Husband had stroke Wed evening

Share your story
1

I am still pretty much in shock. My husband (71) had a stroke, haemorrhagic) on Wed teatime. He is in a stroke unit in our regional hospital. He can barely speak although he tries to. His right arm and leg won’t move. I keep pushing them to do physio but they say they are still trying to control his high blood pressure. I am concerned as the days are fast flying by. The speech therapist has seen him and they say his speech is slightly better today and when I just phoned they said the physio is with him now.

He has had very high BP for many years and despite being on about 7 meds it only comes down slightly. He has not felt at all well for the last couple of years as all these drugs have side effects. We paid privately for a consultation about 3 months ago and they concluded that there is nothing he can do to bring it down by himself as he does not smoke, barely drinks, is not overweight, eats healthily and is not a stressy person. Just keep taking the pills.

It is supposed to be one of the best stroke units so I just have to trust in them. I ring every day to check on progress and he indicated that as it’s a two hour round trip on poor roads I only go in every other day.

Trouble is if they are waiting for his BP to get to normal it isn’t going to happen because it never comes down that far. I took his little notebook in yesterday to show them that his BP is always much higher than it should be but they didn’t take much notice.

I would love to hear some positive news from forum members especially regarding very high BP and physio. Thanks

2 Likes
2

@Trisha2 Hi & welcome to the community. Sorry you’ve had cause to join us but hopefully you’ll find some useful info now you’re here.

I’m making an assumption but guessing his stroke was BP related. This will be why they are focussing on getting that down before physio etc as whilst it is high it could increase his risk of another stroke.

I wouldn’t worry too much at this stage about him not getting much physio. He should still be able to progress well even if it doesn’t start until next week. A lot of it is down to him working hard at it when the time is right.
He will need lots of rest at this point as well which is bital to help his brain start its repairing.

There are others on here who had high BP as their stroke cause & i’m sure they’ll be along to help soon.

Hope they get his BP under control so you can start work on his physio etc.

Best wishes

Ann

2 Likes
3

Hello Trisha,

I hear you. It is traumatic for both. It’s not too too different from my story (my bp was 269 / 198). I had also suffered from hypertension for years. My stroke (also a haemmorhage) was 2 years ago ; I was 58. I know what you mean about BP will never come back down to normal; I’ve lived through all of that over and over. I can tell you my BP is 130/80 now.

I research day and night, to find the answers to health and homeostasis.

His blood/brain barrier has been compromised ; now his body is in an emergency clean up phase, where BDNF is being released. He MAY regain perfect speech in a couple of days. If so; great news, there’s plenty of hope. He’s been doing all he can to keep BP down; but chances are he can do more, a whole lot more. Did you know sunlight can bring BP down? That mechanism takes a while to understand but is vital for him. Physios cannot do miracles; sure they can encourage him a bit, but he will have to be strongly self motivated to do well here. Did he exercise before the stroke?

I would need to know specifics to be able to offer help. For the moment you need each other more than ever, and you need to be strong for each other, but if you stick together, you can make a huge difference to his recovery. He more than doubles his chances with your support. Take him a piece of sage and put it under his nose to reconnect him with the power of nature.

Good luck, and have complete faith in his recovery, Roland

2 Likes
4

What is BDFN? I swear I learn something new on this forum every day!!

2 Likes
7

Thank you Simon and Pando.
Everything I read says it is vital that physio starts asap that’s why I sound like I am in a hurry.
I just wish a member of staff would sit me down for 5 mins and explain things properly so that we can do our best to help him. If you want to know anything you have to try and find someone and that isn’t easy! There are masses of staff on his unit so it is not understaffed.
He had a physical job before his stroke so yes he was very active.
We are going in after lunch so will see how he is today. Thanks again

3 Likes
8

Try

gives a better idea

or google AI
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that helps neurons survive and grow, and is involved in many biological functions in the brain and spinal cord:

  • Learning and memory

BDNF regulates synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of synapses to change and adapt over time. BDNF is important for learning and memory, and is expressed in the hippocampus and parahippocampal areas, which are important for memory processes.

  • Neurodegenerative diseases

Decreased levels of BDNF are associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.

  • Mood-related behaviors

BDNF is involved in mood-related behaviors, and is studied in relation to neuropsychiatric diseases like major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.

  • Exercise

Exercise increases BDNF levels in the brain, which may help with mental health and abilities.

  • Head injury

BDNF levels spike sharply after a head injury, making it an early marker of head injury.

BDNF is a member of the neurotrophin family of growth factors, which also includes NT-3 and NT-4/NT-5. The BDNF gene is located on chromosome 11p in humans.

AI Overview

Learn more

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are significantly affected by stroke, and can be a valuable indicator of stroke severity, prognosis, and recovery:

  • BDNF levels and stroke severity

BDNF levels decline with the severity of stroke, and are lowest in severe strokes. Patients with recurrent strokes or who die have the greatest decline in BDNF levels.

  • BDNF levels and recovery

BDNF levels are positively correlated with post-stroke recovery, including in cognition, affect, and motor function. Low BDNF levels are associated with poor recovery.

  • BDNF levels and stroke as a diagnostic biomarker

BDNF levels can be used to diagnose acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Plasma BDNF levels can significantly differentiate AIS patients from healthy individuals.

  • BDNF levels and stroke treatment

Stroke treatments that manipulate BDNF levels, such as stem cell transplantation, hormone administration, and neurotransmitter-targeting compounds, have shown positive outcomes.

  • BDNF levels and other factors

BDNF levels are higher in people who connect with others regularly, and lower in people who are socially isolated.

Other brain-strengthening activities that can help with stroke recovery include: Brain exercises, Eating a heart-healthy diet, Getting regular exercise, and Limiting alcohol consumption.

