My dad just had a stroke? Advice?

[dr]

I know I shouldn't be getting medical advice from OT but I hope some people can help share related experiences.

I got a phone call earlier that my dad's in the hospital with an unknown and sudden illness involving headaches and vomiting. I didn't think of it as much.

Later in the day, my dad's friend who's with him in the hospital calls me over the phone to go through his bag at home to find his medication so he could report it to his doctor. I find a single blister pack without packaging which read "Coversyl 8mg". His friend informs me that my dad has been taking medication that wasn't prescribed for his use and although he hasn't been taking it for a week, the side effects probably induced a stroke that he had earlier in the day. He then tells me that my dad's staying overnight at the hospital because he has a low pulse but a very high blood pressure which won't decline so he's really uncomfortable.

I'm really shocked about this since he's only 50 years of age and isn't overweight. I'm about to find a taxi to go visit him but just wanted to see what I can do to help him recover after he gets a little better. Thanks in advance.

[Poulet]

As for tips...

Maybe help him around the house? Inside & outside.

[jaysfan4life]

The best thing for high Bp is drinking water...

[Tornado F2]

Sorry to hear that. Get over there quick. Hope he gets better soon.

[Syne]

If he's in the hospital that's the best place for him. Did the doctors confirm a stroke? If so, they will make sure his blood pressure and viscosity are normal and as long as his cognitive function is fine, I see no reason why he shouldn't stabilize under the medical care of doctors.

[vlado416]

Two most important things to do is to get oxygen and fresh air. You need to open all the windows or put him out. Second thing to do is
to give him a cold shower maybe on the whole body but on the head is a must. The cold water increases oxygen content of the blood
and lowers the demand for oxygen. Apply ice packs on the head as well.

[xlc_88]

How come YOUR friend is telling you that your dad has been taking Coversyl for a while now? Shouldn't YOU personally know?

You should show the drug to ER staff. Coversyl is used to treat high blood pressure so I don't really think the drug would induce a heart attack. Your dad may not be overweight but does he smoke? Does he eat healthy? Does he eat a lot of meat and salty food?

I don't think you should ask for anyone's advice on RFD. Go to the hospital ASAP.

[kasianman]

To the OP, please don't take medical advice from this forum.
Best thing for you to do is go to the hospital and listen to what the doctors and nurses have to say and ask questions to the trained health care professionals.

[CSK'sMom]

How come YOUR friend is telling you that your dad has been taking Coversyl for a while now? Shouldn't YOU personally know?

You should show the drug to ER staff. Coversyl is used to treat high blood pressure so I don't really think the drug would induce a heart attack. Your dad may not be overweight but does he smoke? Does he healthy? Does he eat a lot of meat and salty food?

I don't think you should ask for anyone's advice on RFD. Go to the hospital ASAP.

+1. I could see Viagara or someone elses testosterone gel with a 50 yr old man, but high blood pressure meds don't really make sense but then neither does the story about it causing a stroke. Low blood pressure yep, but not a stroke...

Go to the hospital immediately and talk to the doctors yourself, with all the meds you can find.

[vlado416]

To the OP, please don't take medical advice from this forum.
Best thing for you to do is go to the hospital and listen to what the doctors and nurses have to say and ask questions to the trained health care professionals.

I would generally agree with you except that my own experience taught me that "health care" people are something to be used as an absolute last resort if not avoided entirelly for so many reasons. Hence it's imperative to learn and teach yourself on the basics of real health. "Health care" operates only on the illness and we can't blame them , that's their career.

[mrperfect]

That being said, if you are really serious then I can only tell you this! Please refrain from taking any medical advice on the internet.
I bet anybody on the internet is qualified enough to remotely diagnose your father and offer advice, there is a reason hospitals exist and when we are blessed enough to have a good medical system, we should make use of it instead of relying on internet advice.

All the best to you and your Dad, hope everything works out. Wish him a speedy recovery.

[kasianman]

I would generally agree with you except that my own experience taught me that "health care" people are something to be used as an absolute last resort if not avoided entirelly for so many reasons. Hence it's imperative to learn and teach yourself on the basics of real health. "Health care" operates only on the illness and we can't blame them , that's their career.

Oh really? We saved lives of many people who had cardiac and stroke issues.
You think us medical professionals don't know the basics of real health?

Two most important things to do is to get oxygen and fresh air. You need to open all the windows or put him out. Second thing to do is
to give him a cold shower maybe on the whole body but on the head is a must. The cold water increases oxygen content of the blood
and lowers the demand for oxygen. Apply ice packs on the head as well.

No, cold water doesn't increase oxygen content of the blood. When your body becomes cold, your blood vessels end up with vasoconstriction. This is very dangerous for someone who has ischemic stroke.
Please teach us more about the basics of "real" health.

[yao416]

Damn man. Has it been confirmed it was a stroke?
Strokes are serious business man

Find a taxi and go see him!.

Best of all to your family

[AcidBomber]

Closed by request. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!