Coping after a stroke [Archive] - Saxperience

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JoeHindle

27th March 2013, 01:36

Hi all, some of you will have seen in another thread, or I'll have spoken to you on Facebook, but 3 weeks on Saturday, my Dad collapsed at home after a stroke, initially this started as one of his "thunderclap headaches" a very severe migraine that feels like an electrical pulse from the top the spine to the front of your head.

Anyway, it took the doctors 4 days to diagnose he'd had a stroke and he was recovering really well.. until they told him he was moving hospital and made him wait around all day stressing out about it, they moved him at 10.30pm and the next morning he had another stroke, he didn't recover as well from this stroke and was completely bed bound for 3/4 days he started getting better again and then one morning he text my mum "think I had another do, I'll see you tonight x"

She rang the ward and was informed he'd had another and he was sleeping.. That day the doctors that came to speak to him and did the usual tests "can you feel this, can you feel that" and on the left hand side of his body, he can't feel pain, or temperature.

After this the doctors told him and my mum about a new trail being offered out to stroke patients... a computer picks at random, people who get a "stent" put into the artery in their neck, and others who get given medication to keep the blood thin. My dad got picked for the stent, he had the op two days later and he will have to keep a diary of day to day life and go for check ups every month for the first 3 months, and then once every 6 months..

During a chat after the operation the doctor told him that they got to him in time, to which my dad jokingly replied " haha, before it killed me", apparently the doctor kept a completely straight face and said "basically Mr. Hindle, yes.."

Anyway, he came home tonight, he's still a bit unsteady on his feet, he's got a slight squint in his left eye and sounds like he has lost his voice slightly, but he's basically my dad again.

I've rambled on enough now, basically has anyone else been through this and should we expect any changes in the way my dad acts with us, like snapping at the slightest thing etc and can anyone recommend anything to help him recover a bit better..

Thanks for reading,

Joe

Edit: shit me I didn't realise it was so long..

mlawlan69

27th March 2013, 01:52

feel for you mate, really do.

I actually do have first hand experience of this, not with someone close to me so the sentiment wont be the same, however a work colleague had a stroke around January time and was off work for about 5-6 weeks.

upon returning to work, we noticed that his portion control and gauge of size had grown considerably (he was dicing onions the size of 10p rather than a piece of rice for example) and that he wouldn't listen or take on board anything anybody said to him, he would never be violent but he would be quite brazen whereas before he wasn't, it effects everybody differently so im not sure how it will help, but never know !!

JoeHindle

27th March 2013, 01:54

Bedford126

27th March 2013, 02:04

Never had to experience any one who's had a stroke mate. Best of luck to your dad though.

JoeHindle

27th March 2013, 02:06

Never had to experience any one who's had a stroke mate. Best of luck to your dad though.

Cheers Bedford, it was weird in a way, him being back at home especially seeing as he shuffles a bit more instead of walking and that's a massive pet hate of his..

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Bedford126

27th March 2013, 02:10

Cheers Bedford, it was weird in a way, him being back at home especially seeing as he shuffles a bit more instead of walking and that's a massive pet hate of his..

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2, to piss Chr15 off.

I don't know what your relationship is like with your dad but I know if my dad was doing something he hated before I would have to take the piss out of him. Sounds harsh but it's just being Norman.

Suppose he will just want to be treated like he was before, anyways good luck and if you need to talk you know where to come (pm Ross).

DAMSK11

27th March 2013, 02:12

Bedford126

27th March 2013, 02:15

This made me smile...

Btw OP, best of luck to your dad mate.

Hope he knows there are a few members on here that he could talk to if he needed to. I'm sure Ross would be one of them too.

JoeHindle

27th March 2013, 02:15

I don't know what your relationship is like with your dad but I know if my dad was doing something he hated before I would have to take the piss out of him. Sounds harsh but it's just being Norman.

Suppose he will just want to be treated like he was before, anyways good luck and if you need to talk you know where to come (pm Ross).

It's crossed my mind, took the piss at tea time ( we had Chinese) and it's his first meal out of hospital, so I was like 'I know you'll be disappointed that it's not tomato soup, but deal with it, you're back St home now so you have to eat normal human food' it made him chuckle hahah

This made me smile...

Btw OP, best of luck to your dad mate.

Cheers man

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JoeHindle

27th March 2013, 02:17

Hope he knows there are a few members on here that he could talk to if he needed to. I'm sure Ross would be one of them too.

