recovery after massive stroke

[aunt juju]

My 59 year old (otherwise healthy) mother had a right side brain stroke two weeks ago. The DR. said it was prety massive on most of the right side, leaving her unable to move her left side.  She is able to talk, eat, drink, and able to answer any question. (still not completely normal in thinking and talking, but really close.)
She started a live-in rehab last thursday (3 days ago) and now can move her left leg some.  Stil no movement of the arm.  She does have the neglect of the left side. my question(s)
1.  How long does the brain swelling take to go completely away?
2.  Well the neglect she has get better?
3.  Well she be able to walk and move her arm, and if so how long with rehab will that take?

[Lynn1980]

Hi, Just want to ask if you also had constipation (bloated), lots of hiccups and vomiting after the stroke? My father was discharge from the icu after 20 days of confinement. While at home, he usually have hiccups and vomit and everytime he vomits his BP fluctuates and he has difficulty in breathing. Aside from that, he has been constipated for 6 days. Were very worried thats why we decided to bring him back to the hospital and he's again confined in the icu because the initial findings of the doctor is infection though we are still waiting for the blood test result. Had you experience the same as my dad? Thanks

[sara12345]

Lynn, Thanks for your comments.  I would be interested in how your father progresses in time when you feel like reporting anything.  Wish you all the best.  Sara

[Lynn1980]

Thank you so much for giving us ideas about stroke and sharing with us here your experience. This is just a proof that stroke really change one's life but with God's help, eventually stroke victim as well as family members could cope and recover. We will just continue moving, have faith and keep on praying.

[sara12345]

No, I didn't need surgery or a tracheostomy.  It took many months of physical therapy 3 to 5 days a week to get more function and to relieve very intense pain, but my body is still not functioning fully.  It took months of speech therapy to help me find words.  But it took several years to get my full speech back.  But I am severely disabled by 24/7 migraines caused by my stroke which are often severe and put me in bed for days at a time.  I can only do a little bit each day and must get at least 12 hours of sleep or the migraines get terrible.  Now that I'm on 4 medications, 25 Botox injections and nerve block and trigger point injections, I can function some and no longer have to go to the ER frequently.  I have a whole bunch of smaller things like no appetite and difficulty swallowing.  But I am very grateful that I am not still paralyzed and not barely able to speak.  

I am finally accepting of my condition--thanking God for what I do have and not agonizing over all of my many deficits.  Continuing to send you prayers for your father.

[Lynn1980]

Thanks sara12345, we are very thankful to God for his continuous help to my dad. How long does it took you to recover after the stroke? Did you had brain surgery and tracheostomy as well?

[sara12345]

That's great that your dad recognizes and understands you.  Celebrate any progress that your dad makes, even if it's not a total recovery.  I didn't have a full recovery after my stroke at age 56, but you are grateful for everything that you get back--after the grief over what you've lost.   It's five years later for me and I am still very disabled.  I wish your dad the best.