My wife had a base stem stroke 3 months ago. She is not aware as yet ,but her limbs are all mobile. She is getting spasms and weakness in her right arm in particular I have told the medical staff at the hospital. her grip in her right hand trembles and is weaker than her left and the arm itself is getting stiff. Do you have any suggestions?

Hi Simon

Thanks again for your responses to my questions. My wife has speech but as yet her words are not all clear but she is aware of what is happening and I understand enough words are times to know what she is saying. She is still not responding to commands but she will take objects, reach for things and point to things. I'm not sure what kind of rehab will best suit her. The hospital here at Charlie gardeners in Perth seen to prefer patients who can obey commands before referring for rehab. Others seen to get placed in intermediary hostels or old people homes.

Hi Joe,

I'm pleased to hear your wife is making some progress, even if it may appear slow. It is wonderful that she is more aware and starting to get some speech back. Stroke recovery can be slow, particularly with brain stem strokes. Being able to follow instructions is beneficial for rehabilitation, hopefully this too improves over time so she can be transferred to a suitable rehabilitation facility.

If it was helpful we could discuss the rehabilitation process further over the phone. You can call us on StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEST).

You may also find this Assessment for Rehabilitation tool helpful.

Thinking of you and your wife,

Simone (Occupational Therapist for StrokeLine)

Hi Simone

Thanks again ,I am a bit concerned that they have chosen not to proceed with much of any rehab simply because my wife doesn't respond to commands yet. As a result I go in 2 times a day to give her some social contact and take her for walks round the hospital in her wheel chair and try to do some activities with her such as looking at books and magazines and talking with her to get her to practice words she finds hard to say. She  told me one evening that she is sad ,when I asked why ,she said because no one came to visit her during that day. My wife was a very active woman and I think being left alone for periods with no interaction or activity is not beneficial for her. I videoed her drinking from a glass and as a result the speech therapist has cleared her for level 400 thickened fluids to practice her swallowing and strengthen the muscles involved after such a long time being fed by non oral means, she is still fed via a peg. Problem here is she doesn't like the taste so refuses to take the thickened fruit juice and swallow. She also held a pen and managed to scribble some lines on a page a fews days ago when my sister went in, the speech therapist tried this a few days before that but my wife didn't feel like participating. I have a feeling this will be a process of patience and perseverance. But the system doesn't seem to be set up to help people like my wife who need extra time to respond they simply don't have the time or resources.

Many thanks for you advice

Joe

Hi Joe,

It must be so difficult for you both. It sounds like you are doing all of the right things in your wife's recovery. Visiting and taking her out would be so helpful for her mood and general wellbeing. Patience and perseverance are key for sure. Don't give up. We are all here supporting you both.

Please do call us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 for additional support, information and tips. We have a Speech Pathologist Lisa who you could discuss communication and the swallowing changes with and we are very happy to discuss mood changes, recovery and rehab options with you as well.

Take care,

Simone (Occupational Therapist for StrokeLine)