Has anyone seen a drastic physical improvement post-multiple strokes & TIAs?

Yes the hyperbaric clinic here charges $70 for 2 hours. Anyone who can't afford it gets it for free. He says he basically makes money from selling machines to individuals

Dear Sherry, My gynecologist took her aged aunt hyperbaric oxygen treatments post-stroke and it basically cured her aunt.

I would like my husband to go. We live in So. Cal. where there are lots of choices. The FDA has approved hyperbaric oxygen treatment for only ten conditions, e.g., Caissons disease, severe diabetic foot wounds, etc. Costs range from more than $2K a visit at UCLA, $1200-1500 at posh places. I found a place in town that is less than $100 a visit and discounts go with multiple treatments. Michael Jackson wasn't crazy. A lot of wealthy people buy the machines to have at home. I'd like to try it myself.

Canyon727: The brain is an amazing organ, capable of creating new pathways where others have been destroyed. Exercise is the best medicine for body and brain. Sounds like you're doing a great job. Brava!

Hi, It sounds promising - I am starting my mother on hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This is an off label use for HBOT, but I have an associate who owns one of the most progressive HBOT clinics in the US and he is using it. Mother regularly has her ups and downs, hopefully this will put her in the upswing. I'll keep everyone posted. She was working in our garden as late as last summer. This year she is unable to walk up to the garden. (104 yo in July)

Oh Canyon good for you hun - Standing tall and making the difference - well done you xxxx Long may it continue

Wow, Canyon. You are now just witnessing the miracle--- YOU ARE THE MIRACLE! blou

Thank you all for the advice and compliments. We are having PT/OT out this week. I hadn't mentioned that my Mom loves my toy poodle. He loves to play fetch with her. We also have awesome caregivers that stimulate her, as well. Bless you all

Canyon, Congrats to you and your mom. Yes, the brain is an amazing instrument. True story: A man had a terrible stroke. One of his sons was a dr. and one was an engineer. The engineer son "made" his dad go through the stages of infancy: creeping, crawling, talking, touching--all the things one must do to train the brain. After sometime, Dad was amazingly able to go back to work and did so for another 10 years. Upon his death, the coroner asked the sons to come see the autopsy results on dad's brain. It was basically empty, but had developed new connections to re-establish the dad's personality and functioning. Exercise is the best thing anyone can do for brain health. Better than puzzles, et al. If you can get OT/PT, etc. in for your mom, all the better. Getting more people into your home or your home out for senior activities "brightens the corner where you are," to borrow from the old song. Hyperbaric oxygen tank treatments may be helpful. It isn't FDA approved for stroke and there are no long-term clinical studies on its efficacy, but I've heard it really helps. It gets lots of oxygen going. Shop around for the best price. Pets can help, too. You sound like a terrific family. All the best. Pat

Great job, ask her doc for a physical therapy consult, pt could help her gain some strength for walking and caring for herself. Good nutrition is so important in healing and there is a lot to be said for probiotics. Keep up the good work. She is fortunate to have your love and support.

Canyon, it sounds like she is pulling out of her mourning depression. You can take all the credit for bringing her back. God Bless.

My mother, 103 yo has some major set-backs and seems to bounce back. At one point, I thought she would have to be institutionalized, but right now, she feeds herself, bathes herself and carries on conversations and walks to the kitchen to eat by herself.

Yes!! Definitely get her some PT, OT, ST. My mom had a major stroke (her 3rd + many TIAs) and laid on the floor for 12 hours before she was discovered in her home. Upon hospital admittance, a feeding tube was put in because she couldn't swallow. After a week of no movement other than her eyes, and no speech, the doctor said she would be like that for the rest of her life....no hope. I refused to give up on her and requested PT. The doctor resisted, but after I started my own PT and ST for her, doc ordered PT. Within a week, PT had her sitting in a chair and taking steps on her own and she began to say "i...i...i..i..i" Doctor still wasn't sold and was going to send her to a nursing home....I fought even more. Finally, Mom was moved to another hospital for 5 more weeks of INTENSE therapy. Before she left there, she was able to communicate basic needs, was feeding herself, and was walking without assistance. She went to a SNF (skilled nursing facility) where she completed 3 more months of therapy. A year & a half later, she is able to make her own coffee, make phone calls (yes, DIAL the numbers), walk to the dining room and tends to her own toilet & bathing. She even picked up some of her crafts again. She's not back to 100% and will never be able to live on her own again BUT SHE'S ***NOT*** A VEGETABLE!!! yes, yes, yes.....get your momma some help!

Canyon-GREAT JOB! My mom as had several strokes and TIA's as well at one point or 2 they said she would die......with PT , ST and OT she does amazing was walking over 250' with walker from bed bound.....keep up the good work and get her as much exercise as possible and keep it up. My mom does well in rehab with intensive therapy but slacks off once back at ALF they don't make her excerise...so now I go 3 times a week to make sure it is done!
LOVE to hear sucessful stories like yours so many sad ones!Go girl!!!!

Hi Canyon! I have to echo what MarciC said in that it sounds like you are doing a great job with your mom! In answer to your question, all I can say is that there is always a chance of physical recovery from a stroke or TIA, and it sounds as if your mom is already experiencing some spontaneous recovery. Having said that, as an Occupational Therapy Assistant I also know that whenever there is any change in a person's condition, whether it be for the worse or the better, she can get PT and/or OT. So I would suggest that you ask her doctor to order a PT and OT evaluation. Best of luck, and keep up the good work with your mom! Sounds like the changes you have made in her diet are also helping!

Good job, Canyon! Yes, ask her doctor for ot and pt to examine her and institute some therapy. If her memory is poor, it may be difficult for her to do exercises, but you should certainly see if it helps.

Well done!! You are doing a remarkable job. Sounds like your intervention of care and companionship is exactly what she needed. I don't know the answer to your question but as a caregiver to my mom; just had to encourage you! This type of recovery is nothing short of a miracle!