Grandfather had a stroke yesterday.......

[npg1]

Hi. Im not really sure where to post this but I will start here anyway. I am not really close to my relatives on my Dad's side, not seen my Grandfather for probably 2 years.

Anyway my Dad phoned today to say that Grandfather has had a stroke and he will keep me informed. That's all he really said. My cousin text me today and said she had been to see him today, again she isnt very close to him either.

The thing is I dont really know how I should be feeling. I feel abit upset and worried for him, I am also feeling guilty as I should have seen him more and made more of an effort.

I dont really know what to do now, should I go to the hospital to visit? He probably wouldnt recognise me. God I feel so sad.

npg - there is no right way to feel and no wrong way to feel, and no right or wrong thing to do.

you say he wouldn't recognise you - does he have other issues as the stroke has not necessarily affected his memory.

It sounds like you want to see him, you should do what feels right to you

sorry you are going through this

Ah thanks. We just werent very close before this all happened. My cousin went to see him today and she said she thought he recognised her.

I think I would like to visit but I think I am scared.

It is terribly scary not knowing whats going on, it might be better for you to call the nursing staff who are looking after your grandfather and ask them how he is doing.

Could you go visit with another family member to make it easier?

My Gran has had 2 strokes. She was mentally fine but her speech and movement were restricted for a few days.

Maybe now would be a good time to start contact with him again?

Thanks everyone for your kind words.

Have just spoken to my step mum. She says some of our other family have been to visit today and there is a slight improvement from yesterday (didnt realise he actually had the stroke yesterday lunchtime.) My other aunt and uncle are going tomorrow too (they only live down the road, I live 45 miles away from the hospital but he is in a specialist stroke unit)

I will go and visit and yes may go with my cousin.

I like the idea of taking pictures with me. My Granfather's daughter (my auntie) had a stroke about 15 years ago and it was a bad one. She cant talk and is paralysed down one side.

Yes now is definately a good time to start contact again.

X

glad to hear there is some improvement already.

sounds like you have made a decission that is right for you - hoping the visit goes well