My Mom had a stroke on Wednesday night.

[UCLA Dem]

This is the first time I've been able to get to a computer since it happened.

She's still unconscious and on a respirator. The doctors think she will wake up, but she hasn't yet and I'm still really scared.

The stroke affected the parts of her brain that control sight and balance. We won't know how much damage its done until she wakes up.

She's only 49, and really really healthy, so this is such a shock. My family is very close. I talk to my mom everyday. Its so hard to see her like that, I'm just beside myself. I've never been this terrified in my life. She is my best friend.

My family and I would really appreciate it if you would keep her and us in your thoughts and prayers. Her name is Sylvia.

Thank you. Love you all.

[KarenInMA]

1. I am so sorry for you.

I have nothing else to say. good luck.

:hug:

[SoCalDem]

2. Shit.. That's terrible

She's so young:cry:.. Her age is going to help her recover though..

Sending good thoughts for you and your family :hug:

[ewagner]

3. My Mother died

of a stroke at age 47....it was massive.....

as long as your Mom has blood pressure there's a lot of hope...

Rehab is possible

Please accept my best wishes and hopes for your Mom's full recovery.

[RubyDuby in GA]

4. Dear lord!

I hope she is ok. And I will certainly keep you and your family in my thoughts! :hug:

[fooj]

5. My thoughts and prayers are with you, UCLA!

:hug:

Peace.

[Kadie]

6. I am so sorry.

My mom had a stroke a few years ago.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, your mom, and your entire family.

Take Care.

[CottonBear]

7. I am so sorry UCLA Dem. My thoughts are with your mom Sylvia

and with you and your family. :hug: :hug: :hug:

Were they able to quickly give her that new stroke medicine that can reduce the damage? It's OK to be scared. We are here for a collective DU shoulder to cry on. :hug:

[linazelle]

8. I will keep her in my prayers. nt

[Straight Shooter]

9. We are there for you.

Beautiful name, Sylvia. :hug:

[Horse with no Name]

10. I'm sorry.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers. The brain functions in mysterious ways.
Since she is young and healthy, her chances will be better than most.
Best of luck to you and your family.

[DanCa]

11. I am so sorry for your family's suffering

Moms are tough. You of course have my prayers and sympathies. Feel free to pm me if you need to talk. (Big Hugs) The important thing right now is too also take care of yourself as well as her. Have you aten and slept? If not please do so now. Have a peaceful and gentle weekend.

[dogday]

12. Am so sorry about your Mother.

My prayers and best wishes to you and your family.

[LittleClarkie]

13. Both my parents had strokes

She's young enough for rehab, but keep an open mind. All strokes are different, so you will just have to see how far she can go once she's wakes up. I tried to be there every day with my dad.

He ended up in a nursing home, and I was there every day for 4 years. Just hang in there, and go with the flow, whatever that is. You'll be in my prayers.

If there is anything I can help you with, info wise, let me know.

[SeattleGirl]

14. Will keep you all in my thoughts

And make sure you have someone you can talk and cry to (in the flesh -- of course you can talk and cry here). It will help you stay strong for your mom. When my mom was in the hospital, the chaplain was very comforting to her, and I found myself talking to her also, and she offered a shoulder to cry on and a place for me to babble out my fears so that I did not do it in front of my mom. Take care and let us know how it's going.

:grouphug:

[laylah]

15. How terrible!

Of course you are really scared :hug: I'll keep you both in my thoughts.

Jenn

[jrthin]

16. Oh, God. I'm

so sorry to hear this. Be very hopeful. My Mom had a stroke similar to your Mom, was in IC, couldn't move or speak, and recovered. Hang tough; I know it's easier said than done. You and your Mom are in my thoughts and prayers.

[MissMarple]

17. I am so sorry, sweetheart.

Waiting can be such a hard thing to get through. You have our hopes and prayers for your mom's recovery. :hug:

[Ilsa]

18. I am so sorry.

:grouphug: I hope her rehab continues.

DOn't forget to consider neurotherapy later to help her brain retrain itself. (No, I'm not a neurotherapist, but I might start taking my son to one.)

[medeak]

19. will light a candle..

it's amazing how stroke victims come back. The brain is an amazing organ in that other areas compensate for damaged parts....

It's harder on the loved ones... I know!

[globalvillage]

20. My prayers are with you and your Mom.

Hope she recovers fully.
Stay strong, UCLA. She will need you.

[Nite Owl]

21. So sorry about your mom

We will keep her in our prayers and thoughts and you too. Let us know how she is doing when you can.

