I’ve read many of the posts on the subject here on the Dope, and the information in them helped reduce my anxiety some. But the thing is, I’ve taken family relations as “whatever”, with no real connection (different story). But now all I can think of is how much I’m missing her and what will my sister be like when she “comes back”. Or is she already back, but we just don’t know it? The fact that her speech, memory, and the use of her right hand and leg are affected must be a torment, but how can she convey any of those emotions when she can’t speak or use her right hand? Will she ever be able to paint, or knit, or play one of her musical instruments again?? Drive?
What is really getting to me is that my sister’s career was nursing, including 20 years running a nursing home. If I can’t get that image out of my head, what about her?
I could always call her and say “Am I making sense?” “Talk to me until the meds kick in.” (Bipolar was difficult for me to get accurate and adequate treatment.) Who do I call now?
She’s in a good hospital (Mass. Gen.) and has a treatment plan in place for when she is discharged. I know I can’t demand it, but damn I want her back.
Man, that’s rough. You’ll both be in my thoughts and prayers.
Does your sister have a spouse, or someone else to look after her? I get the impression you’re not nearby.
Did she just have the strokes, these past two days? Or has it been awhile? If the latter, is she getting any physical therapy to regain the use of her right side?
I feel for you. I lost both grandmothers to strokes, so I know how tough it can be to have that happen to a loved one.
I had a stroke 15 months ago. It mostly affected my right arm and leg. Immediately afterward, my arm just hung there. Occupational therapy brought me back maybe 90%. PT brought my leg back maybe 75%. I’m not where I was before the stroke but a LOT better than I was right after it. I’ve learned to cherish “small victories”. They add up. I remember the first one, when I opened my hand without using my other hand or pressing it against something.
I spent 8 days in the Cardio unit. 3 weeks in “Acute Rehab” (3 hours of PT/OT a day 6 days a week). Then about 2 months PT and OT at home, 2-3 times a week. Then about 6 months out patient PT/OT 2x45 minutes twice a week I’m getting better. If I can answer questions for you from the strokees POV, contact me.
Right now our Big Sister is with her. She has a good friend as well as acquaintances where she lives. I’m quite a ways away with my own issues with regard to traveling. And I’m not sure I can get my little mutt qualified as a therapy dog. Rescues come with their own bag of weirdness.:rolleyes:
The strokes were this past weekend. She went into hospital on Day 1; home on Day 2; back into hospital on Day 3. She is being made to walk using a walker, with a nurse in attendance. I don’t know what other PT she may be doing. She’s also being treated for skyrocketing blood pressure and cholesterol.
When she’s ready for discharge from Mass. Gen., she’ll be transferred to another hospital for continued observation and PT.
The question remains how compliant she’ll be after she’s home, esp with any medications.
Thank you for sharing with me, and I’m sorry for your loss. It wasn’t until I moved here and could watch my neighbors with their grandkids that I realized how important grandparents are. hugs
Thanks so much for making yourself available for questions. I’ve so little information to go on just now, but when I have more I’ll likely take you up on your offer. I can at least work out with her, albeit halfway across the country. Your progress makes me feel much more optimistic.
At first, you have so many questions and don’t know which to ask first.
I suspect right now they’re trying to figure out what’s what. Besides checking my vitals (BP, pulse, O2 Sat, temp, breath sounds) they had me squeeze their fingers with both hands, follow a finger with my eyes without moving my head, raise my eyebrows, stick out my tongue, smile, read sentences off a sheet of paper, ID some drawings off a sheet of paper. and describe events on a drawing. Oh, and run my heels up and down the shin of the other leg. Pretty much nailed down the right leg and arm weren’t working. They gave me an MRI at night. Weirdest sounds.
I could feed myself but had to ask them to cut stuff up and butter my rolls. I only had one hand but could tear open packets with my teeth and working hand.
My Uncle just had a mini-stroke, and he was a bit dopey for a few days, but recovered from it very quickly. Still limited motion, I think, but faculties intact for now.
Well, then, the way to get her hand working is a pile of teeth tear proof wrapped dark chocolate bars. Just a matter of the right motivation, yes?:rolleyes: