Neurologist

Hi Samantha,

I am very sorry to hear of the latest news in your Dad's strokes.

To know you have been so supportive for your Dad's progress is great and sounds like you have explored many areas for the best outcomes for him.

I am not able to give any feed back on whether a visit g neurologist would be a possibility, maybe the Strokeline Team will be able to do this.

All the best.

Sue

Sam I my GP gives me a referral to my neurologist when I feel the need to visit this specialist. We both have great respect for this specialist who has helped me greatly.iI have no idea of your locality.  Maybe a visit to your Dad’s GP would help.    A happy Christmas to you and family.

     hAPPY Christmas to all Enableme members and improved health for 2018. JENNY

Hi Sam,

I’m sorry to hear about your dad’s stroke and ongoing TIA’s.

It sounds as though you and your family have done a fantastic job of caring for him.

Some good advice and support has been offered in posts from Sue and Jenny.

Generally, the Neurologist would consider medical history and review any investigations such as an MRI scan of the brain. The neurologist would also take an in-depth look at stroke risk factors, and assess medications to make sure that they are at optimal dose.  Further, ensure that everything is being done to reduce his risk of stroke in the future.

If then, a person is considered stable, the Neurologist often discharge to the care of the local doctor (GP). Unfortunately, 24% of Stroke survivors will have another cardiovascular event during the next five years.

I’m sorry that this response is quite a while since your post. However, if your dad is still in hospital I would recommend speaking to the treating team regarding Neurology follow up. If your dad, has been discharged, maybe a conversation with his current GP.

Please feel free to contact the Strokeline on 1800 787 653 if you have any further queries. Our hours are between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm (AEST) Monday to Friday.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Kerrie (Strokeline)

Thanks all for your comments - this has been so helpful.

We have received a letter having a follow-up in the next few months which is encouraging, and a more positive experience than the first time when my dad had his stroke.

On top of his normal medication, he is now on a low dose of aspirin too.

But it is a bit scary, because his first major stroke was a bleed, and having aspirin can exacerbate

this.  It's like being stuck between a rock and hard place, however, the neurologist assured us this was the best treatment.

Kerrie from Strokeline - can you please elaborate on what you said above:

"Unfortunately, 24% of Stroke survivors will have another cardiovascular event during the next five years."

Does this mean that it's also possible for stroke survivors to also experience a heart attack as a consequence of the first stroke?  Does this also mean that after this second stroke in December 2017, it's possible that my dad will have another one in the next five years?  Unlike those with terminal illnesses and prognosis of life span, I feel like I'm anticipating the worst for my dad, and while there's no death prognosis - i do feel that possibility is always there.  And while we're on stable ground now (thankfully and with so much relief) , but always anticipating the unexpected earthquakes.  I am talking through this with a counsellor right now, because I also realise self-care is so important.  And I'm making sure that my mum gets the best support she can get - and nudging her towards seeing a counsellor again, encouraging her to do her normal activities- she is incredibly selfless with her caring and devotion for my dad.  

My dad is now back in private rehab and doing well.  He is almost back to normal food and drinks - which we're all (especially him!) is so pleased about.

However, he is really sad - sad that despite all the therapy, he can't walk.  We've gently encouraged him to agree to talking to a psychologist - which after a bit of resistance, he has finally agreed.

We want him to be hopeful, but he is depressed. 

As a family we've faced the reality that he has to be in the nursing home permanently - and we're gutted by this.  We don't say this to dad, because we don't want to have his hope crushed about going home, we don't want him to give up completely.  

Are there any resources or threads on enable me that I can access about settling into a nursing home?  I feel that if I can help him feel like he has a role in life to play, rather than feeling like a victim, and helpless, this will give him more meanning. 

As someone who is able bodied, I had a short dose of being incapicitated last year too when I had to be hospitalised for emergency surgery for endometriosis.  I'm fine now, but being so helpless, having to rely on people to do every single thing for you is demeaning, and I can see so dehumanising.  I totallly get why he would feel that life sux.

However, I see incredible people around me who have physical disabilities that are inspiring - would love any resources or material to read re: getting guidance in supporting my dad.

Wishing everyone good health for 2018!

Samantha

Hi Sam,

So glad to hear that your dad is back in private rehab and he is making some improvements.

Unfortunately, once you have had a stroke your risk of having another one is higher. However, keep in mind that everyone’s course is different. There are many things that you do to prevent another stroke from happening. Just to note - Cardiovascular disease is a general term for conditions such as Stroke and heart disease, it does not mean that your dad will have a heart attack.

I’m glad that you are talking through your fears with a counsellor. As you’ve mentioned, often as a carer, much energy is put into your caring role, but it is also important to take care or yourself.

You sound like such a supportive family and have given your dad opportunity to gain all of the support he has needed. You should all be very proud of that.

Best wishes with your dad’s ongoing recovery

Kerrie