Confusion/Delirium Stroke Recovery

[butterflybee1218]

Hi everyone!

I have wrote a few posts about my dad in here who suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm as well as several small strokes in the left side of his brain on January 8th. My dad was in a coma for about 5/6 weeks, and had a tracheostomy done. Well, today his trach came out!!! He is awake, alert, and TALKING with his voice!! Yesterday was the first time we heard his voice in almost 3 months. We are so thankful my dad is finally showing significant signs of improvement after what seemed so hopeless at times. However, he seems to be confused and hazy. Not too bad, he understands words and speaks very well he just says things that don’t make sense sometimes. Is this normal and apart of the recovery process of a stroke/aneurysm, and will it get better with time? I think he is as alert and aware as he has ever been and is trying to grasp what is happening. I wanted to check with you guys if this was normal and if you’ve ever experienced something similar with yourself or a loved one and what it was like. Since my last post my dad is doing leaps and bounds and we are so proud of him. Thank you all for your replies and support through this difficult time ♥️

[cat3]

I found myself smiling whilst reading your post butterflybee, partly at the news of your dad's progress and alertness, but also at his 'not making sense'. This was one of the biggest concerns for my family after my aneurysm 9 years ago.

Apparently I went on & on about the 'Filthy ceilings' in the high dependency unit (state of the art, pristine decor !) and how, though I couldn't even stand and was connected to all manner of drips & tubes, I needed a stepladder to 'Get up there and give them a 'Damned good clean'.

And my daughter had to cope with my insistence she was a neighbour and with me addressing her accordingly .........& SO much more bizarre behaviour. She and my son apparently dreaded what they'd find on each visit as they felt I'd lost all touch with reality and they feared it would be my permanent state.

But whilst searching for new pathways to compensate for damaged areas, our confused brains take time to reconnect with reality and logic .......and the key is time. Gradually your dad's awareness of his situation will dawn and it's unlikely he'll remember his confused behaviour.

We've had many laughs about my confabulation since I've become compass mentis again ! I hope you and yours will have the luxury of laughing again in the not too distant future m'love...

All best wishes, Cat x

[pinkvision]

Hi Butterflybee. I have PCS and lost my left brain functions nearly four years ago. The good news is that these can be retrained depending on the damage. It takes a bit of time and understanding. I would highly recommend that you read 'My Stroke of Insight' by Jill Bolte Taylor. She is a neuroscientist who had a left brain stroke. She explains the situation from the 'inside out'. I would also recommend you learn about the difference between the hemispheres and what they do. Iain McGilchrist has written on this in his book 'The Master and his Emissary'. It may help you understand the experience and not worry too much. 'The mild traumatic brain injury workbook.' by Douglas J Mason has many cognitive exercises. Hope that helps.

[Shreds]

So glad to hear the good news. A bit more time and patience will hopefully bring back the Dad you know and love.

I know of a couple of stroke victims who report similar to the circumstances with your Dad and they have managed to get back talking, conversing and to a ‘normal’ life.

I have been told that after my TBI (not stroke though), I couldnt converse, use a phone or recognise people. I was not getting good scores on my GCS assessments either.

But recover I did. The brain is one of the most complex “computers” known to man that has an ability to find work arounds to damaged areas. So whilst there can be changes, recovery back to life is possible. Hold onto that hope but give it time for the new normal to emerge.

Best

❤️

[Therehastobehope]

Hi Butterfly,

I was just wondering how your dad was getting on?

Lots of progress I hope x