Outsider

Oh dear, He got hit harder than I did. I was at least able to stand on my own at 1st so I really don't have anything to advise you on. Other than if his therapist can get movement back in his arm and get that leg strong enough to stand on he CAN continue to get better but they need to get him to that point BEFORE sending him home. There is NO doubt you're BOTH going to face challenges once he comes home and you need to face them TOGETHER. As for his sitting in the wheel chair? I was allowed to leave the rehab center on a day pass so that I could go see our churches youth pastor 1 last time before he left to move to Virginia The only condition was I HAD to remain in my chair while away from the hospital. Those things are NOT as comfortable as they might appear. Everyday since then I've thanked God that I was not sentenced to a life in a wheelchair! Life post stroke is a roller coaster with seemingly constant ups and downs. When he is released to go home they will probably or at least SHOULD give you materials showing you how to continue exercising his muscles at home. It is VITAL that you keep up with these exersises otherwise his muscles can atrophe and trust me that is something you DO NOT want to happen so if he gives you grief about it and he probably will you'll need to be able to stand firm and make him comply. Resist the urge to belittle him or treat him like a child but be firm. He needs you now more than even he will understand and in the end he WILL thank you for standing by his side through the Hell he now walks through.

"Stroke doctor" is usually a neuro that is a specialist in stroke recovery. At least that is what I was told by my wife AKA caretaker Their saying that he will "probably never walk or use his left arm" tells me there is a good chance that he will. Now I NEVER preach or offer false hope to anyone because every stroke and every survivor are different scenarios. What was in my case my not be in someone elses. Dan just may give up even if only for a moment it happens more often than not but you should be preppared for how to deal with it when the time comes so that you are not blind sided and over whelmed Question: Does Dan have ANY movement at all in his left arm and leg?

May-Jo, I'm in agreement with fking. I DON'T want to discourage you in ANYWAY but there is SOOO very much to consider in careing for a survivor. It is not just the physical care like helping with wheel chairs, getting in and out of bed,car and the bath tub, fixing food assisting with getting dressed/un dressed making sure his meds are taken properly. Then there is making sure he gets to all of his doctors appts as scheduled In many ways it can be WORSE than taking care of a child. My wife often tells people she has 7 children that is our 6 + me She doesn't say it as frequently any more because I'm pretty well able to care for myself now and do what needs doing still there are times I have the mentality of a child at least according to her I do LOL. Now, I'm NOT saying you couldn't do all of the necessary things to care for Dan I just think it important you are aware it is not going to be and easy task by any means. To care for a survivor can be a full time job in and of itself add to that, trying to work a job and you're going to run the risk of burning yourself out quite quickly and you'll run the risk of hypertension from all of the stress. The 1st couple of years will be the most difficult for him and for you. It is commendable that you are willing to care for Dan but you SHOULD be prepared for the challenges that are ahead. Best wishes to you both, Outsider

My 2 cents... Ever see a 34 year old man through a temper tanturum of a 2 year old?(Be nice ladies ) You should see me on my really bad days.. I get so frustrated when things aren't going as I know they should. The other day I was making my 2 year old a cup of chocolate milk and I dropped a whole gallon of milk I had just opened on the floor. I immediately felt my blood preassure going up then my 2 year old looks at me and says "Ah Ohhh daddy make mess!!!" he then proceeds to run through the house telling EVERYONE of my fodder I couldn't help but bust into laughter over his doing that Go easy sometimes we just gotta laugh at the dumb things that happen to us