Can anyone help? My Dad has had a stroke

[towhoknowswhere]

Just that really, he’s 77 and currently in a stroke unit unable to talk or really move.
He can move one side of his body but we’re unsure if he fully understands what we’re saying etc
I’m really not coping and massively aware that me breaking down in front of him is probably not great for him!

We’re on day 5 and there seems to be very little improvement. Do I need to prepare myself for him not getting better or is it still early days?
The hospital are amazing but very busy and it’s hard to get a good understanding of what’s going on. I’m also too scared to google, so staying well away from that potential rabbit hole!

Honestly, its early days. My MIL had a horrific stroke in the mate 90s and spent 6 month in a rehab unit. She came home and lived independently for 20 years.

i’d just take the next few months as they come and then review things.

Also look at the Stroke Association. There is support for carers and a chat room.

I'm so sorry this has happened, it's very scary and the not knowing is the worst thing. DM had a stroke 20+ years ago which left her with only half of her working, out of the blue. She never fully regained mobility but regained full independence through sheer determination until old age hit. You're in very early days at the moment.

https://www.stroke.org.uk/stroke/support/carers

The Stroke Association has a helpline you can call as a loved one.

My dad had a stroke a couple of years ago. He's largely recovered but does need support. It might be worth talking to the Stroke Association for advice about the particular type of stroke your dad has had, plus any local organisations that could help you.

Best wishes for your dad's recovery. Remember to look after yourself too.

I’m trying to take everyday/hour as it comes but I’m finding it so distressing seeing him unable to move or talk.
My mum and siblings are being amazingly strong but I’m a mess!

Thank-you for all the kind words, we’re on day 5 so I guess it’s very early days!

sending you positive thoughts.

It is very early days. I thought my father would not talk or walk again. At 75 I thought they wouldn't take rehabilitation seriously but the hospital was wonderful. He had a bit of weakness but after intensive speech therapy and physio he could walk unaided for short distances and his speech recovered well.

It’s very very early days. It’s going to be a long haul but your dad is currently in the best place - he will have access to physios and OTs.
Keep talking to him and explaining what’s happening. It will obviously be scary for him too. Sometimes it’s very hard to know what to talk about when the conversation is one sided so maybe read something gentle he would like - book, newspaper, sports score etc.
Remember to look after yourself to. Eat and try and get some rest. I’m sure he will be assessed very soon to see if they can get him moving even a little at the moment 💐

I found with my mum that things got better once she moved to rehab. In the end she didn't recover enough to live at home again but once she was in the rehab it was much easier to get information about how she was and what was happening.

I found with my mum that things got better once she moved to rehab. In the end she didn't recover enough to live at home again but once she was in the rehab it was much easier to get information about how she was and what was happening.

He very probably understands what you are saying. Hearing is the last sense to fade.

My beloved Godmother had several serious strokes and pulled round. Once we had been called in by the hospital to say goodbye as she had had a massive stroke. The family were, after a while, discussing when the cup final was and this 'corpse' managed to mumble 14th May!! And she was right! She lost the use of her arm, but eventually made a good recovery that time, bless her.

Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. Stroke patients can make good recoveries.

Such good & reassuring advice from everyone, we’re starting to realise it’s a long road ahead but are trying to stay positive.
I find him not being able to talk truly heartbreaking and leaving him at night feels so sad too!