Hi, my husband had a major stroke 2 months ago (right side). Following a thrombectomy he had a hemi-craniotomy. He’s 49 and now in a Level 1 rehab unit for probably 6 months. Just been told he’s unlikely to walk or work again and may not be able to live at home.
We have 3 children (13,17 & 19) and I’m feeling so scared and so sad. Reaching out to others who have been through similar for support.
Thank you
Hi Lara and welcome to this community. So sorry to hear of your husband’s stroke and the struggles you are facing.
We are a merry band of stroke survivors and their carers and families. We have all suffered different types of stroke and are on very different roads to recovery.
There’s lots of information on here, so I won’t add to the list, just wanted you to know that there’s always someone here to offer advice and information or a shoulder to cry on when things get tough.
Take care of yourself and we look forward to hearing from you as your husband’s road to recovery begins.
Regards Sue
Hi Sue, thank you. Feels good to know I’m not alone. I’m trying so hard to focus on ‘today’ and not letting my mind spiral to life before this happened and all the potential negatives ahead. It’s a real focussed effort. Glad I’ve found you all x
Thank you Simon. That is so helpful. Already feeling better to have made the connection. I will spend next few days reading through all the stories, guidance and info. 
Lara1 keep updating us on your husbands progress , I’m sure in time he’ll be posting here. Some folk can get back to work and back to driving. Keep posotive.
Lara just wanted to add my welcome. I had a stroke last january and have fortunately made loads of improvement. I cant comment on your hubbys prognosis but from personal experience i cant say the love support encouragement and care from my family helped me. And remember to be kind to yourself, you are needed more than ever but you wont be much use if you dont take care of yourself. This group of people really helped me
Anne
@Lara1 Hi & welcome to the community. So sorry to read of your husbands stroke & the situation you find yourselves in. It’s a lot for you to take in right now.
It’s probably too early to say how your husband will get on but some people do defy the odds and nake unexpected progress but only time will tell if that will be the case for your husband. Hopefully the rehab he is getting will help him regain some of what he has lost.
It’s really important that you look after yourself too. It will take its toll but with strength & support you’ll find a way through.
Best wishes to you all.
Ann xx
Thank you Ann, your message means a lot. I am holding on to that hope. Realise how important it is not to spiral down worst case scenario paths. Glad I’ve joined this forum x
Keep talking on here when you need to. I know it helped me theough those early days when the light at the end of the tunnel was non existent. There’s usually someone around who can offer advice & support.
Wishing you both all the best.
Ann
It makes me so cross when professional make these type if comments. It’s far too soon to say the things you’ve been told. Recovery is possible. It takes a long time and a lot of hard work. Please don’t despair.
It’s good to hear that, feels like I’ve been metaphorically punched in the stomach by every doctor I’ve spoken to since 13th Sept 
Latest punch was being told that they would not resuscitate him if he had another stroke/cardiac arrest because of further brain damage.
Jeez, give me a break……
On a lighter note he wrote ‘I love you’ on a whiteboard yesterday 
He is managing a few words - all making sense - but has indicated that it’s difficult so seems to prefer whiteboard. Speech therapist encouraging speech though.
Again, thank you. You’ve all boosted my mood so much.
Thats very terrible for all Lara, i can’t imagine how difficult this is for you all. Take care.
Jeff
So glad to hear you’ve outperformed expectations @SimonInEdinburgh 
Good day today. Been signed off work for 3 weeks to get some space, get a bit organised and help me feel a bit more in control.
Our financial security is concerning me so keen to understand what that will look like if Gary can’t work again.
Also just been prescribed Sertraline. First time and keen to take whatever help I can to keep me functioning for Gary and children - and me 
Gary seemed really low yesterday. He’s also been prescribed Sertraline and getting into his chair today so hoping both will lift his mood and motivation.
Appreciate your observation of medical profs! I wish they’d employ the ‘fertiliser’ sandwich process used in the working world. Cushioning the difficult news with a bit of hope, positive news on each end is more powerful than they seem to realise….
Hello Lara. i’m so very sorry to hear of your husband"s stroke and its potential effects. I had my stroke 18months ago, not as severe, but bad enough that I still can’t walk without some aid, though I am home and doing pretty well Don’t be afraid to let loose on here, we all try to help out as best we can but let me say straight away that you do find ways to cope, even in the darkest times. Never give up hope, the human spirit is a remarkable thing. Sending my very best wishes. Neil
@Lara1 I’m so sorry to hear of your husbands stroke, but hope you find the support here helpful. It’s a very Long journey with many downs and and a few ups I’m afraid , but although it doesn’t feel like it now, a new worthwhile life will eventually emerge from the ashes. It’s took me 18 months to get to that conclusion for myself., (still get bad days aswell.)
Just wanted to comment on the sertraline, I have never taken anything like that before but was eventually persuaded by gp and my son, it has really helped in my case! Before I was crying every day at anything and everything, but no longer cry. And feel more positive.
Wishing you lots of luck and positivity
Nothing is over until its over, and your husband is in the best place he could be in for those first 6mths of stroke recovery. Because that’s when the most recovery is made in the short term 
And he needs to take full advantage as and when he can.
After that it becomes slower to see those progressions, some invisible as they’re contained in the brain where you won’t see them, but your your husband may sense the change, the difference. And yes, it will take years, and you will all have to be prepared to accept that life has now changed for you all. But that doesn’t mean it has to be as bad as it is today for you.
It can and will get better. Stay strong, be willing and deternined to, to work your way through this together. And take time out for yourself. He’s currently being taken care of, so let your family and friends take care of you. Welcome to the forum @Lara1 Onwards and upwards 
Lorraine
Stroke Improvement Group
Thank you so much for those wise words everyone. So glad I’ve found you. To simply hear that you all recognise the down days and that there are also positives to come is comforting.
I’m also conscious of the fact I haven’t even had the stroke!! So thank you for being generous in your understanding of impact on me. So many layers of sadness, for my dear Gary, our children, our planned future…
I genuinely know that we’re going to be ok. Just need to find the mental strength to push through each day.
Thanks again and speak soon