The Brain Attack

On 23 Oct 2015 night at about 10pm, my sister and I sent my mum to the emergency department of TTSH after she had the following symptoms: 

• confused
• fatigue
• unable to balance
• high blood sugar (20 as tested by the GP when normal should be 4-8)

2-3 hours later, she was alright and asking if she can go home. Due to the inconsistency, she was admitted to the observation ward for further examinations. On 24 Oct 2015 morning, a physiotherapist came to see her but find that her walking was not good and slightly incoherent. She was then transferred to the general ward for further examinations. She was still well, mobile, eating and talking. On that evening, I called my mum and she was telling me that she was okay and going to rest. On 25 Oct 2015 morning, I tried to call my mum 5 times but she didn't pick up. The hospital called to say that my mum had swallowing problem as observed in the morning when she was having breakfast and asking permission to be insert tube for feeding of food and medication. I asked if this is the only way to feed her and the doctor said yes. I said okay. We went over to TTSH immediately but my mum still refuse to insert the tube. After much persuasion from 3 of us, she finally agreed in the afternoon. Slowly, she couldn't talk, her limbs got weak, couldn't get out of bed so had to use bedpan and went into sleeping mode. She did all the scans and tests and was then transferred to the another ward. 

On 26 Oct 2015, doctor found out that there were clots in her left brain - the same area as 3 years ago but it was more serious this time round which resulted in loss of speech, swallowing ability and mobility of right arm & leg. The healthcare professionals - doctors, nurses, therapists, dietitian, clinician etc - were on close monitoring for the next 1 week. They measured her blood pressure, oxygen level, blood sugar, pulse religiously and took her to do more x rays. She had fever due to UTI. She was on many drips and her hands were swollen. She was on air bed and her calves were wrapped with medical device to circulate the blood pressure. She also contacted MRSA bug which is common in hospital. She was given many many medication - antibiotics, aspirin, plavix, insulin, supplements (omega, glucosamine, calcium etc). It was a horrible week - waiting for her condition to stabilize and doctor telling me that she got a stroke due to high blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Every day was fearful and tearful for the 1st week. While still overwhelmed, the hosp called to educate on the situation and check on the discharge plan by the end of 1st week. All I could do was to research as much as possible and seek advice from friends to learn about what to expect so that I can plan within my limitations. Home was another situation with issues and differences in commitment, abilities and concerns. In the 2nd week, she was transferred to the sub acute ward of TTSH which was located in ren ci building. 

Now we are into the 3rd week. She is more alert, can smile, practise swallowing, move her left arm and leg. She will be moving into ren ci community hospital for post stroke rehab tomorrow. Hoping for the better.