What is Stroke
A stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is an acute neurologic injury whereby the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, either by a clot in the artery...
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Massive stroke and sleep issues?
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My dad recently had a massive stroke that paralyzed his left side. He was in ICU for 2 days and then in-patient rehab for the next month. He is now been home for 9 days and he has only had one good nite's rest. All the other nights he's only slept 2-4 hrs max. He was taking 2 Ambiens at bedtime for 3-4 days and they only worked for 1 nite and then back to the 2-4 hrs of sleep per night. The dr then prescribed a different sleeping pill (I can't recall the name of them) and it hasn't made a difference. Does anyone out there know of anyone who has suffered from the same issues.
Another issue we are having is his demanding requests for constant care. Once he wakes up, at 12:00 midnight or 2 am he demands to be moved/turned, pillows added, pillows removed, dentures in, dentures out, water to drink, heating pad, diaper change...constant attention. The other day he told my sister that he wanted his blanket warmed up in the dryer and when she told him that there were some towels drying in there he told her to remove them and warm up his blanket. It just seems like it's never ending. Don't get ,me wrong we realize he needs care but some of the requests are unneccesary and exhausting, especially at 2 in the morning. If there is anyone out there has any suggestions please please let me know. Debbie Posted on 11/06/09, 01:11 am |
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It sounds like he has reverted back to a demanding spoiled child. I know you feel bad for him but would you let your child act like this? I know its hard and im not there it will get better just remember to tell him you understand and feel his frustration but you still deserve respect and to be treated nice. Hang in there!! 
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Thank you for your reply. This is what a lot of people have told me and I totally agree. The difficult part is knowing when to put my foot down and when to give in. I was thinking of having a family meeting with him and all of his caretakers (me, my sisters, my nephew and my mom) and let him know how we feel and what behavior is acceptable and what is not acceptable. Maybe he will understand how draining his demands are, especially in the middle of the night.
Thanks again...
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Debbie- just give him time to adjust and be patient, please. He needs your love and support right now; this is from someone who's been there. I'm sure his actions right now are very childish, but, really, he doesn't havre much control of his emotions, so please be patient with him. I believe I was the same way when I first came home from the hospital. So, please hang in there; it will get better eventually. . .
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I had a stroke also, not as sever as your Dad's but a stroke is a stroke, damage to your brain. Your Dad may be frightened to be alone or frightened because he can't do these things for himself anymore. The stroke was on the right side of his brain, that affects your emotions so imagine the emotional rollercoaster he is on everyday.
I agree with everyone...you shouldn't be a doormat, but you have to really be understanding of his fragile state. Things will slowly get better with your Dad, but have enough respect for your Father to realize he would be doing the same for you.
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My husband has had several TIA/Strokes. Most recently a two week stay in the hospital and then discharged home. Your comments are EXACTLY what I experienced also. Sort of like Sundowners syndrome - with days and nights mixed up. My husband sort of "wandered" through the house . Changing clothes, hot and cold, couldn't sleep more than an hour. Always wanting something. Confused... The first week home was - I thought I would lose my mind! The second week, things changed alot. Sort of finding his spot, sleeping a little longer, maybe 3-4 hours. Still restless but coming along. I agree, Hang in there!!
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Things have gotten a bit better. I just returned fm being with my dad for one week and he is now strting to sleep 6 hrs ea night, with sleeping pills of course, but nonetheless he is finally getting his rest. He wakes up more refreshed and aware of what is going on. He is learning how to transfer from the bed to the wheelchair and then back again. Because he still doesn't have a lot of strength holding his left side up for too long he can't transfer without 2 people. My nephew is helping him with rehab and then he has 2 days of outpatient pt ea week, so together he gets 3-5 days of rehab per week. Tomorrow the pt is suppose to have him stand up at the foot of the bed with assistance so he can begin to get a feel for what his weight feels like.
He's come a long way since he's come home fm the hospital and I'm sure with love and support he'll come a long way in the very near future. I asked him the other day what he wanted to do and he said "walk across the room and then walk back". I thought that was so cute! I appreciate all of your support and words of encouragement. I just love this site and all the people who provide advice people provide. Thank you!
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