I am confused by the inconsistent diagnosis after a recent stroke.

[dpmoose]

My father had a hemorrhagic stroke 10 days ago. His right side is paralyzed and he can't speak and he can't swallow. In the first five or so days, he seemed to have some awareness and was able to answer yes or no questions by pointing at YES or NO on a sheet of paper. When they asked him to hold up two fingers, he could hold up two fingers. Unfortunately, because of the dysphagia, he had to go on and off of a ventilator twice, and now he seems to be much less cognizant.

5 days ago, the doctors were clearly guarded but encouraged that he was making a little bit of progress, even though it was only a few days after the stroke. Now, only a few days later, they think he will be in a wheel chair at best, with no verbal communications, and will likely require 24/7 care in a nursing home, probably with a breathing tube and feeding tube.

I don't want to have false hope, but I also want to exhaust all my possible resources. I understand that there will always be setbacks, and I also understand that doctors usually want to prepare the family for the worst case scenario. How do I know how serious my fathers condidtion is? I am desperately looking for some advice and input from other people who may have had similar experiences. Thanks in advance for any help that you can provide.

[braintasticexercise]

The post stroke ups and downs can be so hard. It is very emotional. The brain is incredibly complex and the doctors do their best to give valid information. One neurologist told my husband he would not progress. That was several years ago and he has gotten so much better! Every situation is different. Hold on and be sure to take care of yourself.