My very dear friend had a massive stroke 9 weeks ago and has subsequently been diagnosed with MM.  (She is in her 50's.)  

She has virtually no speech and no movement on her right side.  Also, the surgeon indicated that surgery wouldn't even be considered for quite some time!  

Well, aside from daily insurance issues, rehab issues and communication issues, I guess I want to know if anyone else has had to deal with MM in their 50's; what is the prognosis for recovery and what are your thoughts on the surgeons idea of delayed surgery?  Perhaps a second opinion is in order here?  

Yes, all advice would be appreciated!  I've been following the threads for a couple of weeks and all of you seem supportive of each other.  For those of us trying to help, this is a great place for positive thoughts and prayers!  Please keep this very nice woman in your prayers as well.  

ruralgirl-

In my opinion, a second, third, fourth opinion is ALWAYS warrented....especially when you are dealing with a major disease/disorder.  You most definitely want to consult a MM specialist.  Where do you live?  There are a lot of doctors/surgeons listed on this board.

-Shari

I second what Shari said, and I do believe there are others in there 50's that have made it thru MM. Don't give up, We all know that the speech and movement loss from the stroke can be corrected.

She is in my prayers.

Rena

Hi,

Welcome to our mm family. I have to agree with Shari and Rena 100%!! From our experience, we have to advise you to please seek a second opinoin, because although my niece is younger (21), she had four strokes and it effected her speech and complete left side and we too were told surgery would not even be considered for a long time. Nancy, her mom, sought a second opinion from a mm specialist, Dr Steinberg at Stanford, who deals with this disease on a daily basis and we were told by him, she needed surgery immediately. For many, time is not on your side with this disease and unfortunately there is not a set of guidelines yet. There is information on this website to contact the best doctors in the country, where you can e-mail them for a second opinion.

As far as recovery from a stroke at age 50, I really couldn't say. I only know, it's amazing how far they can come back from a stroke in time. My niece was in a coma and couldn't walk or talk. She now walks and talks and is doing beautifully. I guess it depends how bad the damage was to the brain from the stroke and how quickly they can restore the proper blood and oxygen to the brain.  Again, that's why an expert is so important. We believe she's doing well for that very reason.

Your friend certainly will be in our thoughts and prayers. Please keep us posted.

God bless, Mar