Probably won't be riding or posting much...

[uk elephant]

Just thought I'd share the amazing story I heard a couple of weeks ago. I was at a wedding with BF who was best man so I was stuck just chatting with random strangers (didn't know anyone there except BF and the bride and groom). One couple I was talking to were very much into hiking/mountain climbing. They travelled all over the world hiking up big mountains. Both were in their 70's. They had also taken up downhill skiing at the age of 50. Both looked super fit and healthy. Turns out the husband had had a stroke only a year ago, quite a severe one. But just this summer he had made it up to his first mountain summit after the stroke. It had taken him a lot longer than it used to (though still quicker than I've ever been able to), but he was very excited to be back. And he was now ready to go skiing again (though his wife had decided she was now finally too old) as they were off on a skiing holiday this winter with the kids and grandkids.

[massbikebabe]

Get her into physical/occupational therapy as soon as possible. It did wonders for me.




karen
stroked at 42

[Popoki_Nui]

Thanks so much for the good wishes for my m-i-l Eileen. At this point it's still not clear how this will play out. Her stroke wasn't particularly severe, but the complications could well be. The stroke has affected her swallowing; she must be fed thru a nasal tube, and if she doesn't regain her ability to swallow she will have to be fed thru a tube directly into her stomach. Related to this, she is at extremely high risk for pneumonia. Her right arm and leg are still non-functioning. On the plus side, she is slowly getting movement back in her right leg (reflex only, but it's a start), and the stroke has not impaired her mental functioning at all. She's still sharp as a tack and retains her wicked sense of humour.
Thanks again. Will update later if you'd like.

Sherry and family.

edit: yes, she does have a physiotherapist and occupational therapist visiting her daily, as well as her PCP, a top neurologist, and about a jillion other amazing nurses and support staff.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thanks so much for the good wishes for my m-i-l Eileen. At this point it's still not clear how this will play out. Her stroke wasn't particularly severe, but the complications could well be. The stroke has affected her swallowing; she must be fed thru a nasal tube, and if she doesn't regain her ability to swallow she will have to be fed thru a tube directly into her stomach. Related to this, she is at extremely high risk for pneumonia. Her right arm and leg are still non-functioning. On the plus side, she is slowly getting movement back in her right leg (reflex only, but it's a start), and the stroke has not impaired her mental functioning at all. She's still sharp as a tack and retains her wicked sense of humour.
Thanks again. Will update later if you'd like.

Sherry and family.

edit: yes, she does have a physiotherapist and occupational therapist visiting her daily, as well as her PCP, a top neurologist, and about a jillion other amazing nurses and support staff.

Sherry, all this sounds pretty promising. The nasal feeding tude is common, and my mother completely relearned how to swallow and eat again with PT help.
The only reason they might switch the feeding tube to the stomache is that it is very irritating through the nose and will cause nasal problems if in too long. The fact that your mil has some movement in her leg so SOON is great, and if her mind is sharp she sounds like she is going to be doing lots of improving! In one year of recovering, my mother went from being a drooling half asleep shadow slumped over in her wheelchair back to being able to sit upright, smile, feed herself, talk, and walk with a walker again briefly (before she got sick with other things). She started out older and with a worse stroke than your MIL, and never did regain any left arm or leg ability. You should have great hopes for your MIL's recovery!!

[rocknrollgirl]

I will keep you in the karma chain. Having been the primary caretaker for my mom for the past three years, I know how hard it can be, physically and emotionally. Be good to yourself too.

I will be thinking of you.....


Ruth

[RoadRaven]

My thoughts join the others here in warm thoughts for you and your family

Arohanui

[Kitsune06]

Sherry, I second everyone saying "take you time, too." When my grandmother stroked and we were taking care of her in our home, some of the most important time we had was the time when she was taking PT and everyone could take a little bit of "us" time. Never underestimate the importance of some time for yourself. Biking might hold you together more than you can ever imagine.