There are plenty of members on here that have gained my respect/trust etc over the last two years, they've helped with some tough times :y:

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stevie_m

27th March 2013, 02:35

Good luck

GolfJay

27th March 2013, 07:50

I had a customer have a stroke while I was doing first aid on them. Its the strangest thing ever as it just seems as though they leave their body for a short while.

I hope your dad gets better dude!

GolfJay

27th March 2013, 07:52

There are plenty of members on here that have gained my respect/trust etc over the last two years, they've helped with some tough times :y:

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Me
Chris
Cliosxt

Oh wait, probably neither of us 3 thinking about it lol

wadoryu

27th March 2013, 07:55

Manu

27th March 2013, 08:41

My dad had a couple of strokes. It was difficult times as each time he ended up with the memory of a goldfish for a few days. It was a scary experience to say the least, and some doctors actually suggested to lock him up in the nut house.

He's much better now though there still is that Damocles sword hanging over him if you see what I mean. From experience I know it takes time to recover from that, so best of luck to your dad.

0rang3peel

27th March 2013, 08:51

Good luck my friend,

My Nan had many strokes, however the circumstances were a lot different. She went against doctors advice and continued eating crap, she was horrendously overweight and once she lost the left side of her body there was no way of exercising to lose it.

Because she was immobile and living a terrible existence there was no way anyone could decline giving her the one thing she loved in life... food and so she essentially ate her way into the ground.

Back then though she was brought up on lardy gravy so it was in her mindset that cooking everything in 7 tonnes of lard was not bad for you!

Psycho18

27th March 2013, 08:52

How old is he ?

Ross

27th March 2013, 09:32

Hope he knows there are a few members on here that he could talk to if he needed to. I'm sure Ross would be one of them too.

This. Hit me up on facebook or even email if you need a chat - there's several members on here that can take your mind off stuff if you need to too. Being a little older unfortunately I've had a few family members leave us now, but I'm lucky that those I'm closest to are still with me - my dad and my mum for example are both quite well (although my mum is disabled and struggles a bit). A stroke can be really bad and it looks like you've "got off lightly" (I'm not being a cunt, obviously) so I'm pleased for you. All you can do is support him - he'll probably want treating like normal if he's anything like my dad, and will above ll want to keep his dignity so will want to do as much of everything that he used to as possible.

My father-in-law has parkinsons, as does my step-mother, so I've seen the shuffling along quite a bit - they're both conscious they do it and find it embarrassing so I hope he finds a way to cope with it or gets used to it. Rollerskates? :D

On a more serious note dude, I know it's only an internet forum but there are some "serious" members here with grown up attitudes and real responsibilities (I try not to be but alias, sometimes am forced into it!) - you know already who they are. I'm positive anyone would chat if you just needed a mate to talk to. I certainly would.

Finally, there are some other things for you to think about (depending on severity and your family circumstance of course). Look at local support groups for the family. His needs are often addressed through hospital etc but there's often little support for the family that now have to perform extra care activities (if there are any for you). Don't forget about DLA (Disability Living Allowance) also if he's struggling to move about or can't do everything himself as he used to. DLA can really help - my father in law is currently "ok" and managing, but saving the DLA they're getting means in a year or so they should be able to convert a downstairs room into a bedroom with an on-suite so he doesn't have to go upstairs to bed etc (which he struggles with). Think outside the box. You don't have to struggle, and you certainly don't have to be alone.

Be brave Joe :hug:

JoeHindle

27th March 2013, 09:43

Sorry to hear that man, iv seen alot of customers in the shop, one day they're fine. Next they're like a potatoe. Most of the ones who get away lightly seem to get there in the end, it is a slow process though. Anyway my thoughts dude, take care.
Cheers John, Happy Birthday by the way :hug:

My dad had a couple of strokes. It was difficult times as each time he ended up with the memory of a goldfish for a few days. It was a scary experience to say the least, and some doctors actually suggested to lock him up in the nut house.

He's much better now though there still is that Damocles sword hanging over him if you see what I mean. From experience I know it takes time to recover from that, so best of luck to your dad.

Yeah they told him after his first there was a 4 week window in which he may have another, and he had two, in the space of a week..

Good luck my friend,

My Nan had many strokes, however the circumstances were a lot different. She went against doctors advice and continued eating crap, she was horrendously overweight and once she lost the left side of her body there was no way of exercising to lose it.

Because she was immobile and living a terrible existence there was no way anyone could decline giving her the one thing she loved in life... food and so she essentially ate her way into the ground.

Back then though she was brought up on lardy gravy so it was in her mindset that cooking everything in 7 tonnes of lard was not bad for you!

Unfortunately thats how quite a lot of the older generations were raised, quite sad in a way..

