My grandma is really ill

[salty mud]

She is. Yesterday she had a stroke and had to go to hospital. She is still there, and I think she will be for the next few days. This stroke has done some damage from what I see. For example, she can hardly speak. Half of her mouth has just give up, and her words are slurred, mumbled and incomprehensible. Looking at her, she looks OK but talk to her and you know she is ill. She has a lump on her neck which concerns me. I almost started crying when I seen her.

She is 86 though, which is a good age.

Any advice what to do or say to her?

P.S. I know personal threads are against the rules, but I really want to know and I know people here are intelligent enough to help and contribute.

 

[sysyphus]

I know losing my gran would be difficult too, no matter how old she gets.

What can I tell you though other than think about how you feel about her and what you want her to know?

My deepest symapthies.

 

[El_Machinae]

I'm sorry.
Sometimes the evidence of neurological damage clears up a bit after awhile. There are short-term symptoms and long-term symptoms, and sometimes the short-terms symptoms are worse.

Truely, my sympathies.

 

[AL_DA_GREAT]

tell her everything when gramp died all I could think about was what I didn't do. And not worring is something I recomend.

 

[Che Guava]

That can definitely be a difficult situation. It can be really hard to tell someone just how you feel when there's so much to say, and much of it beyond words.

My advice would be to talk to her about good times you've had in the past, memories you've shared with her.

 

[AL_DA_GREAT]

Tell her how much you like her.

 

[bhsup]

Simply be there and talk with her. I agree with Che, simply talk of shared times. let hew know how much you love her.

 

[BCLG100]

You dont have to do anything, just be with her if you want.

Do whatever you feel is right and whatever you think will happen.

My sympathies but people have pulled through from a stroke so think about the positives

 

[Ramius75]

Just spend some more time with her. Let her know a bit more about u too. Its part of nature process, so dont take it too hard on urself.

 

[Dann]

Just go and spend time with her. Talk to her about anything. Make the most of what precious time there is.

But don't worry too much. Today's medical technology is very advanced. She'll pull through.

 

[Tee Kay]

As long as you keep a positive attitude, everything will be fine.

 

[Chieftess]

I'm not sure what size your family is, but the important thing is for all of them to see her and interact with her, especially in the first 72 hours. My grandmother had a massive stroke (40% chance of living), but she pulled through. She has some memory loss of very small stuff, and some vision loss, plus her cheek twitches, too. Other than that, she's doing pretty good. The first month will be the major recovery period as swelling goes down. Depending on how strong she is, she may recovery quickly, like my grandmother did (6 weeks after a massive stroke! ), or 3 months, like my grandfather did - and his was a minor stroke after a heart attack.

 

[salty mud]

Thanks for your help everyone. I really appriciate it. I went to visit her today again and she is making good progress. Her speech is better and more understandable and she seems a lot more active. She should be out of the hospital by the weekend.

Thanks again.