Stroke caused by Artrial Fibrillation

[angiealf]

2 days ago an elderly relative (81) with AF had a stroke. All of left side is paralised. Is it possible that she will recover completely or do we have to prepare ourselves for the worse?

[RATTER15]

Some do some dont, prepare for the worst. at that age the prognosis isn't so good, she may recover to some degree but don't get your hopes up.

All the best, my thoughts are with you.

[angiealf]

Thanks RATTER.
I'll keep ABers informed if and when things improve.

[Sqad]

2 problems here.

1) What is the cause of her atrial fibrillation
2) Will she recover.

To answer 1) it is probably at that age coronary artery disease and that doesn't look too good if she is now fibrillating and the other cause is mitral valve disease. These need treating.

The results of the hemiplegia at 81 combined with heart disease is very limited.

This is a big deal.

[angiealf]

Hi sqad, She's got artificial heart valves because of the AF - fitted about 15 years ago (don't know what caused it). She's been on Aspirin to thin blood. The doctor said she couldn't have warfarin as the valves are not metal. We've been told that IF she recovers it won't be enough for her to be able to go home. Her hubby is finding it hard to accept. She's also on a feed tube in nose, if her condition stays the same she will be fitted with a permanent feed tube through belly. By the way - she's my mother in-law to be.

[Sqad]

Angie.......quite a handful to contemplate and it sounds as though it was a cerebral embolus that caused the stroke.

Good luck

[alexanderd]

Hi Angie, I was diagnosed with AF a few months back and spent some time in hospital(I am 70 by the way) The first thing they did was take me off the aspirin and put me on warfarin but that does not appear to be possible in your mol,s case. All I can say is I hope things work out. Best of luck
Alex

[angiealf]

Thanks all, The family are expecting the worse but also hope she pulls through. My fiance (her youngest) is the 1 that talks to the docs as his brother is a very quiet sort and doesn't understand medical stuff and their dad is almost deaf. He's keeping strong for his brother and dad, but inside I can tell he's suffering.