OT: Update on my uncle

Hey guys.  First off, I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers.  Please keep them coming.  I told my aunt today that I had asked for prayers and she wanted me to let you know how much her and my uncle both really appreciate and thank you all.  You guys always come thru for me when I need you and that means more to me than I could ever say.

According to the doctors, my uncle has suffered a moderate to severe stroke.  At the time that we spoke with the doctor, they did not have the MRI results back that they did on him this morning so they don't know the full extent of the damage yet.  They said if it's moderate, he should regain all movement on his left side within a week or so.  If it's more severe, there is probably going to be permanent damage.  Only time will tell.  They are keeping him overnight tonight to run more tests on him and might possibly let him go home tomorrow.  I asked about transferring him to another facility and they said that depending on what the MRI results are, that may be a possibility.  They have started him on some drugs to try to help him regain some movement.  We will see how that goes.

I am really worried about my aunt.  She does not drive and is extremely dependent on my uncle for everything!!!  I went and picked her up this morning and stayed with her at the hospital all day. She has some health problems herself and I had to make sure that she ate when she was supposed to and took her medications on time. My wonderful son spent last night and will stay tonight with her so she doesn't have to be alone.  He asked if he could do this because he worries about her too.  He's such a good boy and I am so proud of him.  I will go pick her up again in the morning and probably spend the day at the hospital again until they release my uncle.  I am worn out but I did take some healthy snacks with me today so I was prepared for anything! Aren't y'all proud of me?

I'm sorry this is so long.  I didn't mean for it to be.  Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.  I love you all!!

Donna,  I hope your uncle does not have any lasting effects from his stroke.  Please continue to keep us posted...he is definitely in my thoughts! 

It's so good of you all to be taking such great care of your aunt.  How old is your son?  What a sweetheart he sounds like!  

Awesome job on taking some healthy snacks with you.  The key is planning ahead, is'nt it? 

{{{Hugs!!!}}} to you and yours!

Thanks Shauna.  I appreciate all the thoughts and hugs.

Brandon is 15 years old and he is so wonderful!!  I have tried hard to teach him to put other's needs in front of his own.  Now don't get me wrong ~~ he can be a typical teenager ~~ you know "Mom I want this and Mom why can't I have that?" but for the most part he is a good kid and I am very blessed. 

If he is still have functional deficits when he is ready to be discharged from the hospital. Inpatient rehab or rehab at a skilled nursing facility ought to be considered to help him regain his function.

Even if the MRI shows severe stroke he will get some benefit from occupational therapy and physical therapy.

Good for you for prepaing your self for the long day. What a way to end off the stressful eating.

You and your family wil be in my thoughts and prayers.

Belinda

Thanks Belinda.  I am sure they will have him do some therapy when this is all said and done.  He is left handed and that is the side that has been affected.  It's hard to watch him struggle just to eat with his right hand.  He's like a child just learning how to do stuff.  I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers.

Hi Donna,

I'm so sorry for your uncle's illness. I hope that his stroke is a more moderate sort and will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

I know how incredibly proud you must be of that wonderful young man you call SON. It's really great when they show the strength, love, and support you know is there when the chips are down. Congratulations on raising a wonderful person.

Please know that we are thinking of you,

Barb

Thanks Barb.  I really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers.  Maybe one day my life will settle down and be somewhat normal but in the meantime I won't hold my breath while waiting on that to happen!!!  I am proud of Brandon.  Even though some days he can drive me to the brink of insanity, I don't know what I would do without him!!

Donna, hopefully the MRI results will show moderate and movement will come back in time. If it is more severe, he should definitely have some PT/OT and it would be better if he could get it in Abingdon or Bristol... even Bluefield would be better. The only rehab there is Heratige Hall and Im not overly confident in them if you know what I mean.

If you take Wanda back up to the hosp, have her take her meds and some food with her.... You guys are great at helping out and Im glad you are close by. Is Sheila coming up or waiting to see what happens...

I am getting third hand info. Please ask Mary to call me.

 

K

Hey girl.  Hope you are doing well.  I asked the doctor yesterday about transferring him somewhere like Salem (Veteran's Hospital since that is basically where he has been going for other medical needs) or Roanoke as I hear they have a GREAT hospital and doctors up there and the doc said that they would probably do that once they have the results of all the tests back. He also said they would send him to see a neurologist too which I kind of figured they would do that.  I'm sure that he absolutely does not want anything to do with Heritage Hall and that is a good thing!!

I don't know if Sheila is coming u*****t.  I talked to her yesterday and told her all I knew about his situation. I think she is taking a sort of "wait and see" approach.

And Wanda is Wanda ~ you know what I mean!!  She isn't regular with her meds and I am trying to keep her on track as much as possible.  It's a loosing battle if you know what I mean!!  I talked to Mom last night and she is considering coming back from Arkansas to maybe stay with them for a while when Del gets out of the hospital to help them out and drive him to doctors appointments and stuff. 

I told Mary to holler at you and she said she would.  Y'all take care!!

Thanks... Im doing well... working and getting the girls ready for school.
Sounds like you have a good plan in mind.. now if the doc/Del will agree... all the better.

Let me know if/when he goes home and I wll call... Im never sure when to call in the hosp.. dont want to wake anyone.

Yes, Wanda is Wanda... God love her...

It would be nice if your mom could help out and is able to .... Ive been thinking bout her a lot lately...

Take care and write when you can.
K