Hi again, Andy!  This is a continuation of my previous message to you:

           First of all -- while this may sound rather facetious -- I feel
like saying "Thankyou for choosing Fidonet".  I agree that it's
probably a good idea to check the Internet for further information too. 
But one of the strengths of Fidonet is that it *is* a small network... so
when I see a message like yours I think "Whoa, that's from Andy.  I
know Andy!"  I realize there are other people in this echo who can
probably help & I trust they will.  However, my heart goes out to you
& I feel called upon to do whatever I can ASAP....  :-)



AB>  The stroke took away use of her right arm and leg and
AB>  also took away her speech.


           Okay.  My aunt had essentially the same problem... and so did
one of our daughter's room mates in rehab.  Both of them were unable to
speak at first but were able to comprehend what others were saying.  You
may find it necessary to explain to others that your daughter is able to
understand, for two reasons. One is that there are variations between
individuals depending on the extent of the brain damage.  The other is that
people tend to assume lack of speech means lack of comprehension.  (You may
have some experience with the latter already.)



AB>  When her neurologist mentioned that "speech centres" were
AB>  effected, I asked whether that meant just speech or language
AB>  in general.  "Ah no," he said, "signing will be
impacted too".


           I guess sign language uses some of the same parts of the brain,
i.e. where a person has been taught to equate signs with words.  My aunt
was able to use gestures of her own invention, however, within a few days
after her stroke. She indicated to my mother that she needed deodorant by
imitating the motions a person might use to apply it & she indicated to
me that she was concerned about a bill which was due very soon by pointing
to the date on a magazine.  It seems to me that a lot of sign language is
based on natural gestures as well....  :-)



AB>  Even if it were not, it would be difficult with one arm
AB>  out of action and the other featuring an I.V. line.


           I imagine so.  Eventually she will be rid of the I.V., however. 
And our daughter is able to sign quite a bit with one hand....  :-)



AB>  I should be reading on-line about the brain, how it works
AB>  and what the implications are when it isn't able to.


           Later.  Some things will probably improve within a few days or weeks
... at which point you can read more selectively.  Right now I think it is
very important that you & your wife be there for your daughter *and*
for each other.



AB>  Only time and a small flotilla of therapists will tell
AB>  how much function she'll regain.


           Exactly.  She's young... so I'm sure she will regain a lot with
time & effort & a small flotilla of therapists.  Our daughter has,
at any rate.  :-)



AB>  It must be a frightening, confusing and frustrating
AB>  experience to suffer a stroke.


           To a small child it probably seems that way.  From what I
understand a stroke itself involves little or no pain at first... but what
tends to happen is that there's some miscommunication between the brain
& the nerves and/or the affected limbs are hypersensitive.  My father
& my daughter both had strokes on the opposite side of the brain from
what your daughter had.  Both reported that the affected limbs often felt
cold & they experienced the sensation as painful. Then, as you say,
there's all the poking & prodding & whatnot... (sigh).



AB>  She is able to smile though and we even got her to laugh
AB>  a few times.  It strikes me there's a powerful lesson there.


           Yes.  Young children don't worry about what might happen
tomorrow... they take things as they come.  As long as Mom & Dad are
there, it's okay.

           Hope this has been of some help!  Take care & keep in touch....  :-)




--- timEd/386 1.10.y2k+