, that's still a relatively short while ago and unless he has issues swallowing a SALT consult isn't hugely urgent, but do push for one if he hasn't seen a SALT by the weekend. They can do some diagnostics to establish if your dad has something called aphasia, which is language issues after a stroke. And if he does, they can determine what the issues are and how to treat it. But, it's still very early after his stroke and he won't be stable enough for this yet. Things can improve over the next few days / weeks, so please don't feel how he is now, he will be from now on, others have said this as well. Every person has a different aftermath of a stroke, so it's a waiting game to see how his recovery is.

Original poster

Lostnafraid · 04/10/2018 15:37

foxyfemke he’s improving every day and has managed to get up and out of bed today under his own steam so that’s really positive. He’s waiting for a second CT and scan for his neck today fingers crossed we get positive news.

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bychoiceornot · 04/10/2018 15:47

I hope all continues to improve and wish your family all the best. As others have said, unfortunately there is no hard and fast rule to recovery.

A good news story though to hopefully show you things can improve... my DFIL had a stroke 3 years ago, and we are so fortunate that he is once again now driving, working, doing pretty much everything he did before. It took lots of encouragement on our part, and effort and determination on his, but it's doable. However, I would caution that of course every case is different, and I would strongly encourage you to work out with his care team, the family, and most crucially him, what his likely achievable goals and wishes are, as to set him and you up for disappointment by attempting too much too soon is unfair on you all. Everyone being on the same page is key.

I would also second what foxyfemke said... if his communication is frustrating him at present, help be his voice. A written list of likes, dislikes, preferences, things important to him and things he'd like to avoid etc., that can help ensure he has his wishes respected. Perhaps consider things like an iPod or similar of his favourite music or audiobooks that he can be supported to listen to if he wants; hospital TV can be so expensive, and dull, and familiarity can work wonders for comfort in a strange environment.

Dowser · 05/10/2018 13:21

Pleased to hear his progress
My dh had syntonics privately to help with his eyesight loss
But it also helped with balance
Cost about £1000
There’s only a few centres in the country...he had his in Durham at wades for anyone interested
He’s still seeing improvements but I’m more concerned about his arrthymia

lovesugarfreejelly63 · 05/10/2018 13:39

Over the last few years my husband has had two strokes, had excellent treatment on the NHS (they saved his life) and with the help of physiotherapy he was on his feet in no time. He has lost the sensation in two fingers, otherwise ok, he is also elderly. I wish you well.

Original poster

Lostnafraid · 05/10/2018 21:03

Thanks all for such positive messages and kind wishes.
My dad continues to improve and is itching to go home! They can’t keep him in bed so he’s walking the corridors and chatting to everyone, which I think is good therapy in itself. He’ll hopefully be home early next week with outpatient appointments for various therapies and the right medicine to help prevent another one.

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antshouse · 05/10/2018 21:28

So pleased to hear that your dad is making such good progress. Hope he's home soon. x

Original poster

Lostnafraid · 06/10/2018 06:46

I honestly can’t believe the difference between the night it happened and now, luckily an ambulance was called within 10 minutes of him becoming unwell and he received the clot busting drug within 90 mins of arriving at the hospital.
I’m sure this has had an impact on how well he’s recovering, I honestly thought he’d be permanently disabled at one stage as he was so very ill, to look at him now you’d think nothing happened! In just a few short days It’s absolutely amazing, I am so thankful for our wonderful NHS they’ve saved my Dad’s life for sure.

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Empathy56 · 06/10/2018 06:46

I had a small stroke back in 2012.My gp at that time diagnosed a migraine.Until I had an MRI which showed I had had a stroke and suspected Ischemic heart disease which turned out to be correct,almost blocked Carotid artery.I had numbness all down my left side and visual problems for 8 months and still struggle with trying to find words when I know the words but cannot remember them and confusion.The hospital were not happy with my gp for not sending me to hospital as they like to start treatment straight away.They decided in the end against surgery.I wish your DF a speedy recovery.

lovesugarfreejelly63 · 06/10/2018 06:49

Lostnafraid - the NHS have given my husband ten extra actuve years of life, beyond words to describe how grateful I am.

DinosApple · 06/10/2018 07:25

It sounds like he is making progress OP which is really good.

MIL had a bad stroke Christmas Eve 5 years ago. We were told she wouldn't make it if she couldn't swallow. She pulled through the worst but we were warned the first 3 months to recovery are critical.

She lost all right side movement and speech. She was very tired, confused, depressed and emotional, but recognised us and if we spoke slowly she knew what we were saying.

Mil's still going at 88, in a nursing home. Personality wise she is as she was pre stroke, but a very childlike version. She's still no proper speech or right side movement, but honestly she is happy. And the care staff love her and vice versa.

One thing I would say is get power of attorney sorted if not done so already. Just in case, for the future.

Having stuff like that sorted would have made life a LOT easier, and so much less stressful.

Everytimeref · 06/10/2018 07:34

My DD saved her DGD life by recognising the symptoms of a stroke and getting him help.
3 years on he has physical recovered but his mental health has been impacted.

Original poster

Lostnafraid · 11/10/2018 00:21

Looks like DD will be staying longer in the stroke unit than I thought. Despite his quick recovery they think he needs an operation to clear a blockage in the carotid artery.
He’s also come down with a cold, I’m so worried he’ll develop a serious infection like pneumonia, can’t seem to stop worrying.

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Original poster

Lostnafraid · 11/10/2018 00:22

Also a nurse told us it was a massive stroke. It’s amazing how well he’s come back from it! It’s astounding that he’s even alive!

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