Pain on the paralyzed left side after a stroke???

Question

My cousin had a stroke about 4 months ago and lost the ability to move her entire left side.

Before the stroke she was definitely on some drugs & as a matter of fact had the stroke after inhaling something she thought was cocaine (i know, what an idiot, i could just smack her).

Now she constantly complains of pain on different parts of her paralyzed side. The doctor's eventually give in & give her some pretty strong narcotic pain killer pills & patches.

My question is... Would she actually be able to feel pain on her paralyzed side.. or is she possibly just whining for pain killers to replace the drugs she was on before???

Answer 1

no pain in paralysed limb ,

Answer 2

Depending on how severe the paralysis is she could still feel some pain which means that the nerves could be trying to heal themselves.  I would recommend checking with her neurologist as well to see what they say.

Answer 3

I can tell you her pain is real and she is not just whining. i would be upset if my cousin or family thought that about me. Infact, i am sure my family feels that way.  nerve pain is so misunderstood.  I had a back surgery and ended up with paralysis from the waist down and i most definitely do feel pain. In fact this pain is worse then the pain prior.  Fentanyl is strong, but if she is only on 25mcg then it isnt that much.

I think your job is to get behind her now and see if you can encourage her to walk. They can make orthotics for her legs and she can use a walker or a cane, but get her trying.  The best would be for her to be lifted into the pool with a hoyer lift and for her to swim!

I on the other hand, wanted to walk, I had to walk. because our house does not accomodate wheelchairs. I was in rehab for a month. This took time but after 5 yrs, i was walking with a cane. I was allowed to drive because I had hand controls installed. She can have all that.

with encouragement.  The pain patch is very necessary. and it may even come to a point that her pain is not controlled and a Spinal stimulator will hopefully be recommended if she does have pain.

Please be a good cousin and stand behind her-irregardless of her past.

Good luck to you both.

want some support, buzz me i can try and help you understand. Ok  =)