POST PARTUM STROKE

adouglas · 01-12-2001, 06:39 PM

tHIS IS MY FIRST TIME USING THIS, SO BEAR WITH ME I am 33 years old and had my first baby March 10/00. On March 23/00 I had a massive righ-brained stroke, which left me paralyzed on my left side Currently, I still do not have use of my left arm/hand Has anyone else out there had this happen to them? It has been a very difficult experience - My baby is doing fabulous, however.

I had never heard of this before, but since this has happened I have heard of the same thing happening to other people. And I'm wondering how common it is?

There is not much literature about it that I can find, So I was wondering if anyone else knows of anyone in a similiar circumstance?
It would also be helpful for support.

Another question I have is does anyone know of a stroke patient getting back the use of their hand after such a long period of time?

I would appreciate all input.

Thanks,
Angie

LisaWh · 01-16-2001, 01:49 AM

Angie, I have not heard of this happening before, but while I was pregnant I had three strokes(none of which affected my baby, thank God). When I have my strokes, my left arm, hand, face, and leg all go numb and feel like rubber. I have always been lucky enough to have my sense feeling return within 1-2 hours. Have you asked a Dr. about this? What has he/she said about it? Have you asked them if a blood clot has blocked off a nerve, or if permanent damage was done to that sector of your brain, causing you to not use your arm? Your Dr. could run a cat scan and/or a M.R.I. which would determine if you have any brain damage from this stroke. These tests were very helpful to me in figuring out my memory loss from my strokes. Just some ideas to maybe help, because I know what it's like when you can't feel or use you arm. I am interested to hear what your Dr. says. Lisa

asgmatrix1 · 01-16-2001, 08:19 PM

Hi Angie,

It's been nearly ten years since I had my stroke.

I still haven't recovered the use of my lanft arm and hand.

It doesn't look like I ever will.

It's important that yuo try and find as many products and aids that you can find that you can utilize with just the use of your right arm and hand.

It's extremely frustrating and exasperating as you well know by now.

After years of research, I have found many products, especially to help bathing, dressing, cooking, eatting, driving amd working.

I think one of the best things I can say is that you must get into the mindset that you do only one thing at a time. Forinstance,if you go shopping. You are going to have to handle getting out of the car first, then just handle the groceries and then handle the baby. Trying to handle all at the same time will not only be difficult but will cause you to drop one or the other. At least that's been my experience. Trying to grab the packages, the baby and open the card door and get out was near impossible, especially with the use of only my right arm.

I can't tell you how many times I went out to dinner with a date and had to have my date cut the steak I ordered. Now, I've found so many products that are especially designed for single handed use (i.e. knives, can openers, clip-on ties, zipper grips, button hookers, etc.)

Try not to let the frustrations get to you. You'll proably get so angered that you might start taking it out on the baby.

Try to remain calm and patient. Eventually you'll succeeed.

Best regards,

------------------
Angelo Gambino
Handi-Care Assistive Products & Solutions

adouglas · 01-18-2001, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LisaWh:
Angie, I have not heard of this happening before, but while I was pregnant I had three strokes(none of which affected my baby, thank God). When I have my strokes, my left arm, hand, face, and leg all go numb and feel like rubber. I have always been lucky enough to have my sense feeling return within 1-2 hours. Have you asked a Dr. about this? What has he/she said about it? Have you asked them if a blood clot has blocked off a nerve, or if permanent damage was done to that sector of your brain, causing you to not use your arm? Your Dr. could run a cat scan and/or a M.R.I. which would determine if you have any brain damage from this stroke. These tests were very helpful to me in figuring out my memory loss from my strokes. Just some ideas to maybe help, because I know what it's like when you can't feel or use you arm. I am interested to hear what your Dr. says. Lisa

Hi Lisa. Thanks for the reply. Of course I talked to my dr. The stroke did cause brain damage which is why I'm not able to use my arm or my hand Sounds like you were pretty lucky with the small strokes you had! Mine was a pretty big one! (Unfortunately.) But I'm not giving up on my arm - I realize if anything comes back it will be a bonus, and it's going to take an awfully long time.
Angie

adouglas · 01-18-2001, 01:03 AM

Angelo. I appreciate your candor! Although not that encouraging. I do have several "aids for around the house. Any hints on how to wear Jeans or normal pants without an elastic waiste? I'm also getting sick of velcro shoes! ugh I just got voice-recognition software for the computer for when I go back to work! I'm excited about that.

Angie

[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 01-20-2001).]