How old is he ?

He's 43, 44 in December..

This. Hit me up on facebook or even email if you need a chat - there's several members on here that can take your mind off stuff if you need to too. Being a little older unfortunately I've had a few family members leave us now, but I'm lucky that those I'm closest to are still with me - my dad and my mum for example are both quite well (although my mum is disabled and struggles a bit). A stroke can be really bad and it looks like you've "got off lightly" (I'm not being a cunt, obviously) so I'm pleased for you. All you can do is support him - he'll probably want treating like normal if he's anything like my dad, and will above ll want to keep his dignity so will want to do as much of everything that he used to as possible.

My father-in-law has parkinsons, as does my step-mother, so I've seen the shuffling along quite a bit - they're both conscious they do it and find it embarrassing so I hope he finds a way to cope with it or gets used to it. Rollerskates? :D

On a more serious note dude, I know it's only an internet forum but there are some "serious" members here with grown up attitudes and real responsibilities (I try not to be but alias, sometimes am forced into it!) - you know already who they are. I'm positive anyone would chat if you just needed a mate to talk to. I certainly would.

Finally, there are some other things for you to think about (depending on severity and your family circumstance of course). Look at local support groups for the family. His needs are often addressed through hospital etc but there's often little support for the family that now have to perform extra care activities (if there are any for you). Don't forget about DLA (Disability Living Allowance) also if he's struggling to move about or can't do everything himself as he used to. DLA can really help - my father in law is currently "ok" and managing, but saving the DLA they're getting means in a year or so they should be able to convert a downstairs room into a bedroom with an on-suite so he doesn't have to go upstairs to bed etc (which he struggles with). Think outside the box. You don't have to struggle, and you certainly don't have to be alone.

Be brave Joe :hug:

Cheers Ross :hug: I did think about offering him my youngest brothers 3 wheeled scooter :wacko:

Aly

27th March 2013, 09:53

My gran has had 3 of these in the past 6 months, she's 75 and quite mobile but whenever she's had one she's become very unsteady on her feet.
She gets very frustrated when she becomes immobile I take her out in her wheelchair but she would much prefer to be able to walk.

JoeHindle

27th March 2013, 09:55

wadoryu

27th March 2013, 10:03

Cheers John, Happy Birthday by the way :hug:

Cheers dude, across said there are some bell ends on this site, and some proper nice people. I another that's always about :D

JoeHindle

27th March 2013, 10:04

Cheers dude, across said there are some bell ends on this site, and some proper nice people. I another that's always about :D

Yeah, thanks guys it means an awful lot! there's a rather decent sized list of people I know I can talk to actually :)

MJ05LLY

27th March 2013, 10:20

blackie_2k5

27th March 2013, 10:25

I'm on my phone do ill read/reply properly later joe

But best thi g for him now is to be kept stress free and relax

Best advice I can give YOU is DO NOT under any circumstances try to research strokes on the Internet as it'll make you worry and stress out over stuff that will probably never apply to your dad, the net paints worse case scenarios and lists all things that COULD happens rather then stuff that probably will

The docs will help him in the way he needs and so long as he sticks to what he needs to then he should live a perfectly normal life

JoeHindle

27th March 2013, 11:04

Mate

I've not read all your thread just opening post, but two or three years ago I woke up to paramedics taking my dad to hosp to find out he had, had a stroke.

I cba with a long reply cos am at work but if you wanna know owt let me know but...

My dad has recovered though and is fighting fit and back at work again. Has to take tablets for rest of his life but he is up and on his feet and you would never know he had, had anything wrong

I'm on my phone do ill read/reply properly later joe

But best thi g for him now is to be kept stress free and relax

Best advice I can give YOU is DO NOT under any circumstances try to research strokes on the Internet as it'll make you worry and stress out over stuff that will probably never apply to your dad, the net paints worse case scenarios and lists all things that COULD happens rather then stuff that probably will

The docs will help him in the way he needs and so long as he sticks to what he needs to then he should live a perfectly normal life

Cheers lads :y: and blackie I'd never dream of researching it, my mum did when he first went in and she wishes she hadn't, he's doing alright today... We're sat watching some shite day time telly at the minute and he's actually enjoying it 0.o

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blackie_2k5

27th March 2013, 12:16

JoeHindle

27th March 2013, 12:19

Ai, I did the same when my sad had one lol, head was in bits after reading up but as was told by docs, likelyhood of the most of the stuff I read would happen is pretty slim and they'll basically keep you well informed of what you need to do/watch out for, if anything :y:

He's sat watching 'The Professionals' now hahah, he's got to take aspirin for the rest of his life, and will have check ups for the next few years

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MJ05LLY

27th March 2013, 12:24

He's sat watching 'The Professionals' now hahah, he's got to take aspirin for the rest of his life, and will have check ups for the next few years

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2, to piss Chr15 off.

