19th Day
I have seen some steady improvement with my dad in the last couple of days. One namely is that I've explicitly told several doctors on the SCVMC Orange team that my dad cannot have any mind-altering medication as it typically just puts him to sleep. Last week, he was given meds like Keppra for anti-seizures, even though he had none and the dangerous Risperdal for anti-agitation even though he has no energy to be agitated. Such meds pretty much put his acupuncture sessions to waste.
Anyway, so he's been off those meds for a few days and the routine acupuncture treatments have been kicking in. Thankfully today I am really seeing the difference. My dad is finally back to a more or less regular sleeping pattern. Waking up at 9:30ish with the help of physical therapists, he was able to be on a stationary bike for a bit. After almost 3 weeks: he FINALLY made it to the Rehab gym! Dr. Zhu and Moyee (his associate) came by again tonight and did acu treatment in the usual areas: scalp (14 needles), left arm, top/bottom of left and right foot. Additionally, 3 needles were put under his chin to help with speech and swallowing and a few needles in his strong right arm because right now it often moves involuntarily.
After removing the needles on the left hand, Moyee encouraged my dad to move his left hand and he was able to move his wrist 3 times, which was pretty great because he hasn't been able to do that since the 2nd stroke. His left leg is also looking stronger. The acupuncture is definitely helping to dissolve the swelling in the right center of my dad's brain where the 2nd and acute stroke took place.
Although we are seeing some good improvements, there are still lots to work on. Right now I am mainly concerned with his speech and his ability to swallow. His stroke should have no effect on his speech abilities but because my dad is continually worried about his condition, he has not been able to speak. When he's more relaxed, he can move his tongue and mouth more, but for now the speech therapist really has not much to work with. His worrying also isn't helping his blood pressure and heart rate. So he definitely still needs a lot of encouragement and reassurance that he'll be ok and he needs not to stress out.
On a lighter note.... I've been picking up either a Singtao Daily or World Journal everyday for my dad. I either read him the articles or I ask him to read the headlines out loud for practice. On the cover of today's Singtao is a FULL PAGE McDonald's ad!!! Gee... no wonder the response I got when I asked my dad what he wanted to eat when he can swallow again was: (tah dah..) Big Mac and Sweet Tea.
Hello McDonald's -- I'm a customer but damn, lay off of my people!!!
Anyway, so he's been off those meds for a few days and the routine acupuncture treatments have been kicking in. Thankfully today I am really seeing the difference. My dad is finally back to a more or less regular sleeping pattern. Waking up at 9:30ish with the help of physical therapists, he was able to be on a stationary bike for a bit. After almost 3 weeks: he FINALLY made it to the Rehab gym! Dr. Zhu and Moyee (his associate) came by again tonight and did acu treatment in the usual areas: scalp (14 needles), left arm, top/bottom of left and right foot. Additionally, 3 needles were put under his chin to help with speech and swallowing and a few needles in his strong right arm because right now it often moves involuntarily.
After removing the needles on the left hand, Moyee encouraged my dad to move his left hand and he was able to move his wrist 3 times, which was pretty great because he hasn't been able to do that since the 2nd stroke. His left leg is also looking stronger. The acupuncture is definitely helping to dissolve the swelling in the right center of my dad's brain where the 2nd and acute stroke took place.
Although we are seeing some good improvements, there are still lots to work on. Right now I am mainly concerned with his speech and his ability to swallow. His stroke should have no effect on his speech abilities but because my dad is continually worried about his condition, he has not been able to speak. When he's more relaxed, he can move his tongue and mouth more, but for now the speech therapist really has not much to work with. His worrying also isn't helping his blood pressure and heart rate. So he definitely still needs a lot of encouragement and reassurance that he'll be ok and he needs not to stress out.
On a lighter note.... I've been picking up either a Singtao Daily or World Journal everyday for my dad. I either read him the articles or I ask him to read the headlines out loud for practice. On the cover of today's Singtao is a FULL PAGE McDonald's ad!!! Gee... no wonder the response I got when I asked my dad what he wanted to eat when he can swallow again was: (tah dah..) Big Mac and Sweet Tea.
Hello McDonald's -- I'm a customer but damn, lay off of my people!!!
posted by Stroke Donation for Steven Leong at
11:05 PM
3 Comments:
that's great news, faithy! keep on keeping on! you guys are his best advocate!
Faithy, glad to see he's making some quick progress...definitely encouraging news. My mom had a stroke four years ago, so I know what you're going through. The hard part for me is that my parents are down in SoCal, and I couldn't visit very often.
Luckily, it wasn't totally incapacitating, but her left side was affected. She's been diligent with her therapy and has made great improvements in her mobility and now walks with a cane. Her arm didn't regain much function, but she can at least straighten it, as well as grip my hand. The extremities are always the hardest to come back.
Her speech was slurred at first, but a lot of speech therapy helped get her back to normal. She sometimes has trouble trying to remember words...or it just takes longer to figure out what she wants to say. But she's progressed far enough where she can actually stay home alone without supervision.
She used to get really frustrated when she couldn't do things she couldn't do anymore. Luckily my dad's been awesome...totally there for her and always encouraging.
I guess if I can give any advice...be prepared for anything, be patient and show love.
All the best to you and your family,
Arnold
Hi Arnold, thanks for your story. I really have no idea what a stroke is or what happens afterwards until this, and I also had no idea that so many friends have family members who have gone through this.
My dad is only 53, so hopefully his age will be on his side in terms rehab. Unfortunately he is without a partner and lives alone, but regardless we are taking it one day at a time and I am visiting him daily.
I think now that he's more awake he's at the frustrated point, it takes a lot of work to console him that he can get better but he needs to put work in it. Hopefully he can be convinced cuz his frustrations are effecting his blood pressure and heart rate...
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