Welcome to the community, I’m sorry to hear about your daughters stroke. I can only imagine how awful this has been for you all, especially with her being so far away. It’s great to hear that her dad is with her, I’m sure that’s a massive comfort for her.
I’m so pleased to see how many amazing responses you have had from the community, I hope these have been of comfort for you and your family and also helped you with some of the questions you have. I’m sure you’ll have more questions as time goes on so please do keep coming back here.
In terms of support, I would echo what has already been said. Our Stroke Support Helpline:0303 3033 100 would be a good place to start, they have a wealth of information that I’m sure would help you. I would also recommend looking over this government website if you haven’t already. It gives information about medical emergencies, treatment and hospitalisation abroad.
You may also find this information on our webpage about neuroplasticity helpful to read.
Wishing your daughter all the best in her recovery and also your family - make sure you’re all looking after yourselves too!
If you need anything whilst you’re using the Online Community, please don’t hesitate to tag me using the @ symbol and my username.
It took at least 2 years to speak sufficiently enough to get by without the need for anyone else to speak for me or translate. Certainly for the past 2 years I’ve been independent enough to socialise, take myself off to various fitness class and converse with friends.
My speech steadily improved in increments over those 4 years. It didn’t just suddenly come back all at once and I had to work at it. In the first weeks it went from making garbled sounds to heavily slurred, awkward, word formation. It gradually improved over the months to very simple short-short sentences and an awful lot of “talk to the hand” gesturing and passing off to my hubby Yes, it was frustrating to the least but it did get better. And I can still slur my words and stammer a touch when tired, I sound like I’m drunk but at least I can laugh about it now. And reading out loud helped an awful lot with that.
There are 3 hand signs she needs to learn pretty quick anyway until her voice is back: STOP or Shhh and Mind blown…tap the temple Never feel you have to fill the silence with conversation or bombard with information…so don’t go wracking your brain for even a bit of gossip There is nothing worse than feeling trapped; you can’t speak to explain why you need some silence now, and you certainly can’t just walk out the room But the brain while healing, frequently gets overwhelmed throughout the day, everything is taxing on the brain.
After I got out of hospital two of my sisters came to visit, and they can talk for Britain I soon remembered my school days with “finger in the lips” to silence and had them scurrying off into another room to talk to my hubby instead I still miss the not speaking at times, got me out of a multitude
IF your daughter has aphasia, the speech and language therapists will determine that soon enough, it’s probably too early yet with all the swelling in her brain. I know of enough stroke survivors with worse strokes than mine, who were talking perfectly normal within those first 6 weeks. It all depends on the type of stroke she had, where it hit, what part of the brain; is it just oral apraxia or say Broca’s aphasia (which is mine) which is in the left temporal lobe or a combination. Speech is affected orally with many stroke survivors in the first weeks post stroke; which affects eating and drinking if the swallowing mechanism has been affected in the fallout. You’ll know more as the swelling goes down. Do you know what type of stroke she had or why yet…if there is a why ?
Hello everyone I have another update and a few questions.
Neurologist Update: The swelling in Emily’s brain has stopped—there’s no increase from yesterday. We also now know the cause of the stroke, as her blood test results are back from the lab. Emily has an underlying autoimmune disorder called lupus anticoagulant, which makes her more susceptible to blood clotting. It had gone undiagnosed until now because she had a mild version of it.
Cognitive Testing: The nurse performed more cognitive tests today, and Emily showed big improvements from yesterday! Using an iPad, she was asked to identify different colored tiles and did so perfectly. She also completed a number-sequencing task, correctly selecting numbers up to 25 without needing guidance past a certain point.
Physical Therapy: The physiotherapist had Emily sit in a chair by herself and then stand up with gentle assistance—she managed to stay up for 10 minutes! There were signs of response from her right side.
Long-Term Recovery Outlook: A blood specialist reassured us that they’ve seen patients with strokes similar to or worse than Emily’s recover 95-100% of their previous abilities. Age and motivation play a big role in relearning, and since Emily is young, that’s in her favor. Once the swelling subsides, she’ll be able to start a more intensive physio program. The first three months are critical for major improvements, followed by steady progress in months 3-6, and then more gradual gains after a year.
A few questions again !!
We think that Emily does not like looking at her face, when we have facetimed her we can see her looking closely at her face and now she doesn’t want to, which of course is fair enough, I just wondered if anyone has any ideas for face exercises that she can do herself, obviously the physio team are with her an hour a day, would massaging help ? Anyone any opinions of what the hospital staff has told us ?
Just one more thing has anyone else experienced repatriation ?
I am sharing all information from this forum with my family and you have been invaluable.
Just wanted to rejoice with all these oh so good signs of progress. I have no experience of repatriation.
I’m hoping someone will come along who has, and also up to date information on flying after a stroke, how soon, guidelines etc
Sounds like a good day to treat yourself even if it’s only a half hour nap. Always looking for you news of Emily, thank you for finding the time Wendy
PS if it’s true King Charles has a couple of helicopters maybe he’ll lend you one when the time comes.
