Physical Therapy Post AVM-Rupture

General
1

Hi. While my wife and I were having dinner last night, somehow we just ended up talking about our AVM experience. After going through all that we’ve gone through, we thought back to things we wish we had/hadn’t done.

One thing that we wish we would have done, and the reason why I’m posting this discussion, was to insist that our doctor put my wife through physical therapy or that we should’ve found physical therapy for my wife following her AVM-rupture.

Following her AVM rupture she’s had post-stroke like symptoms, weakness, less fluid like movements, less coordination on one side of the body. Back then, we’d always thought that with regular everyday activities that her body would re-adjust and that she would regain most of her abilities.

It’s been almost 3 years since her rupture, we have a baby now, and we still see things going on with that side of the body. During our dinner last night, she felt that the weakness on that one side makes life a little difficult when being with our daughter (i.e. little frustrations when holding her, changing her diaper, giving her a bath…etc.)

At the time that we’d asked whether or not physical therapy would be necessary (about 3 years ago) they said not to worry about it. They’d told us, and even her regular physician said, that “Oh, your case isn’t so serious. You can eat, breath, walk… have more or less a normal lifestyle. You won’t need physical therapy… your case is mild compared to others.” But, you know what? It does make a difference, at least in her life and and how it is when she interacts with our daughter.

So, just something you might want to consider if your case is similar to ours. Do the physical therapy if you can… My wife feels like it would’ve made a big difference in her life. Good luck and god bless. :slight_smile:

2

My situation was a little different, after my bleed I was put in a drug induced coma for some time before my surgery and then was pretty much incompacitated for a while after my surgery. I had lost all of my strength, couldn’t even lift my head. The physical therapists were in there with me before I even recognized what was happening to me, just moving my legs and arms. Once I was aware of what we going on, I was able to participate more. My point is that I really believe that I would not be where I am today physically if it had not been for the intense physical therapy I received. I also received occupational and speech therapy. It all made a huge difference in my recovery.

3

It’s amazing to me that your doctor gave this type of “advice”! Nea, too was able to eat, breath, walk but that’s a long way from being normal. We saw HUGE improvments due to her various therapies. She had physical, occupational and speech. She’s still seeing a physical therapist as she still has a lack of stamina and her right arm and leg have much less strength.

Would it be possible for your wife to start therapy now? Is there a timing issue where therapy is most affective immediately after, or is this more like regular exercise where one can always benefit?

At any rate, it was so generous of you to share your experience.

4

I work in Physical Therapy. My advice to anyone who suffers ANY sort of trauma that leaves ANY muscle weakness or pain is to pursue PT, and if your doctor doesn’t agree go for a second opinion. Period. PT can still be an option for your wife, even now. Recovery will take much longer than if you were to go immediately post-traumatic but it can still benefit her.