Anyone have a parent/grandparent that had a mini-stroke?

[Minnie824]

My FIL recently had a mini-stroke. The problem is, he has multiple other ailments, as he is in his 80s...alzheimers, congestive heart failure, bad hip. Anyway, he was in the hospital, but is now in a rehab center cuz he wasn't/isn't able to get up on his own, or use his right side. The problem with the stroke being on his right side, is that its his left hip thats bad, so now both legs have issues to get up. He was living with us, and the goal is to bring him home again, but we can't do that until he can at least get up to go to the bathroom. So, my question is....I know everyone is different, but do you have any idea of what kind of recovery time is needed? Or due to all the other stuff, do you think he'll be able to walk again? The dr. said maybe 4-5 wks (its been 2 and he can move his right side a little, but not get up), and all his vitals look good. Any ideas? I know this isn't a medical discussion board, but I thought someone may have relatives that went through this before. Thanks!

 

[chager]

I don't have any answers for you but I pray he feels better soon. My grandparents have all had mini strokes and have many other issues. However the strokes have not affected their arms or legs much. Mostly just memory issues so far. It is great that you are able to care for him at home

 

[KristiKelly]

My Grandfather has had them (more than 1 & quite frequently), though never as bad as what your FIL. He has mild numbness and usually will forget a day or two, but is back to normal w/in a day but has no knowledge/memory of what has happened. He has been to several Dr.'s, had MRI's and is on blood thinners, but still continues to have them. My Grandmother has Alzheimers and I think the stress put on him from dealing with her illness sometimes may cause them. I'm afraid with my Grandfather, that one day he's just going to have a BIG one and take him away from us. I don't think my Grandmother would live more that 3 monthes without him. I'm sorry, I have no real answers for you since he has never had to go into rehab for them, but I thought I'd share my experience. I hope he's feeling better soon.

 

[CookieGVB]

My father had a stroke about 1 1/2 years ago, right around his 78th birthday. He had some speech problems for a few days, but that came back, and his right arm and side were affected. It took about 6 weeks or so before he could cut his own food properly, and that really upset him. My mother had to do it for him during that time, and he hated it so much, we KNEW he'd push himself to recover.

He still has slight problems with his hand, but basically has made a full recovery.

 

[browneyes]

My dd has had 3 strokes, but they think he had a mini stroke before he had his first stroke. He was about 47 yo when he had that mini stroke (he'll be 60 in July). He had his first big stroke about a year later and his speech has not been the same since. He still has problems with his left side too. It took atleast 6 months with a home PT to help him with some of his mobility after he came home with his first stroke.

Good luck to your FIL.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

My heart goes out to you. My uncle just had a stroke and is in a rehab center right now. He is getting physical therapy twice a week. I also had my grandma live with us. We also had the goal of bringing her back home but she could never walk again. They tried physical therapy etc. She didnt have a stroke, but this happened from a viral syndrome. You really didnt comment on the extent of the alzheimers and how that affects fil functions. I think you also have to take into consideration what adjustments would have to be made to your home, handicapped accessible stuff, is he cooperative in his health treatments etc. I had no one to help me and grandma understood it took 2 nurses just to get her from bed to wheelchair. Plus I had 3 kids 8 and under and my own physical problems.But I went to visit her everyday so that was good. Do what works best for you. Does he qualify for some in home care from medicare, medicaid etc. That might help. Just make sure it is someone kind and trustworthy. Can other family members help out?

 

[sharbear]

I have a friend who had a major stroke 5 years ago. I also have a friend whose DH is a neurosurgeon. She said that you can continue to improve for 1 year after a stroke. After that you don't improve. My friend is probably about the same as she was 1 year after her stroke. She has improved in the way she handles things. She was very young when she had her stroke, 39.

I don't know if this helps in any way. Good luck to your dad.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I am a physical therapist and work with this alot. It is, of course, impossible to assess or treat over the internet. But, with you saying that he can't use his right side, I would think it was a stroke, not a mini-stroke. Usually a "mini-stroke" or TIA has no residual effects. When someone has a stroke, there can be recovery for 6 months or more. Unfortunately, sometimes the results are permanent. There is no way to tell if/when he will have a full recovery. PT is important in trying to get him to be as independent as possible.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.