Should one ever give up hope for stroke victim? - Stroke Message Board

cas1963 · 09-12-2006, 06:57 PM

My 64-year-old father suffered an aortic dissection. During the surgery to repair it, he suffered a stroke. The neurologist has said that he is in a "light coma." He opens his eyes when his name is called, and he seems to turn his head toward sound. However, he does not respond to any commands. It is very discouraging to hear the neurologist say that he doubts my father will ever get any better and it would be better for him to be "let go" should anything further medical arise. After reading many stories of people recovering way beyond expectation, I am really angry that a doctor would say that to my mother. I don't want to be unrealistic in my expectations, but neither do I want to give up.

eleanor61 · 09-17-2006, 05:27 AM

Can i just say first of all there is no such thing as a Stroke Victim,We prefer to be knowning as Stroke survivors.

No one should give up on Stroke Surviors.i had a big Stroke and had to have brain surgery.I was 38 and i certainly was not a victim.Its been 6 hard going years but i'm living proof that it can be done,So no don't give up,Your dad is stil alive and in my books that means hope.good luck.

cas1963 · 09-18-2006, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eleanor61

Can i just say first of all there is no such thing as a Stroke Victim,We prefer to be knowning as Stroke survivors.

No one should give up on Stroke Surviors.i had a big Stroke and had to have brain surgery.I was 38 and i certainly was not a victim.Its been 6 hard going years but i'm living proof that it can be done,So no don't give up,Your dad is stil alive and in my books that means hope.good luck.

Thank you for your reply and for correcting my use of the word "victim." This is all very new to me and my family, and we are already encouraged by progress we have seen in my father's ability to concentrate and follow directions.

eleanor61 · 09-18-2006, 02:16 PM

sorry if i sounded a bit blunt.Just hate that word Victim.

Glad to hear your Dad is making some progress,it is a long slow process but never give up .good luck

madfit · 09-26-2006, 01:16 PM

Hi,

I had a a pretty bad stroke in October 2002, when I was 55 years old with a good job. I was totally paralyzed on my right side. I had about 3 months in-patient therapy, and 2 months outpatient therapy.

I was told I probably would walk eventually with a cane, but several doctors told me I would never have function of my right arm and hand. I told them I don't accept their prognosis. I might add that I am a right-handed person, so that made it even worse. I had to learn to write and do things with my left hand.

But here's the good news, so don't get discouraged!

After having therapy in the first year, because that’s all medical insurance would cover, my doctor suggested I join a gym/health club since most of the equipment they used in therapy were available at the gym and some more. I have been going 2 or 3 times a week for 2 years now. It's incredible I got most my strength in my arm back mainly on my own at the gym. My right arm and hand are so strong compared to what was zero, and my legs have become stronger also.

All my fingers are functioning, in fact I am touch typing this note, that is using both hands and all fingers to type. The neurologist who originally gave me my bad news, couldn't believe it.

I'm not saying it was easy, it takes a strong will, determination, and alot of work. It will be 4 years Oct. 1st since I had my stroke.

Doctors don't know everything, they only go by what they've heard of read about. It's we stroke survivors who really know the facts and can attest to them. By the way, it's nearly 2 months now that I started to drive again.

So tell those doctors if they can't give people encouragement and hope, they shouldn't be in that field. Part of taking care of patients, is building morale so they want to get better. The brain is a very powerful thing. The stroke only destroyed certain routes that were used before to make certain parts of the body function. Now by repetition, it creates new routes to make functioning which was lost to once again function.

Hope I have given some encouragement.

A friend