[AmBlue]

22. So sorry to hear that...

Will keep your mom in my prayers. Let me tell you this: My aunt had a stroke a few years ago (she's in her sixties) and though at first she had vision and speech problems, today she has recovered completely. I hope your mom recovers fully. :hug:

[proud patriot]

23. My prayers going out for Sylvia

:loveya:

[babylonsister]

24. UCLA, you, your mom, and you family will be kept

in my thoughts and prayers. Have faith! :hug:

[Zhade]

25. Good thoughts to your family!

NT!

[Pharaoh]

26. I'm 49 too

and after 30 years of smoking I am quickly finding out how much damage has been done. Life is truly quite fragile and more so the older you get, I'm bettin she wakes up just fine in the next day or so, keep your chin up honey..........O8)

[Blue_In_AK]

27. UCLADem...

I am so sorry. I know just how you feel. My mother was taken by a stroke six years ago. Although she was 74, it was still a terrible shock. It must be even more frightening when your mother is so young, although her chances of recovery are probably greater than my mom's were. My best wishes are with you. :hug:

[Mairead]

28. Very very *BEST* hopes for your mum's full and quick recovery.

As others have said, her age and good health are huge advantages.

[Jersey Devil]

29. My Mom had a stroke at a similar age

She was also young, 51 I think, and healthy and we were scared. For two weeks she babbled and moaned, then said things that made no sense whatsoever, unable to even recognize us. Then just like that she was fine and lived to be 83 with a full recovery.

Her youth and good health are are your side for a recovery.

[Lochloosa]

30. Read up on Hyperbaric Chambers and strokes

There have been some great results from it...then show it to the Drs.
http://www.chrononhotonthologos.com/inactive/strokedr/hbothera.htm
here is one link:

Edit: to add link

[annabanana]

31. Sylvia and you are in my prayers...

Her age and health will help her recover. Please let us know how she's doing

Love and Hugs..

[lavendermist]

32. My thoughts and prayers

are with you, your mom and your family. :hug:

[flyarm]

33. ahhh sweetie...my thoughts are with you...

and your mom will have my prayers...just keep your hope and be there when your mom awakens...

use jean nate' i know that sounds silly but it is stimulating to the legs and arms for people in comas...i know my dad was in a coma for 4 months and thats what i was told to use to keep his nerves stimulated by a very good nurse!!
my kindest thoughts for your family
fly

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

34. I am very sorry to hear that. Your family is in my thoughts.

Hope your mother recovers quickly.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

35. I am so sorry

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

[noiretextatique]

36. sending you and sylvia

loving and healing vibes. stay strong and positive for her :hug:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

37. My prayers are with you and your Mom.

:loveya:

[Uncle Joe]

38. I am sorry that your mother had her stroke

I pray for her speedy recovery, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, may you have the inner strength to deal with this crisis in your life.:hug:

[harlinchi]

39. Her health can improve. May it be so.

My grandfather had a bad stroke after which his life was in jeopardy. He was in the ICU for about 3 weeks and then in a room for some time. Keep up your hopes. Recently my 91-year old grandfather purchased a 2003 Honda (for short trips to the grocers and to the doctors). Thins can get better.

[Malingerer]

40. I'm sorry to hear that.

The brain is truly a miraculous organ, and can rewire itself to a certain degree. Please keep us posted on her progress. I'm pulling for her speedy recovery.

[Not Me]

41. Your Mom will be in my thoughts and prayers this weekend

Please keep us updated.

[ultraist]

42. Wishing your mom a speedy recovery!

:hug: Stay strong!

[in_cog_ni_to]

43. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

:hug:

[hopein08]

44. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hope to hear good news soon.

[Solly Mack]

45. You and yours are in my thoughts

(((((((((((((Hugs to you and your family)))))))))))))))))

[soup]

46. So sorry, UCLA Dem.

Sending my best wishes for a full recovery. :hug:

[spooked]

47. Sing and talk to her and touch her gently with your hands

She may very well be able to hear everything that is going on around her, so give her sweet words of encouragement...she is there with you...place your hand in her hand, gently touch her head with your hands...she will feel your closeness and it can't but help...we are praying for your family.

[w8liftinglady]

54. That's a great post-

As a critical care(and now,rehab) nurse,I have seen a lot of people recover from strokes.It's really important that you talk to her,and touch her.I have had families get everyone together and make tapes,talking about favorite memories,or anything that your mom likes.They would bring a walkman with a headset,and we would play the tapes periodically to keep those memories alive.Work with the affected (or weaker) side a lot when she is better.The brain can compensate a lot.If you have any questions and want to PM me,feel free.

