My Mum has global aphasia and it is having a huge effect on her psychologically and emotionally. - we need some help,

Lyndsey
Lyndseyon March 27, 2017
1 Comment
My question is rather big and I'm not sure how to begin. Life has been turned upside down for my mum, and me, who had a severe stroke in August last year. She has right side paralysis but the most difficult symptom is global aphasia, both receptive and expressive. She even finds signals virtually impossible to use. We are not entirely sure if she can even understand what we say to her, but most of the time it seems she does. However she cries every day on and off and it is the most excruciating thing to witness and deal with. We dont know if shes in pain but sometimes it really seems like she's having intense anxiety and depression. She often refuses medication so although she has been given a variety of anti-depressants, they never stuck, since she refused them. Her doctor will not prescribe valium, which mum took for forty years prior to the stroke for anxiety. I think this is a real problem, since she has had a long history of anxiety and depression. We also tried to get in to see a geriatrician but so far no help available. The doctor said she woud put together a care plan for mum to receive some physio, but this too has not yet occurred. So I feel its hopeless and in the meantime Im watching mum deteriorate, not eating much, crying every day, not sleeping very well. I really feel like nobody cares about her suffering and that there is no help for her. What should I do?
1 Responses

Hi Lyndsey, 

 

I am so sorry to hear about your mum’s stroke and the ongoing difficulties she experiences.  

 

Is her GP aware of her deterioration? That would be the first step. You could also consider seeing another GP for a second opinion.

 

It also sounds like a reliable mode of communication hasn’t been established. Is your mum seeing a speech pathologist at the moment?  In addition to speech pathology, she would also benefit from a psychologist and psychiatry review, ideally having these therapists working closely together. Given the complexity of the situation though, she may need to be readmitted to hospital for a full work up including a dietitian review. If you have grave concerns about her well being, particularly if she is refusing oral intake and medications, calling 000 is best.

 

It would be great to chat further so we can provide you with further suggestions for your mum’s specific situation. We are on 1800 787 653 (StrokeLine - Mondays to Fridays, 9am-5pm AEST) or you can email us on strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.

 

Best Wishes,

Lisa (StrokeLine)

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