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Hi my mother is in locked in situation after suffering from 3rd stroke. She is paralyzed, can not speak, she can only open her eyes randomly. We feed her using nasogastric tube. It has been almost 60 days since suffering from 3rd stroke. She is 84 years old.

For the last two days, she started around ,5 to 6 times per day, making her right hand so stiff. We can not bend that hand only, can not bend her wrist, can not bend any of her fingers. I usually do that to massage her hand.

Why her right hand is doing that? What does that tell you?

Thank you so much.

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What you are feeling is probably spasticity and/or rigidity due to the brain injuries, which can take some time to develop. If it is hurting her, or preventing good hygiene, injections or medication can be tried. A G-tube might be more comfortable and medically a little better for her than chronic use of an NGT tube. And, though I don't want to be overly pessimistic, but a hospice program could be involved and could help with various comfort measures. That would be especially true if the doctors tell you they can't do anything to prevent further strokes. So sorry you are facing this with your mom!
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Lastnn30, her muscles are contracting, this is an end sign. It is painful, do you have anything to relax the muscles? Warm water with epsom salt applied with a cloth? Menthol salve? Urine will be getting darker and darker until it is like coffee color. Please ask the pharmacist if he has something to recommend.
Please play her favorite music, soft and low, and sing for her.
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Patrice, Lastnn30 is not in the US, so no Medicare. He is in the Middle East.
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Thank you both. It's sad to hear that. I will do my best to reduce her pain. I will use the idea of warm water with cloth. Is there anything can be used instead of Epsom salt? Thanks once again.
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If your doctor says mom is ready for hospice, I encourage you to take advantage of their services. It is all covered by medicare. They will be able to provide you with pain medications and many suggestions to keep your mom as comfortable as possible. Sometimes it is hard for us to figure out if your loved one is in pain if they are not verbal.
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My bad, sorry about that 😱
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Epsom salt has some magnesium and will tend to relax muscles more than just warm soaks, but even plain water may help a little. Do you have the option to get any medications, like baclofen or diazepam?
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