[spooked]

55. I love that idea of sharing memories

also, they say it is helpful to play favorite music...There is nothing as healing as the power of love from our loved ones.

[samsingh]

48. our prayers are with you

[dback]

49. Sending you lots of good thoughts and karma

I empathize. :)

[DemBeans]

50. keeping your family in my thoughts...

Family illnesses can cause you to neglect your own health, so try to look after yourself too in the weeks to come. Your mom will need you at full strength during her recovery, so try and sleep when you can (I know that's the hardest part) and eat, even if you have to force the food down.

Your mom sounds terrific, and so do you. Sending hugs and hope your way ----

[arcos]

51. I'm very sorry...

I wish you and your mom the best :hug:

[Booster]

52. You and Sylvia will be in my prayers and thoughts. I hope your

Mom wakes and there is very minimal damage. Good luck to both of you. I'm so sorry.

[applegrove]

53. So sorry. There is recovery with many strokes. Ask around.

[Maru Kitteh]

56. You have our prayers

remember to take care of yourself, too.

[goclark]

57. My mom is my best friend too,my prayers are with you

Try your best to stay positive, I know it is hard butyour Mom needs you to be strong right now.

My mom had major surgery last year and I thought I would go off the deep end.

One of the things that kept me sane was to spend each night in the hospital room with her. I was there five nights.

[YvonneCa]

58. You, your mom, and your family...

are in my prayers. I'm a mom of two beautiful daughters, and your mom is about my age. There's nothing more special than that mother daughter relationship. As strong and independent as my daughters are, I know they, too would be terrified if they were in a similar situation. I also know that they are strong, and would be okay. Be as strong as you can for your mom, but don't be afraid to lean on others who offer their support to you. It really is true that times like these bring families together and make them closer. Medicine has made GREAT strides in the treatment of strokes, in recent years. I hope your mom's health improves, and you have the chance to renew your special relationship.

Peace

[GoldenOldie]

59. Touching and gentle talking ....just letting her know you are there.

I also recommend a support group. Ask her doctor or the hospital patient rep if she can recommend stroke support group. I found that those that have gone through the same experiences that you find yourself in now are of the most help. Former stroke patients can tell you what it was like for them and what seemed to help them at various times. The families of the recovering stroke patients can best tell you what helped them overcome many of their problems and concerns.

Be kind to your mother but you can help her by also being kind to yourself. Take time to rest up so you may have the energy you will need to help her.

It is extremely hard to find your mother is not indestructable no matter what her age. You know that DUer's will be thinking of you and supporting you in their hearts and prayers.

[roguevalley]

60. Honey, don't feel hopeless. The fright, I know about. My dad had

two strokes and no one knows why he's still alive. Be RUTHLESS in getting rehab and re-training when the extent is known. Remember this and never forget it: The brain rewires and redirects to other parts when there is an injury. Just remember that rehab will help it. Know you and your family are loved tonight.

[rumpel]

61. I understand, my Dad also had a stroke in his 60's, he fully recovered. So

keep your head up high. I know how shocking it is to see your parent in such a helpless state. When the doctors say, balance and sight, considering all, there is a good chance of full recovery. But it will take time.

prayers and thoughts are with you..

Let us know how she does

[TBreeze]

62. so sorry

I'll keep her and your family in my thoughts and prayers. :hug:

[UrbScotty]

63. My best wishes.

:hug:

[eleny]

64. I'm so sorry this has happened

All of you are in my thoughts.

[Hepburn]

65. Sol very, very sorry.

Best wishes that all will be OK with your mom. Please keep us posted.

[Violet_Crumble]

66. Yr mum's age should work in her favour...

I'm so sorry this has happened to her. It happened to me two years ago. I was perfectly healthy and it hit out of the blue, and the stroke affected my balance. I got told by the doctors that because I was young there was a better chance of a full recovery and that it's people from their late fifties onwards who struggle to recover because their brains aren't able to adjust and take over the functions that the affected area used to do...

When she does wake up, she's going to need you guys to be there every step of the way for her recovery. I had to learn to do basic things like walking all over again, and if it hadn't been for my family, I would have felt like giving up, because the whole thing is so scary and hard...

I'll keep my fingers crossed that her recovery is total and that they find out why it happened to her so it doesn't happen again...



Violet...

[lady lib]

67. Prayers for Sylvia

and hugs for you :grouphug:

Keep us posted on how she's doing.

