Talk to me about stroke please?

[YukiCarrot]

Hi all.

Wasnt too sure where to post this.

My lovely step dad has just suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. He is in his late 40s. Looks like undiagnosed extremely high BP & caused by his stressful job and bad salty diet.

Happened late last night, out of the blue, currently in hospital. He can speak okay-ish, slightly slurred but understandable most of the time, and joking with us on Facetime. Seems to have regained general movement in his right side (stroke side) but motor functions still not quite there. BP still not down to good levels just yet.

Im trying to take this as all a positive, only 24 hours in. Could have been so much worse, get teary just thinking about it all.

Please tell me your positive stories of stroke? what is the recovery process like? I need to support my poor lovely mum as much as possible.

Please don't tell me any stories which don't end positively.

Thank you.

It's very early days in terms of recovery, from what you've said he's already recovered a certain amount.
While he's in hospital the doctors will give him a thorough work through of all his risk factors, and get blood pressure, cholesterol, and anything else under control.
He'll see a rehab team, physio, OT and probably speech and language therapist from the early days to see what his needs are and start rehab, if he requires it, he may transfer to a stroke unit, which generally have a 24/7 approach with the nursing staff and HCSW's all on board with rehab as well.

The stroke association is a great source of support, for yourself/your mum and your step dad both in the immediate future and in the longer term.

I've worked in stroke rehab for many years, and while it can be unpredictable, it is one area where the human body (and brain) has an amazing ability to recover and adapt.
Hang in there

Oh Bless you, your mum and your step father.

My mum had a mini stroke a few years ago and is now controlled by drugs! Her chance of having another stroke is the same as anyone else's.

My friend's husband (45) had a major stroke a couple of years ago which has affected his right side. He was in hospital for 6 months. He is home now and with a few adaptations can get around on his own. He walks longer distances in the house with a stick and uses a powered scooter to get around outside. He has had loads of physiotherapy which continued over zoom in lockdown. He accessed lots of support groups which was brilliant for him to realise that it wasn't the end of the world and he could still lead a happy (albeit different) life. Their sense of humour got them through it all. They have two young boys and he has been amazing at adapting so he can still do stuff with the boys.

The doctors should be able to give you a timeline of recovery. If he has his speech still then the stroke was on the 'better' side.

Let your mum talk and get her to ask the hospital everything and anything. No question will be too stupid.

Unmumsnetty hugs

Sending you the biggest hugs

My dad had a mini stroke in November, he was very lucky. Yes he is weaker then he used to be but he is back cycling which he got up to a good fitness the year before when he took it up as a hobbie (he is 64) it was such a huge shock for us all. Sometimes he just needs to talk about it and listening to him is the best thing we as a family do for him x