3 Likes
9

You can talk to us anytime. We’re not whitecoat, so much more accessible and remember, we’ve been through this. Hope today goes well, ciao, Roland

2 Likes
10

I had the same urgency, but understanding the big picture is important. What I suggest is trying to get him on his feet for a short while. The staff won’t like this idea, because of his elevated BP. Both sides of the equation are correct… urgency (but remember BDNF takes 10 days) and you have to let it do its thing. There are things to guard against; contracture is one pitfall, but there are many to avoid, and no one to warn you… That’s the sorry state of this world.

AI Overview

Learn more

Yes, staying in bed for 10 days or more can lead to contractures:

  • Muscle loss

After 10 days of bed rest, muscle weight can decrease by 50%. A study found that older adults who were bedridden for 10 days experienced significant muscle mass loss, especially in their legs.

  • Collagen changes

Within a day of immobility, the collagen structure in joints changes, becoming more densely packed and straighter. This change can contribute to contractures over time.

  • Contractures

Over time, muscles can become permanently shortened and joints can become permanently bent, which is called a contracture.

To prevent contractures, you can try:

  • Positioning

Avoid putting pillows under your knees while lying on your back, and try lying on your stomach to extend your hips.

  • Early mobilization

Getting up and moving around early can help reduce the risk of complications from immobility.

  • Splints

Splints can help prevent and reduce contractures by applying a prolonged low-load stretch.

  • Effects of bedrest 5: the muscles, joints and mobility - Nursing Times

18 Mar 2019 — Alteration in collagen structure The main component of tendons and ligaments is the fibroblast-derived protein collagen…

2 Likes
12

Back from visiting and he looks dreadful today. They are now treating him for aspiration pneumonia so he is on antibiotic drip plus oxygen and he has a catheter. He is not allowed anything to eat or drink until they see where it’s going to. He was getting an ECG after we left and was booked in for a heart scan. It is all very frightening.

3 Likes
13

Hospital just rang. Scan showed he has a blood clot on his lung. They need to start on blood thinners tonight but only a low dose as it might cause more bleeding on brain. Don’t think I will sleep tonight. :cry:

2 Likes
15

Thinking of you both. At least they’ve identified the issue so can treat him.

Sending love to you both.

Ann xx

2 Likes
16

Hi my name is Joanne, my husband had a stroke August 3rd this year. Chris my husband can talk and eat and drink but he had poor mobility before stroke so he needs a full body hoist and 4 carers 4 times a day
I hate this stroke and what its done to my lovely husband he is my whole world and will be until my last breath.

3 Likes
18

Hello Joanne. I am trying to remain positive and every time we visit my husband we look for signs of improvement. I think we are day 12 today.

I know without a shadow of a doubt that my husband would absolutely hate to be dependent on others. He has told me countless times that he would rather be dead. He also said no way is he going into any sort of home. We made our Wills in the summer and he said as much to the solicitor when she asked about funeral arrangements etc.

I am longing for improvement or him coming home but I am mindful of what he always told me.

It must be heartbreaking for you Joanne seeing your husband like that. Sending you lots of love and hoping you are being well supported.xx

3 Likes
19

@cherry2865 hi Joanne & welcome to the community. Sorry to hear of your husbands stroke. It must be very tough to see your husband being hoisted around. Are they trying any physio with him? It may be that you could do some things with him so perhaps worth a chat with the consultants or drs to see what may help. Of course, I don’t know his medical position so it may not be appropriate.

Please ask any questions you may have. There’s usually someone around who can help.

Best wishes

Ann

2 Likes
20

@Trisha2

Day 12 is still very early days so please try not to lose hope. It must be really difficult to see your husband like that and to know his views too. Really hope you start to.see some progress soon.

Sending my Best wishes

Ann

2 Likes
21

Hi its heartbreaking to see my husband Chris like this. I hope you keep seeing improvements every day, i do and it gives me hope. This is a good place to chat with others in a similar situation to ourselves xxx

3 Likes
22

Its so hard, i feel like im grieving but he is still here, just not the same man i fell in love with, but so grateful he is fighting and i still have him bedide me.

2 Likes
23

Why do staff always have to do so much to patients during visiting hours? We have a 60 mile round trip on poor roads and visiting hrs are strictly 2-4 and 6-8. I don’t like night driving so we do afternoons.

We got there today and a nurse came to do something, then a HCA came to put a canula in and it went wrong on one hand so he had to do the other and that took about 15 mins total. Then along come two physios to take him for exercises. He had to be cleaned up first! It took about 25 mins to do that, get him back on the bed and pushed down the corridor. They put him in a bay, put the curtains round and had to move him from the bed to a couch. We sat outside. We were finally allowed to see him try a few exercises before it was time to leave! He nearly cried today as we left and we also felt sad.

I know they have to do all these things but why during visiting time?

1 Like
24

It’s tough isn’t it. I can only assume it’s because they are so busy and have lots of people to see. When I was in I always seemed to be taken for tests / scans at mealtimes. I missed many meals but they weren’t that nicecso I didn’t mind too much.

I hope you get to spend more time with him on your next visit.

Ann

1 Like
25

Hi @Trisha2 - I understand what you’re saying, but having been in many Hospitals in the last 40 years, and had many, many operations, my family and I can only praise the staff who are there to look after us and save our lives, and that’s what you have to look at, at the end of the day - nurses have to attend to patients all day long, so visiting hours don’t come into it - they have all sorts of checks to do, empty patients’ bottles when they’ve had to go to the toilet, change bedsheets, you name it, they have to do it, medication to give, and this happens to patients all day and sometimes, all night too. You just need to be reassured that they are doing everything they can to help your loved one, every minute of the day, until they get back home, safe and ready to continue their recovery. Take care Bert

2 Likes