My mother had a stroke 6 months ago, so she cannot eat, she is in a rehabilitation center, but the therapies have been slow, the Speech therapist stopped the therapy due to my mother’s aggressiveness 5 months ago, and One month he did an evaluation but said she was not ready yet. The problem is that my mother was being medicated with anxiety medicine: hydroxyzine, which affected my mother’s ability to swallow. She can cough, stick out her tongue, and she has complained that they don’t feed her. She is hooked up to a feeding tube. I asked to be present at the evaluation but I was not called on the day of the evaluation. Supposedly she is going to have therapy soon, but I have my doubts. What do you recommend I do?
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The criteria that is used to assess a stroke patient and plan out treatment is not at all apparent to those affected by the event.
I can only guess being unqualified but having experienced stroke myself. I think it is all about minimising risks. Having a stroke is not the end of the story and could be the beginning of further deterioration and mishap.
I am sure it is extremely complicated but, for example, if the ability to eat, breath and function in a ‘normal’ manner is affected then a risk of asphyxiation by inhalation of food/drink could pretty quickly kill the patient.
Obviously these possibilities have to be dealt with first and further recovery has to be on hold until the dangers are met and the patient stabilised. This is difficult to discuss with those affected by the stroke even if only to not cause unnecessary stress.
Once that point of stability is reached then further work can be done.
That is my view of how I was treated and I can understand how none of it seems to make sense to those concerned either the patient or those close to them.
If someone is saving your life it is probably best not to interrupt and ask what the hell they think they are doing.
Unfortunately the whole process is frightening and unpleasant. All I can say is that it is possible to get through it, bearing in mind that some don’t.
If nothing more I can suggest that giving it time will make things easier to see and understand and there is such a thing as improvement though not always as we imagine it.
keep on keepin’ on
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Hi Victoria,
I am 6 months post stroke too. Mine was a right side heamorragic stroke, resulting in left arm and leg becoming paralysed. I guess I am a bit younger than your mum. I am just into my 60’s.
Also, like you, my wife and I had no experience with the whole scenario and treatment of post stroke.
I managed to stay in hospital for 10 weeks, with physio 3 to 4 times a week. I still receive therapy each week at home. I now walk with/out a stick depending on where I am. I have 65% - 70% use of my arm / hand. I can dress/undress, shower, certainly eat and drink and can get to the toilet on my own.
So, having therapy stopped is not good, due to her aggressiveness and anxiety. Sadly, you will need to get onto a stroke doctor to discuss her lack of treatment, medication and that you need to be present for any evaluations. We did. Fortunately, we were able to question everything. I especially did for my meds.
Your therapists will need to outline how, when and what after care your mother will require. It is worth getting onto your GP to help you later towards social services assisting you for EDS – early discharge service when your mother leaves to go home.
Your mum and her symptoms will vary a little to the rest of us, however we have, in our way, experienced all sorts of symptoms. They can be managed. There is plenty to read on this website to put you in the know.
I wish you well, just make sure your help is with specialists. It is not an easy journey, but you will get there. Her progress will be slow, try keeping it in a forward direction, even the smallest bit helps. It has for me.
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@Victoria24 hi & welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear of your mums stroke.
As @Bobbi has said the medical.professionals have to deal with issues in a priority order which will often mean other things are not being sorted but usually for very valid reasons. We all want our loved ones to have all the treatment that they need as quickly as possible but the patient also has to be in a position to benefit from it & participate as required.
If someone is being aggressive there is probably no benefit being gained & it is better allowing them to rest as this is equally important in a recovery.
I would speak to them about not including you as requested when they did the evaluation & try & find out why. It might also be worth speaking to them about planned treatment etc. Request a meeting specifically to go thtough it all with them.
Sending best wishes to you & your mum.
Ann
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