[Zorbuddha]

68. My best to Sylvia , and to you

I'm so sorry for you both. They have made great strides in treating stroke victims. My sincere hope for her swift and certain recovery.

[Catherine Vincent]

69. So sorry about that...and only 49.

I hope she comes to soon and recover quickly. :hug:

[jurassicpork]

70. I'm sorry, also, UCLA

I'm not much of a praying man but I'll send out my best thoughts and wishes for your mother across the ether.

JP

[karlrschneider]

71. So sorry. A hug for your mom and your family. Best wishes for her

speedy recovery!
:grouphug:

[ClayZ]

72. Lighting a candle for Sylvia!

[JI7]

73. i'm very sorry

i can't imagine what you are going through. i hope the best for your mother and the rest of you.

[PittLib]

74. I don't know what to say ...

my heart goes out to you. I've never thought to light a candle in times like this, until Andy. I'll light a candle for your mother, and wish you all the best. Much love your way :hug:.

[spuddonna]

75. Sylvia, you and your family, will be in our hearts and prayers! n/t

[Tux]

76. Been there

I was 5 when my mom had her 1st stroke. It effected the area of the brain that regulates balance. She got a little better but she could never walk in a straight line again. Sad but strokes do horrible things to people.

I hope your mom recovers and do be prepared for bad news. Sounds mean but I been in your situation 3 times and seen my mom have 2 strokes. Not fun for a kid.

[Vinca]

77. I'm so sorry to hear about your mother.

Fortunately, great progress has been made in the treatment of strokes in recent years and her young age and good health would make the outlook better. You'll be in my thoughts.

[oasis]

78. My best wishes for Sylvia's recovery. She'll soon wake to see the

sunshine on the faces of those who love her.

[qanda]

79. I'm praying for you and your mom

I hope she will be okay. ((((Sylvia))))

[GreenPartyVoter]

80. I am so sorry. She is much too young! I will pray for you all

*hugs and prayers*

[moondust]

81. Best regards.

Wishing your mom a speedy and complete recovery.

[tavalon]

82. Oh, my goodness

I am so sorry. This is such a hard time, this limbo, where either direction holds unknowns and fear. May you and your family find some peace while waiting at the crossroads.

Try to remember to breathe deeply, to actually eat food occasionally and to take shifts so that all of you can sleep. It serves no one if some of you are sick when she wakes up and needs you. And having been in a situation very similar, I can tell you I dish out the advice far better than I practiced it.

(((((UCLA Dem))))))

[goclark]

83. How is your mom doing today?

[UCLA Dem]

98. She seems better. She's stopped posturing, which is good.

She twiches her eyes when we ask her to open them, so thats a good sign.

We just have to be patient and allow her body to heal (as hard as it is).

Thank you for asking!

[globalvillage]

99. That's good news.

Healing can be a very long and trying process. When my uncle had a stroke, it was very difficult for him to accept help, but he did recover almost completely. It was rough going, though, at times.
Be patient.

[goclark]

104. Our prayers are working!

[Phentex]

84. I'm very sorry.

Keep us posted.

[Native]

85. You'll get your mom back!

My mother had a stroke in April following surgery for a perforated bowel (which almost killed her). She had lost 30 pounds prior to being admitted (and she was underweight to begin with). My point - no one expected her to survive. We didn't give up. Prayed our hearts out, and she pulled through. Same thing happened with the woman in my mother's hospital room. I was there when the doctors came in and told her family there was no hope. I was appalled that they'd say this. After the doctors left, I spoke with the family & told them we'd been through the same thing & our mother had pulled through. I begged them not to give up hope. They were so grateful to hear some positive news. The next morning, their mom took a turn for the better, and she was actually discharged before my mother went home. They attributed her recovery to their prayers. The one thing I've learned about strokes is that with many of them, the victim can recover (relearn) almost all that they've lost. My mother lost her speech, her balance, & the use of her right side. Due to subsequent surgeries, she was unable to get consistent therapy, but she has thus far recovered her balance & can walk, her speech has improved to where family members can understand her, gross motor function in her right arm has returned & fine motor control is improving. The brain is an amazing thing, and we know so little about it. I can't tell you how many people I've heard from who have told me about family members who have had strokes (some massive) & recovered everything they lost. It takes time, patience, & the will to fight. My best suggestion for you: Get your mother the best therapy available in her area. If you can find a rehab hospital that specializes in therapy for strokes victims, go for it. Therapy is key. Your mom has her youth on her side & it sounds like she didn't have any other health problems prior to suffering her stroke. Keep praying - she's gonna make it, and it sounds like you're going to be the one to help her get there.

