My husband (68 years old) has recently suffered a stroke to the right side of the brain. He has made an amazing recovering, getting back the use of his left leg and left arm and hand. His strenght is almost back; however, his endurance is not very good. He has been experiencing some of the following:
1. he has difficulty remembering the days/times, etc. If he falls asleep in the afternoon, when he wakes he thinks it is the next day. It is extremely difficult to convince him that a whole day has not gone.
2. he has been experiencing pain and a spasm like sympton in his left arm, hand and leg. We have asked several of the medical people and no one seems to know what is causing this. At times these spasms are extremely painful.
Does any have any suggestions about trying to convince a person of the day/time. I have tried talking clocks and watches - with no result. He feels I am lying to him and he believes that I think he is stupid because he has had a stroke.
Has anyone ever heard of the spasms happening to a stroke victim and if so do they know what causes them.
I am sorry for your husbands stroke, and wish you both the best.
I am a stroke survivor (4 strokes, 5 years ago). If it were not for the love, support and patience of my husband, I would not be where I am today.
Recovery from any brain injury takes time. You mentioned your husbands stoke was recent...may I ask, how recent?
My first year was really hard. I slept through a lot of it, and was very confused particulary about time, as well. For now, I would just go along with him on the time thing...keep it simple for him- You can just say it's dinner time, or breakfast time. I would suggest keeping the house light in the daytime, and dark in the night time...this will keep his internal clock on the right schedule. Sleep promotes healing, so let him sleep.
Arguing about simple facts will not help him. Support him, and be very patient while his brain works to repair itself.
I am not able to address the spasms, as I did not experience them myself.
I know this is hard for both of you, and you need time for yourself too. Dont forget to keep yourself rested, hydrated and fed. Bless you
My husband's stroke was very recent (October 21/08). He spent 8 weeks in hospital and rehabilitation. We were told that he would not survive the stroke and if he did he would not walk or be able to use his left hand and arm. He now walks without assistance and has most of the use of his hand and arm. The rehabilitation staff were absolutely wonderful and he was very determined to recover. He still has some difficulty with his short term memory, but nothing too serious. I will try your suggestion about the lights during the day and nights and see if that helps him.
We have been married for 45 years and sometimes it is difficult to remember not to argue with him when he tells me it is breakfast time at midnight. He was always so healthy that I find it hard to believe that he is now not well.
Thank you again, your reply was greatly appreciated.
Quote:
Originally Posted by writeleft
I am sorry for your husbands stroke, and wish you both the best.
I am a stroke survivor (4 strokes, 5 years ago). If it were not for the love, support and patience of my husband, I would not be where I am today.
Recovery from any brain injury takes time. You mentioned your husbands stoke was recent...may I ask, how recent?
My first year was really hard. I slept through a lot of it, and was very confused particulary about time, as well. For now, I would just go along with him on the time thing...keep it simple for him- You can just say it's dinner time, or breakfast time. I would suggest keeping the house light in the daytime, and dark in the night time...this will keep his internal clock on the right schedule. Sleep promotes healing, so let him sleep.
Arguing about simple facts will not help him. Support him, and be very patient while his brain works to repair itself.
I am not able to address the spasms, as I did not experience them myself.
I know this is hard for both of you, and you need time for yourself too. Dont forget to keep yourself rested, hydrated and fed. Bless you
Oh dear Dorothy, you are so sweet. Honestly, feeling like you have lost yourself is absolutely terrifying for your husband. Of course, you are feeling a similar fear, the unknown...
It is wonderful that he has made a return from deaths door. I did too, and it scares the hell out you. The fact that he has regained such function is amazing, and the alternative is unbearable. Take whatever joy you can from all the love you have shared for 45 years, pull it up from within, and enjoy that love everyday. It will be differant, but it can be sweet.
Thank you for your responses. They are greatly appreciated. I have not been on the message board for a few days as my husband took a bad fall on the ice and ended up in emergency. He injured his hip, back and ribs. Fortunately, nothing was broken, but he is very badly bruised and is experiencing difficulty trying to walk. It nearly breaks my heart to see him struggle so badly.
I tried the lights for day/night and it worked for about 2 days and then he was back to the old habits. Our doctor suggested that since I am sleeping in a separate room right now that I close the door at night, and my husband is not to disturb me if the door is shut unless it is an emergency. He has agreed to this and so far has only opened the door once because he was having bad pains in his ribs. The room is real close to his, so I can still hear him if he seems to be getting up at lot during the night and I can check on him.
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QUOTE=writeleft;3850958]Oh dear Dorothy, you are so sweet. Honestly, feeling like you have lost yourself is absolutely terrifying for your husband. Of course, you are feeling a similar fear, the unknown...
It is wonderful that he has made a return from deaths door. I did too, and it scares the hell out you. The fact that he has regained such function is amazing, and the alternative is unbearable. Take whatever joy you can from all the love you have shared for 45 years, pull it up from within, and enjoy that love everyday. It will be differant, but it can be sweet.
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