I am sure this must be a huge relief for you all. Your daughter Emily is a remarkable person and with your [family’s] support as well as from the professional rehab team, I see no reason why she cannot go on to lead a perfectly “normal” life - I don’t like to use the word “normal” as what is normal?
I am so pleased as I am sure everyone who has been supporting you on this forum are too.
Wishing you, Emily, her boyfriend and Dad all the very best. Well done all of you
All your news is good and that must be a huge relief for you all. I am so happy for you all
I don’t have any experience of repatriation but I know others on here have and am sure they will be along soon.
Any facial droop will naturally normalise itself over the coming weeks, much like a major bruise fades. But that might not be the issue here. She’s young, she’s got her boyfriend there beside her. Is she the kind of girl who likes to wear a bit of makeup or have her hair styled a particular way? Unfortunately she’s in hospital, its not as though she can just nip to the bathroom to brush her hair, put on a bit of mascara/lip gloss or anything like that really. Hospitals don’t exactly show you in a good light at the best of times do they
@Toystory2025 It sounds like Emily is doing remarkably well & you must all be so relieved considering what you were told a few short days ago. I am so pleased for you all.
In relation to Emily not liking her face. She is probably still in shock and a bit of disbelief & seeing herself will remind her of the stroke. As @EmeraldEyes has said it should start to return to normal in time. Massaging gently won’t do any harm though.
I have linked in a couple of posts which mention repatriation. Not sure if they will answer your queries but worth a look.
I would try not to worry too much. These things have a habit of sorting them selves out & as the time for repatriation gets nearer you’ll no doubt get the help you need. You could always try speaking with the British Embassy in Thailand. They will be used to dealing with these sorts of things.
Hello everyone, firstly can I thank you again for your kind comments. Emily is doing very well, more positive news today baby steps on the road to recovery and one step closer to Emily coming back to the UK. She is now out of ICU and been put into the most amazing room, you would not believe it its like a hotel suite. We have been told that they will start Warfarin this Saturday 22nd Feb, after she has had a brain scan, then her blood level will be monitored on Tuesday 25th to check all ok.
Aeromedical service is confirmed - hopefully by next weekend with a doctor or nurse on board (that’s the first and second of March).
So everything is looking positive at the moment, she is now eating drinking, taking a few steps with help, she has made one noise so far, but they are very happy with her progression so far. We are so looking forward to her coming home only 1 week (ish) to go
Oh gosh, what a week you have all had, especially your daughter. Reading the replies, they all echo what I think…don’t give up! Give it Time! When safe and reasonable get her back here. Get physio starting immediately, your daughter will dictate the pace of recovery, there may be some permanent changes but anything is possible, your daughter should still have a happy and fulfilling life to come…as so many are saying. A year ago I was told by medical staff that if my wife survived she would be severely disabled. She does need care, but can walk with help of a frame, and is at home now enjoying so much. She was 67 when this happened, but at your daughters age - there is so much possible! Good luck with everything, do not be constrained by time limits!
Oh, you all must be so happy and relieved that Emily doing so well and will be coming home soon. I am so happy for you, getting your baby home after her going through all this so far from home
gosh i have been following sending hope and hugs sounds awful. i had a mild stroke 6 weeks ago, full recovery but the shock was major for myself and family. 27 is so young but fortunately that works to advantage. i have you in my thoughts please let us all know when your daughter is safely home. the support on this thread has been incredible, we are all stronger together.
@Toystory2025 that is tye best news. You must all be so relieved. It’ll probably feel like the longest week ever for you but i bet you’ll feel so much better knowing that she will be back home. It sounds like Emily is making great progress & her drive & determination will stand her in good stead for a great recovery.
Let us know how she’s getting on & when she gets home.
Fantastic news Emily is doing well and when she is home it will make such the difference. I have followed your journey
Andy today ( we have spoken on here stroke in Spain in October)
I took out of his fourth hospital today for an hour to have a burger he has lost all his droop in his face and today felt let a new positive normal. X your family and Emily are doing amazing. Xx
I just wanted to add here, when Emily is back home and settled, be sure to tell her about the online activities that the Stroke Association offer. If she feels comfortable, she may like to join. We have some fun on the calls and it’s nice to hear from people who understand. There’s also a young stroke survivors call which I’ve found particularly helpful. I know you’ve said she’s struggling with her speech but there’s no pressure to speak on the call, simply listening to others experiences and adventures may be a comfort to her.
Yes, it was frustrating to the least but it did get better. And I can still slur my words and stammer a touch when tired, I sound like I’m drunk but at least I can laugh about it now. And reading out loud helped an awful lot with that.
or Shhh 
and Mind blown…tap the temple 
Never feel you have to fill the silence with conversation or bombard with information…so don’t go wracking your brain for even a bit of gossip 
There is nothing worse than feeling trapped; you can’t speak to explain why you need some silence now, and you certainly can’t just walk out the room 
But the brain while healing, frequently gets overwhelmed throughout the day, everything is taxing on the brain.
I still miss the not speaking at times, got me out of a multitude 