Standard procedure really

My dad was sat on a girder up in the air on a crane when he first felt his, but being male and not fully aware why he was feeling dizzy and all the symptoms he just sat there and rode it out till he could come down and even proceeded to drive home. It was only in the morning where my mum was scared about his speech and lack of movement that she called the paramedics..... Two of the most butch women I've ever seen!

My dad was self employed so it hit the family quite hard but me and my bro had quite abit of cash each so we chipped in where ever needed as mums wage alone cut things tight etc

Cal

27th March 2013, 12:37

FB inbox if you need mate - any time.

blackie_2k5

27th March 2013, 12:49

He's sat watching 'The Professionals' now hahah, he's got to take aspirin for the rest of his life, and will have check ups for the next few years

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2, to piss Chr15 off.

Yeah my dads on aspirin/blood thinners for the rest of his life aswel :n: he's also got to take these really nasty things which really fuck you up to try reduce his colesterol, but has a Choice, take then and risk later probs and possible shorter life expectancy or not take them and risk a heart attack or a serious stroke which could kill or seriously disable him

Horrible situation

JoeHindle

27th March 2013, 13:08

Standard procedure really

My dad was sat on a girder up in the air on a crane when he first felt his, but being male and not fully aware why he was feeling dizzy and all the symptoms he just sat there and rode it out till he could come down and even proceeded to drive home. It was only in the morning where my mum was scared about his speech and lack of movement that she called the paramedics..... Two of the most butch women I've ever seen!

My dad was self employed so it hit the family quite hard but me and my bro had quite abit of cash each so we chipped in where ever needed as mums wage alone cut things tight etc

Luckily my dad's boss is still paying him full wage, they did the same for a gut who was off to three months with manic depression.

FB inbox if you need mate - any time.

Cheers Cal :y:

Yeah my dads on aspirin/blood thinners for the rest of his life aswel :n: he's also got to take these really nasty things which really fuck you up to try reduce his colesterol, but has a Choice, take then and risk later probs and possible shorter life expectancy or not take them and risk a heart attack or a serious stroke which could kill or seriously disable him

Horrible situation

Real rock and a hard place situation man :/

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Sophia_Bush

27th March 2013, 14:10

Hope Mr Hindle senior gets better soon Joe

JoeHindle

27th March 2013, 14:13

Hope Mr Hindle senior gets better soon Joe

Cheers Mr. Wan :y:

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smiith

27th March 2013, 14:14

I like getting stroked..

i hope he gets better mate, feel free to punch Viper any time you need, on me

Viper

27th March 2013, 19:15

Hi Joe. If you need any hugs let me know.

Sounds like you're holding up well though and your Dad is recovering quickly.

Love you.

bobertmate

27th March 2013, 20:03

Dude spoken on Facebook about it and just seen this, as I said before I know how you feel mate, my uncle had quite a few along with Parkinson's and severe diabetes and having to have a ridiculously large cocktail of drugs to aid him through day to day life, wasn't nice to see but opened my eyes to the fact that anything can happen! Your dad will be fine mate, sounds like a fighter to me! It you need a chat you know where i am. Keep your chin up man and best wishes to you and your family :)

griff_106

27th March 2013, 21:42

Alright mate - don't know if you remember me from the other thread but I commented on it wishing your Dad well... hope he's well on to his road to recovery now.

I had a stroke at birth leaving me with a slight weakness on the right side (I'm left handed so it doesn't affect me too much) and also left me with a type of cist in my brain that caused an onset of epilepsy that reared its head when I was going through puberty a few months after my 14th birthday.

Apparently when I was a baby/younger, when I was tired my right hand would crease up and I would simply not use it (presumably because I found it easier without the hassle of trying to make it work) and while this still happens when I get really tired these days, it doesn't affect me so much anymore. I had a few years of physiotherapy that helped, but this was to get my hand working IIRC so fingers crossed your Dad won't need this. I also had my older sister (I'm 21, she's 26) that I always wanted to try and emulate (to an extent, I generally stopped at clothing myself in dresses etc. lol) so that would've helped as well for my 'recovery' so to speak.

