Stroke

[packerbap]

The doctors attribute the sleep deprivation to being out of her home environment and another bladder infection.

Last night they tried another med to help her sleep. She did sleep for 5 hours. That was more sleep then she's had all week.

I stayed with her until 9:30 when she began dozing. The woman is "spot on" with everything else but does go on her "field trips." I can usually interpret the trip when the nurses describe.

Hopefully when this infection is cleared up sleep will be easier and the visuals less.

Fran, TW any similar experiences?

[TW]

I never had any bladder infections, but I've heard they can occur, because a lot of the meds we take have a tendency to make our immune systems take a hit, for at least a while.

[packerbap]

What about confusion? I think my mom's confusion stems from her thinking her dreams really took place. Just talked to my brother who was with Mom most of the evening. He said she didn't take as many field trips. Every body pray for a night with at least 6 hours of sleep. That would be one hour more than last night.

[oml]

My prayers are with your mom bap...
sorry didnt see this

[packerfanfran]

Bap...I still don't sleep. If I get 5 hours, that's a really good night. I've tried every pill there is and nothing works.

I also have very vivid dreams that seem so real it's scary. Nothing bad, just past life experiences.

Hope your mom gets better soon.

[packerbap]

Fran, thanks so much for sharing! The past two nights mom has gotten around 5-6 hours. At this point I believe she thinks her dreams are real. I gently bring her back and say she's been dreaming.

Tonight while we were watching the dog show I asked her where she was. She told me in Sheboygan helping my aunt/uncle pick out a stray dog. I looked at her and she said "got you." Her sense of humor is coming back.

You and TW will never know how much your sharing of experiences has helped me understand what Mom is going through.

[TW]

Five to six hours of sleep are about normal for a stroke survivor from what I gather. I consider six hours as a solid night's sleep.

I suffered from worse. When I smoked, I wasn't able to sleep more than 3 hours at a time. Now I can get 5-6 hours when I'm tired.

Last night was a special exception. They happen once in a great while. I got over 7 hours sleep, because I'd been out, and active some during the day. I think it was the exercise that helped.

But, I did take two night-time Tylenols to get that sleep.

I do them for three days in a row, then go off them for one night. So I don't become immune to their working for me.

[sharpefan]

Bap hope your mom gets 6 hours of sleep time she is in your prayers.

[TW]

BAP,

Last night was a prime example of how it goes for stroke survivors.

I ended up going to bed about 11:30 PM, after taking a couple of Tylenol sleepers.

I didn't really sleep all night. I was up at 5:00 AM, and in the shower at 5:10 AM. Maybe 1 or 2 hours total, interspersed with tossing and turning in bed.

It can be so disruptive for my wife, that when I wake up during the night, I automatically head for a spare bedroom to try to sleep, so she can get a decent night's sleep.

I just had coffee with my wife, who got up just before 6 AM. Now I'm on the computer.

She'll leave for work around 7:25 AM, and I'll end up going back to bed before 8 AM, if I can get tired, and sleep for one or two hours at most, and spend the rest of the day up.

You learn to live with it, because this type of night happens quite often.

[packerbap]

Just talked to the night nurse. Mom had a great night. She slept about 6 hours until the nurse woke her to use the bathroom, that bladder thing. She then went back to bad because she was tired. No hallucinations at all last night.

Keep those thoughts and prayers coming. Thanks everyone.

TW and Fran thanks so much for sharing. It really helps.

Tonight none of use will be there to keep her busy but the nurses said they will bring her out to help them.

[TW]

The more active she is, the better she'll sleep. I sleep my best on nights after I've had busy taxing days. I don't mean on the computer, I'm talking where my physical capabilities are challenged.

I sleep better during the summer because I'm more physically active. In the winter, I don't get outside very often, because I'm allergic to the cold weather. The sedentary lifestyle isn't good for anyone, but even worse for a stroke survivor.

Hopefully we'll be able to move south for winters down the road.

[Deleted]

A couple years ago when my Grandma had a stroke she was having the same issues with dreams that seemed real. She would tell us stories and get mad at us when we laughed or didn't believe her. One morning she told us that her and her neighbor in the nursing home went out on the twon the night before and met some young hunks and they all got drunk together. My Grandma had not had a drink in over 40 years and couldn't walk at the time she was telling us this. She honestly believed it happened. Granted, there were other issues going on with dementia so I can't say what was related to the stroke. I'm still praying for your Mom Bap and a fast and healthy recovery!

[theobb]

Bap, I'm so glad to hear your good news. I can't even imagine what this must have been like, to go through.
Thankfully, It sounds like this has a happy ending (I only read the first few posts)
OBB

[firemancheesehead]

Feb 5, 2009 2:40:16 GMT -5 @thegreenmeanie said:

That's why if you even have the slightest thought that it could be a stroke please call 911. That is why they are there and it is not worth risking. I have seen happy endings and sad endings and regardless of the ending it is not something to take lightly.

If you are even remotely concerned ask the person if they can smile. Ask them to read a sentence, ask them to raise their arms with their eyes closed and keep them raised.

Even if they pass tests like this and you are still concerned never hesitate to call 911 or go to an ER. That is why they are there!

I agree with your post however, there should never be any hesitation to call 911. You are describing part of the "Cincinnati Stroke Scale" . The other part is asking them to say "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". BTW, we don't ask the people to close their eyes. If they are having a stroke or TIA or neither , closing their eyes won't effect them. It's about loss of strength on a particular side of the body.

Never ask any person you suspect of having a stroke to do anything other than sit there. Allow us, firefighters etc. , to preform those tests. Most people do not know what to look for if they ask their friend/loved ones to raise their arm or smile.

[TMWight]

I'm an EMT and a paramedic student, worked in the ER for nearly 2 years and personally a stroke is possibly the worst thing you can witness. Imagine how it must feel to be able to understand someone but not be able to communicate with them, or visa versa. It's a scary thing. More and more you'll be hearing about stroke prevention just like you hear about heart attack prevention now. As a student, I'm learning things about stroke long before I learn about heart care. Meanie is right, do not delay calling 911, those 3 hours are so percious.

The cool thing about modern science is that we're finding was to double the 3 hour window. If you ever have a chance Google the MERCI device. It's basically a corkscrew device that they insert into your brain after locating the clot. Once the clot is found the corkscrew "drills" into the clot and pull it out, then everything is brought out. They have been bringing 6 inch clots out of these people who have been down for 3+ hours, the longest so far has been 6 hours. Not many hosptials do this at the moment, only one does it where Meanie and I live, but just wait they will be everywhere.