Hi everyone. A little over two months ago, my mom had a brain aneurism rupture, followed by a stroke (2 days later). The doctors told my family, (just my dad and I) that it was a miracle she even made it too the hospital in time. The doctors then told us about the coiling procedure which was going to be performed that night. I’ll never forget one doctor telling us, “Ill be honest with you, it looks very grave.” My heart was broken as I sat next to my mom, all I remember is breaking down and praying to The Lord to please not to take my mother.
It took a little over 5 hours, but the coiling procedure went well. My mom was in a coma for about 30 days before she really started waking up and looking around. When she was in a coma, I would come in and sit with her all day, everyday, talking and praying, playing her favorite Elvis music. Some nurses said I should go home, that she won’t remember any of this if she wakes up, but I stayed anyways.
After she was stable, she was transferred to a long term acute care hospital, where she still is now. It’s been a little over a month and she is much more alert, tracking, trying to engage, and following some commands. (She responds much better to us than the doctors and nurses) They have just started with the speaking valve this week, which is going well. She hasn’t moved much, (she is very stiff) besides her hands and she is starting to move her arms more.
Overall I’m staying pretty strong and positive. Today I heard her voice for the first time in 2 months, and I cried. I get a little scared when I hear the occupational therapist say “well basically after 6 months is whatcha get, or how they are going to turnout”. I hated when the doctors told me (when she started to wake from the coma) “well she should be following some commands by now or moving more”. It was just so discouraging. But she is moving at her own pace and getting a little better everyday.
As you can probably tell, my mom was my best friend. She is so full of love, and she loved me and my daughter so much, we were each other’s worlds. I have a fear that, when she comes out of this, we won’t be as close as we once were, or that she won’t love my daughter and I the same. Sounds stupid but everyone keeps telling me “you know she will be a different person right? She won’t be the same as she was before.” I’ve read it many times too, and it worries me. I don’t know what they mean. I pray everyday that she will still love us the same, and we will have that relationship like before… Anyways I would love to hear how everyone feels about this. I feel so lost without her.