Help! Mother-In-Law had stroke and is rapidly deteriorating - Stroke Message Board

rerabo · 08-24-2008, 07:49 PM

Less than a month ago my mother-in-law had a stroke. She was previously in good health - no problems. The stroke was brought on by a severe headache. She has had no paralysis. Only intial effect was loss of some vision in one eye. She was discharged from the hospital after (2) days. Only (1) post discharge visit to neurologist, where it was confimed that the vision loss would be permanent. She has sense declined rapidly, starting with severe depression, and some confusion. Her general doctor put her on Zanax and Prozac. She then became delusional with added confusion and inability to sleep. Prozac was then changed to Zoloft. (Only other medication she is on is for cholesterol) She is going back to neurologist this Wed. No doctors seem to be overly concerned at this time, although a healthy 77 y.o. woman from 1 month ago, is now under 100 pounds, and wants to "go on hospise".
Please if anyone has seen anything like this, please let me know.....I'm not even sure where to start with the doctor!

xanaxqueen · 08-29-2008, 10:11 AM

seems that your mom in law is taking this episode very seriously, sounds like she had a tia, not a full stroke. keep track of her blood pressure and ask you doctor about a therapist that she can talk with. don't let her give up!!! the best to you xoxo

dwils0n · 12-02-2008, 08:42 AM

How has your mother in-law progressed? My mother is currently going through the same thing. She had a stroke in July, started out doing fine and now it has been downhill. She can't eat and keeps going into the hospital. She is under a 100 pounds and is very weak.

rerabo · 12-06-2008, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwils0n

How has your mother in-law progressed? My mother is currently going through the same thing. She had a stroke in July, started out doing fine and now it has been downhill. She can't eat and keeps going into the hospital. She is under a 100 pounds and is very weak.

My mother-in law is actually doing much better. I don't know where you are located, but, we are outside of St. Louis. We were able to get her into a program at Barnes Hospital in their Stroke and Brain Injury Rehabilitation dept. It has done wonders. She first had a couple of 2 hour evaluations, then has had therepy (both physical and mental) each week for a couple of hours. She also was sent from there to see a "neuro-psychiatrist" to evaluate her mental status. She had fallen below 100 pounds, but her weight is up. She is not "her old self", but it seems a miracle how far she has come.
So, I do believe there is real hope if you can find the correct people. We were really fortnuate. Please let me know if you need any more info.
Good luck