My DW had a Mini-Stroke last Tuesday, it turned out to be more serious that the Neurologist originally thought. She has lost some of the use of right leg, her left leg has some residual damage from a TIA she suffered last year. She has a very difficult time standing up and trying to walk. We placed her in a Rehab Facility yesterday in an effort to help restore her ability to walk. She requires help to get up from the bed or a chair and help to get into both.
I am not sure where we are headed, as you will remember we had to discontinue giving her Aricept a couple of weeks ago due to gastric irritation. They did a follow up EGD late last week and confirmed that her stomach had healed and wasn't bleeding, but she does have an ulcer. They restarted her on Coumadin.
Her memory seems to be getting worse, I don't how she will do with the physical therapy, because of her AD it takes a lot of effort to teach her anything new. We are hoping for a good outcome. She is still taking Namenda, I am hoping that will help slow the decline. It has been a very hectic two weeks for me but things should slow down after we get her used to the routine in rehab.
Jimmy, I am so sorry your DW had a mini stroke. Apparently my DH had a small one and several minis. We never knew it because there was never any symptoms....they found evidence when he had an MRI in September 2007 which is when they DX'd AD. I hope the doctors can help your DW recover some of her previous functions.
Jimmy, I pray for you because rehab will be difficult for her and you already have alot to contend with. Take as much of this "away" time as you can to reenergize yourself. Being in an unfamiliar place will add to her confusion and coming home will be difficult. Take a long deep breath. Good Luck.
Jimmy, T and P's headed your way. Hang in there, I am sure this is gonna be very confusing for her. Hopefully she can do the therapy, to help her regain use of her leg. Rk
Jimmy you better keep an eye on her with the coumadin. My Mom had internal bleeding and became so weak she had to have a transfusion and the Doctor said she was not to have more coumadin.
Jimmy, so sorry DW is having such problems. it is indeed an added stress for you both. i too questioned coumadin a blood thinner with anything bleeding.. i would be safe and ask why?
My husband has experienced intestinal bleeding and had some tiny ulcers where the stomach empties into the duodenum. His gastroenterologist insists on NO cumadin or aspirin of any type. To prevent further bleedings. Every case is different, though. (P.S. - he also has a history of TIA's...a dozen or so in the past eight years...) So, which is worse? ????
The Doctors gave a lot of thought and debate to the issue of restarting Coumadin, it was decided that the brain was the most important organ and therefore preserving brain function should be the first priority. They will be checking INR levels frequently and adjusting the Coumadin as needed. They also changed and added other drugs to help with the ulcer and stomach situation. Because of other complications such as kidney disease, arterial blockages, stroke danger etc., they felt the Coumadin was a necessity. All medications that would irritate the stomach have been discontinued. They will continue the close observation of her BP and stomach for any more signs of bleeding. The Gastro Docs also agree with this assessment.
I appreciate the kind thoughts and words of encouragement, we're hanging in there.
I sometime wonder what happens when his meds hit his stomach. He takes Plavix which is a type of blood thinner, and an oral chemotherapy (he does not have cancer) because a side effect is that it lowers his platelet count, (which is high because of his Polycythemia Vera). Then he takes drugs for his stomach ulcers, a beta blocker and a statin for cholesterol. Add to that his Aracept/Namenda/Seroquel/Folex, - and Flomax. I envision little teensy guys in white jackets down in his stomach shoveling all of the pills and capsules toward their appropriate organs and screaming "ENOUGH already!!!"...
OK, I'm heading toward the world of hallucinations and make believe. It's ok, I'm happy with my imagination!
Jimmy, she may be more confused in the Re-hab center and hopefully will be better when you finally get her back home. We're all wishing a speedy recovery for her.
Jimmy==I'm really sorry to learn of your wife's mini-stroke. My DH has had two TIAs that we know of. He is on aspirin therapy taking 1/2 of a full tablet. I am praying she gets better. Tis has to be so difficult for you. Blessings to you and her.
Just an update, DW has been in the Stroke Rehab Facility since Tuesday. She has adapted very well and seems to be happy there and is enjoying interacting with some of the other residents. She gets two sessions of PT every day during the week. If she doesn't recover adequately she can stay here at this facility. It seems that she has realized that she needs more help than she thought.
Her short term memory is getting worse, but she is very calm and cooperative and hasn't shown any signs of agitation. She is on Namenda and Abilfy as well as her maintenance drugs. They don't plan to resume Aricept.
Jimmy, that's such good news that your DW is adjusting so well to the rehab facility, and also that you have found a safe place for her if she can't return home. My thoughts are with you. Please keep us posted.