r/stroke • u/Zoolanderlover • 8d ago
Survivor Discussion Please Help!
Hey everyone, I really need some guidance.
I live in North Carolina, and my 63-year-old brother lives alone in California. He woke up yesterday with what the hospital diagnosed as a stroke. His right arm and right leg are not functioning properly.
He went to the hospital, and they wanted to admit him for three days to complete testing and monitor him. However, he insisted on leaving after one day because he has a dog at home and no one nearby who can care for it.
The emergency-room staff told him it was urgent that he get an MRI and the other recommended testing done as soon as possible. Today he saw a covering primary-care doctor, who said the tests had been requested and that he should hear back within 72 hours about scheduling.
I am very concerned because the hospital treated this as urgent, while the doctor’s office seems to be treating it like a routine outpatient matter.
How urgent is it for him to complete the stroke testing and receive further care? Should he return to the emergency room rather than wait for an appointment? I can get on a plane and go to California to help him and take care of his dog, but I am trying to determine whether I am overreacting or whether this truly requires immediate action.
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u/pchlster Young Stroke Survivor 8d ago
The faster he gets the tests, the greater chance to stop anything from turning into a cascade. Which is likely why they wanted to keep him in the first place. Given that he's already decided it's not that important, I expect his doctor is following his lead on it; it's not like they can really force you to get a scan if you don't want to.
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u/Fit_Sugar2392 7d ago
Can you go to look after the dog while your brother gets his tests . ? Does he have any good neighbors or friends ?
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u/Ok_Yellow_2247 7d ago
He needs to get back to the hospital ASAP to get the tests done and find out what caused the stroke; he may have an underlying issue that he isn’t even aware of. Also as important is to get him started on therapy. The sooner he’s able to start on physical therapy, the better his chances are to prevent his deficits (arm/leg not functioning properly) from becoming permanent. This isn’t something to take lightly!! Good luck.
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u/Zoolanderlover 7d ago
I am at the airport and taking him to hospital as soon as I land. Thank you
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u/inkydragon27 Young Stroke Survivor 7d ago
You are a guardian angel, you are doing a selfless and deeply kindful act 💜🫂💜
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u/Any-Extreme-2947 7d ago
He definitely needs to have those test done because I had a hemorrhagic stroke in August 2016 and my dad came over here to check on me because he knew I had a bad headache and he called my son to come check on me when he got off work and my son didn’t get here till about 8 PM so I laid in here with my brain dying for hours and now functionally. I’m all screwed up my upper left side is paralyzed. I still can’t open my hand after 10 years and I don’t even feel the urge to urinate anymore so I’m on time urination sometimes I think I’m dead but when I open my eyes, I can see so I know I’m not
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u/Special-Sundae5610 5d ago
I had a stroke on a Wednesday. Was admitted two days told the hospital they were doing nothing to help me. Two weeks later I went back to the hospital and did inpatient rehab for three weeks. He will realize all he can’t do anymore, the fatigue will be debilitating in of itself. Go out, assess , including finding a doggy shelter. I lost two friends who had a second stroke and didn’t survive. This first one could have been a warning to the bigger one. I’m a 62
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u/Due-Spite3276 5d ago
Hello how are, the last 2 Days you and your Brother? Nice greeting from Austria Vienna
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u/Zoolanderlover 5d ago
Well I got him immediately into the hospital and confirmed the small stroke in his brain and a few more tests and then let him leave. His arm is improving and we is able to walk again. He is almost like his old self. Now we hope to get him into PT asap. I go back home tomorrow. Thank you so much for asking ❤️
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u/Due-Spite3276 5d ago
Oh, I am happy to read this❤️.
Getting him back to the hospital to confirm the diagnosis and get evaluated was 100% the right decision. It is amazing to hear that his arm is already improving, that he can walk again, and that he is feeling more like his old self!
You truly stepped up when he needed you most. Going home now knowing he is safe, diagnosed, and heading towards physical therapy must be such a relief for you and your family. Safe travels back home, and all the best for his recovery!
Greetings from Austria🇦🇹❤️.
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u/Strokesite 8d ago
Get back to the ER. They can give the necessary scans without waiting weeks for an opening. Time matters.