[progressivebydesign]

86. Sending healing thoughts to your Mother, and to your family. n/t

[HysteryDiagnosis]

87. So sorry to hear this UCLA.... I don't know if this will help, but it

is where I look when I need help for family and friends...


http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-102.shtml



http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-101.shtml

[leesa]

88. So sorry, UCLA Dem. I hope she recovers. So young!

[helderheid]

89. You're in my thoughts and prayers!

[AwakeAtLast]

90. {{{{{HUGS}}}}} to you and your family.

Prayers also. I can't imagine what you are going through. Try to take things slowly, beging overwhelmed can hit you instantly. Remember to take care of yourself as you are taking care of your mother. She is lucky to have such caring child!

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[ptolle]

91. thoughts and best wishes fer sure

I don't know if the prevalent deity, or any deity for that matter, hears prayers from the determinedly atheistic but I can assuredly sympathize with your situation having had a stroke myself 08/04/84- neurologist described as massive, but I feel relatively fortunate ending up with "only" left hemiplegia- permanently dropped toe no planar or dorsi flexion left ankle so my stride is less than elegant or graceful but I can walk unassisted nonetheless. Also fortunately I'm right-handed and more absolutely so now, but no( depending on who you ask) cognitive deficits. Absolutely my very best wishes for the best of all possible outcomes. Be brave for yourself and your mother, and as chief dan george's line in outlaw josie wales had it endeavor to persevere.

[tibbir]

92. You and your mom are in my thoughts.

My ex-husband had a stroke when he was only 53. It was scary but he recovered almost 100%. I hope your mom, over time, is able to have the same result.

[saracat]

93. She is so young!~ My prayers are with you.

Best wishes for her completr recovery!

[Garbo 2004]

94. My thoughts & prayers are with you, your mom and your family. n/t

[UCLA Dem]

95. Thank you so much everyone!!!!!! I love you all!!!!

I can't tell you how much all your kind words have helped me and my entire family.

To give you an update, my mom is stable and still unconscious. The doctors say there are still some blood clots in her arteries and swelling. We have to wait for these things to dissipate before she can wake up.

Her EEG was good, so she still has all her higher brain functions, so its just a matter of waiting for her to wake up. So we are just praying that she will wake soon. The doctors seem optimistic that she will wake up, so thats what we have to hang onto for now.

Again, thank you so much for me and my family. I showed them this thread and it really made them feel better.

My love to you all. I love this community and am so glad and proud to be apart of it.

[lildreamer316]

96. Much love and hugs

Sending positive energy/thoughts your way. She's young enough that she has a good chance of recovery maybe, no?

[Lannes]

97. Hope she has a speedy recovery

Ill put in a prayer for her.Hang in there UCLA Dem.

[indie_voter]

100. I am so very sorry, my best wishes to you and your mom. n/t

[mvd]

101. Very sorry

Best wishes for her full recovery.

[mbee]

102. I will keep your mother and family in my thoughts and

prayers!

[rurallib]

103. My wife had a stroke at age 29

at the birth of our second child. She was near death for 5 days. Our daughter just celebrated her 25th birthday, but we couldn't be with her for her birthday. First time we've missed. Because my wife and I are manning the Democratic tent at the county fair.
My wife has hangover problems, such as weakness on one side and balance problems, but with rehab and a lot of work she recovered and went back to work. So, where there is life, there is hope.
We will pray for your mother's speedy and full recovery.

[Samantha]

105. I said a small prayer for Sylvia tonight

and I will keep you in my thoughts. Have courage and thank God for every day he allows you to share with your Mom.

[October]

106. My mom had a stroke 1 year ago...she's doing well

She had a stroke after elective surgery.

She was in a drug-induced coma for weeks. When she awoke, we realized she was paralyzed on one side. The stroke was on her left side of the brain.

It seemed she'd been on a respirator forever, but that ended.

It seemed she'd never talk, but she did.

There is still much she cannot do...but she knows us and can talk and gets around very well in her wheelchair.

This takes time -- lots of it.

You are in my thoughts -- I know how hard this is for you. We waited weeks for my mom to wake from that coma...finally...one day she opened her eyes. She knew me, but couldn't speak. She reached for me. Give it time; it's amazing how far stroke victims come, when at first it all seems impossible.

My mom was 61 when she had the stroke.

[MaraJade]

107. I will pray for her. . .