Has anyone ever had stroke symptoms (hard to understand speech, tipsy balance, illegible

[sad sally]

handwriting, trouble swallowing) get better without therapy? My small county has no Neurology Clinics or doctors and a backlog of over 6 weeks to see a speech therapist. I had a stroke in my sleep over two months ago; don't have blocked arteries anywhere, don't smoke or drink, am not overweight, don't have diabetes. I hate banging into walls and can only take very short walks (used to walk 1-2 miles every day rain or shine). Fell back in Sept and broke my right elbow (am right-handed); it's healed, but sore at times.

I just want to be me again...depression is setting in. keep trying to remember that old age ain't for sissies. buck up, old girl, things could be worse...

[NMDemDist2]

1. my mother in law has/had those symptoms

they told her they are migraines!!

[Historic NY]

2. If your feeling that way call 911 you need immediate Emergency care. NOW

[Jackpine Radical]

3. Yes. You can recover brain function after a stroke.

For one thing, different areas of the brain can take up some of the missing functions. The brain is much more plastic & capable of change than was once thought.

[still_one]

4. You need to get evaluated properly. There is a lot things that can be done. If you can go to mayo

Or other reputable clinic


All the best

[bayareaboy]

5. Is there a teaching hospital close to you?

Check it out. you may be able to get in quicker than the normal routine. I spent a year about 9yrs ago with good therapy to relearn language and spelling. It was a stroke but it only affected my speech for while but my spelling is still a reacquiring problem.

Thank God for check spelling!

Good Luck

[Warpy]

6. That's called a mini stroke

The ten dollar name is "temporary ischemic attack," or TIA. It is often the precursor to a major stroke, so get your ass in to see a doctor ASAP. It doesn't have to be a neurologist. GPs can put you on the blood thinners you need and get you scheduled for non invasive carotid artery studies plus a basic EKG.

This is nothing to play with. Things could get very much worse very quickly, so take aspirin right now and call your doctor tomorrow and tell him you have had a mini stroke in your sleep and tell how long it took the symptoms to resolve. If s/he won't see you, then go to the ER. If you start to get symptomatic at all before tomorrow morning, call 911.

I'm afraid the alternative is to wake up paralyzed on your right side and unable to speak or swallow. Get in to be seen.

(blood thinners are followed with blood work. They won't make you feel any differently)

[sad sally]

7. I have been to a doctor, well, he had his ARNP see me - she's good but very busy.

Have had all the artery ultrasounds and two mri's - so, know the area of my brain that's been zapped. Was taking aspirin daily before and still am - no blood thinners needed, the ARNP says. Guess my question was/is, is it necessary to drive (or have someone drive me) 75 miles to see a specialist (neurologist) or am i being too impatient for positive changes to happen?

Thanks to all who replied - family is starting to get tired of my daily complaints, except for my loyal dog, who just wants the head pats; so finding this Group on DU gives me an outlet to peck out my frustration. thank you, all.

[hedgehog]

8. A physical therapist and/or an occupational therapist can make a huge

difference in your quality of life! It's well worth making at least a couple visits to get some pointers and exercises. If they suggest using a cane to keep you on your feet, use a cane with pride!

[sad sally]

9. Thanks - the mri tech said just about the same thing (helps to hear advice from fully-working

brains - mine isn't always firing right).

As for a cane - made me a walking stick, but it kinda' scares the dog and is hard to pick up her poopies, hold the leash and stick, too. oh, poor me! I believe i'll invest in a nicer looking one - just need to convince myself it's worth the cost (and may keep me from falling on my ass or elbow )