My father (aged 81) had quite a severe stroke last October. He was unconscious for two days and paralysed on one side for several more. He spent six weeks in a specialised stroke unit and several more in other wards/nursing homes etc.   He's spent the last six months at home in the flat and my mother (74) has been looking after him. He now walks with a Zimmer frame - up to 50 yards at a time and can get about the flat with care and some trepidation. She has some help daily, and for half a day once or twice a week which lets her go out. He got himself out of bed and made himself breakfast for the first time this week.

My grandmother (mother's mother), aged 96, had her second stroke last Friday. (The first was years ago - I'd forgotten all about it!) She was unconscious for a bit but they're now talking about sending her back to her nursing home as soon as she can swallow properly.

So, there is life after a stroke, even quite a severe one. The quality thereof might not be very good - or it might make virtually no difference. It partly depends on the patient's age. If it is severe the real load is probably on the carer(s) who will need breaks frequently.

Recurrence is always a possibility but lessened by the small dose (15mg) of aspirin that stroke patients are put on. This inhibits blood clotting.

It doesn't 'arf make you think.   I've never got on well with my dad but was quite shocked when I got the news. I packed my dark suit and headed for the hospital (200M away). And cried.

Within a few days I could see he was going to survive and make life a misery for my mother. (She doesn't view it like that - just gets on with it. In sickness & in health...)

So there you are. I hope that's of some help. I'd say PM me or 'phone, but I'm off sailing for a fortnight tomorrow! Back on the Cat when I get back.

All the best

Steve