On a day to day basis, I just get on with it tbh. My right side feels (and always has) feels a bit weaker and more sensitive and sometimes it pisses me off when the hand plays up and everything seems 10x worse when I'm tired, but I think that's the same for everyone... I do have a bit of a temper so that won't help things. A bit of sleep and I'm good to go again :y:

Hope this helps mate and what I've written hasn't worried you at all - all strokes are different but I had a cerebal infarct is this means anything? I know I don't have you on Facebook but my name is Jonathan Griffin - I'm on old man Ross's Facebook so you're more than welcome to add me if you want to talk. I'm quite busy at work at present as I've just started a new job but I'll do my best to respond to anything if you want to.

All the best to you and your family :)

JoeHindle

28th March 2013, 01:03

I like getting stroked..

i hope he gets better mate, feel free to punch Viper any time you need, on me

Lemon chiffon is a crap colour : homme:

Hi Joe. If you need any hugs let me know.

Sounds like you're holding up well though and your Dad is recovering quickly.

Love you.

Cheers Tomothy

Dude spoken on Facebook about it and just seen this, as I said before I know how you feel mate, my uncle had quite a few along with Parkinson's and severe diabetes and having to have a ridiculously large cocktail of drugs to aid him through day to day life, wasn't nice to see but opened my eyes to the fact that anything can happen! Your dad will be fine mate, sounds like a fighter to me! It you need a chat you know where i am. Keep your chin up man and best wishes to you and your family :)

Yeah, thanks for listening mate, it's appreciated

Alright mate - don't know if you remember me from the other thread but I commented on it wishing your Dad well... hope he's well on to his road to recovery now.

I had a stroke at birth leaving me with a slight weakness on the right side (I'm left handed so it doesn't affect me too much) and also left me with a type of cist in my brain that caused an onset of epilepsy that reared its head when I was going through puberty a few months after my 14th birthday.

Apparently when I was a baby/younger, when I was tired my right hand would crease up and I would simply not use it (presumably because I found it easier without the hassle of trying to make it work) and while this still happens when I get really tired these days, it doesn't affect me so much anymore. I had a few years of physiotherapy that helped, but this was to get my hand working IIRC so fingers crossed your Dad won't need this. I also had my older sister (I'm 21, she's 26) that I always wanted to try and emulate (to an extent, I generally stopped at clothing myself in dresses etc. lol) so that would've helped as well for my 'recovery' so to speak.

On a day to day basis, I just get on with it tbh. My right side feels (and always has) feels a bit weaker and more sensitive and sometimes it pisses me off when the hand plays up and everything seems 10x worse when I'm tired, but I think that's the same for everyone... I do have a bit of a temper so that won't help things. A bit of sleep and I'm good to go again :y:

Hope this helps mate and what I've written hasn't worried you at all - all strokes are different but I had a cerebal infarct is this means anything? I know I don't have you on Facebook but my name is Jonathan Griffin - I'm on old man Ross's Facebook so you're more than welcome to add me if you want to talk. I'm quite busy at work at present as I've just started a new job but I'll do my best to respond to anything if you want to.

All the best to you and your family :)

I remember you commenting in the other thread mate, dropped you an add on Facebook too

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Manu

28th March 2013, 08:10

Yeah they told him after his first there was a 4 week window in which he may have another, and he had two, in the space of a week..

Well here's an uncanny one, my dad called me yesterday to tell me his Gf just had one. She's OK ish but will need quite a few days off so to speak, typical symptoms of unsteady feet etc :/

JoeHindle

28th March 2013, 10:01

Well here's an uncanny one, my dad called me yesterday to tell me his Gf just had one. She's OK ish but will need quite a few days off so to speak, typical symptoms of unsteady feet etc :/

Bloody hell mate, hope she's alright!! Thoughts with you guys!

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Manu

28th March 2013, 12:10

Thanks.. It's like I told my dad, the next few days might be a bit stressful to say the least. It's definitely the sort of thing you don't look forward to. She was admitted to A&E within minutes and taken into care immediately and she has 100% feeling of her limbs. My next best guess is that it's now recovery time, except no one can tell if it's going to be days or weeks. It does suck.

griff_106

29th March 2013, 22:15

I remember you commenting in the other thread mate, dropped you an add on Facebook too

Cool mate - any time you want to, drop me a message :)

dave_1

30th March 2013, 13:00

Hey mate sorry to here about your dad. My old man had a massive stroke about 4 years ago left him in hospital for 5 months, he cant remember alot, cant read, cant drive, cant use his right hand and is just weak on his right side altogether. My mum helps run a support group which helps support stroke sufferers and there family, she helps with the north Wales group, Its called Headway and they have been good for my dad and mum. If you need to know anything drop me a pm and ill see if she can be of any help.