Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
-------------------------------------
Today I got to the hospital and ran into Larry's physiotherapist. She told me that Larry has some movement in his left hip! OMG!
From just his toe to his hip in less than 3 days? *keep calm* I'm quite happy with how he's doing!
I also thought it was Thursday all day. lol made for an interesting time, that's for sure.
Larry also spent some time sitting up in a wheelchair. It tired him right out and he had a good snooze. :)
Once he woke up, his brother Mike brought him a Slurpee. He looked at it, smiled huge, and then took a spoonful. "Hello old friend" he said. I laughed for a while with that one!
in the evening, a gentleman walked into the room. He said he was the neurologist and was now a good time? Since the supper plate was screaming hot, we said sure. He did a neurological exam, and had Larry draw a flower, a home and a clock. We noticed that some of the left side of the flower was missing from the drawing, which was not unexpected. It can happen when it's a large stroke, which Larry had.
He also had Larry do the "follow my finger" routine, and for the first time Larry looked all the way to the left! :D When he was done, I asked if Larry was doing "okay". The doctor looked at me, and said "in my experience...better than okay". Best news I've heard all week!
Went home and was just relaxing when the phone rang.
It was my father! I said "hello there" and the first thing he said to me was "why am I hearing about my son-in-law having a stroke second hand? and almost a week later?". Ooops. I had asked my sister to tell him, but I guess she forgot... until today! We had a good chat, and he told me that he's probably going to need a knee replacement. Well, since he tore the ligaments in it over 30 years ago - I'm not surprised.
Today was a good day. :)
Friday, January 31, 2014
Tuesday January 28, 2014
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
-------------------------------------
Today I realized that I had a bunch of veggies in the fridge that needed to be used. I got the smart idea to toss them all in the crock pot with some broth and see what we ended up with in the evening.
Good idea... bad execution. Luckily, K was home in time to prevent it from burning. Don't ask me how I could manage to burn a dish in the slow cooker, but I almost did. The soup turned out pretty good though :)
Larry requested his slippers, just in case he got up from bed. I love his optimism! :D
When I got there, L was there and showed me the "care package" that had come from McNally. There was a lovely bowl, a stuffed bear in Jets gear, a "jets fan cave" sign, some magazines, a rubiks cube and a card signed by everyone there. Larry was thrilled!
Larry can move his left foot today!
The lovely speech/swallow lady came to see Larry today. She tried him on thinner juice, water and then toast. He had no trouble with the water, but the toast just tired him out. She decided that he can have regular fluids, and slightly coarser food - but couldn't be on regular food. Larry laughed and said "chunky cat food now". He's such a funny guy. He also asked if he could have a Slurpee. She said yes, but no straws!
Later in the day Larry's boss D and his twin brother P came to visit. It was so nice to see! D said that Larry's job is safe until he says he no longer wants it. They also advised me that they'd told the insurance company that the paperwork is coming for Larry's claim.
Everyone has been so wonderful asking me if I need anything, and if I need any help. Right now I don't, but I won't be shy asking when I do need help!
I also called a friend in Calgary today, Kim. She and her husband have gone through a lot of stuff too, so it was good to talk to someone who understood. She had a lot of suggestions, and said that if I needed to, I could call any time.
I'm feeling a bit more confident today that Larry will be okay, and will actually come home.
I also watched kittens being born tonight. I had never seen it before, and it was one of the most awesome things I've ever seen!
-------------------------------------
Today I realized that I had a bunch of veggies in the fridge that needed to be used. I got the smart idea to toss them all in the crock pot with some broth and see what we ended up with in the evening.
Good idea... bad execution. Luckily, K was home in time to prevent it from burning. Don't ask me how I could manage to burn a dish in the slow cooker, but I almost did. The soup turned out pretty good though :)
Larry requested his slippers, just in case he got up from bed. I love his optimism! :D
When I got there, L was there and showed me the "care package" that had come from McNally. There was a lovely bowl, a stuffed bear in Jets gear, a "jets fan cave" sign, some magazines, a rubiks cube and a card signed by everyone there. Larry was thrilled!
The lovely speech/swallow lady came to see Larry today. She tried him on thinner juice, water and then toast. He had no trouble with the water, but the toast just tired him out. She decided that he can have regular fluids, and slightly coarser food - but couldn't be on regular food. Larry laughed and said "chunky cat food now". He's such a funny guy. He also asked if he could have a Slurpee. She said yes, but no straws!
Later in the day Larry's boss D and his twin brother P came to visit. It was so nice to see! D said that Larry's job is safe until he says he no longer wants it. They also advised me that they'd told the insurance company that the paperwork is coming for Larry's claim.
Everyone has been so wonderful asking me if I need anything, and if I need any help. Right now I don't, but I won't be shy asking when I do need help!
I also called a friend in Calgary today, Kim. She and her husband have gone through a lot of stuff too, so it was good to talk to someone who understood. She had a lot of suggestions, and said that if I needed to, I could call any time.
I'm feeling a bit more confident today that Larry will be okay, and will actually come home.
I also watched kittens being born tonight. I had never seen it before, and it was one of the most awesome things I've ever seen!
Monday January 27, 2014
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
--------------------------------------
Today I started a blog called "Larry's Journey - a Stroke Survivor's Story"
I just couldn't bear the thought of repeating every update to everyone one at a time, so here it is. I started with the day of the stroke, and am working my way forward. It will be a slow process, but I'm hoping to get caught up before the Super Bowl.
There isn't much going on today - Larry really wants to have proper fluids, but he can't until he sees the speech therapist, which won't be until tomorrow. They've allowed him ice chips, which help...but it's not as satisfying as a glass of water!
The physiotherapist came today, and started moving Larry's left side. He has some feeling in his hand and calf today! YAY!
I couldn't find the magazine he was looking for, so Mike asked D to bring it.
I went to the grocery store today to pick up a few things and they had T-Bone steaks on cheap. I decided "what the hell" and got two. They turned out great! I did feel a bit guilty because Larry was still on puree - but I realized that I have to take care of me, and if a steak would help...I'm having it.
I also dropped off the paperwork for his doctor to fill out for the insurance company.
The posts from now on will be a lot shorter, because there's not a whole lot going on :P
--------------------------------------
Today I started a blog called "Larry's Journey - a Stroke Survivor's Story"
I just couldn't bear the thought of repeating every update to everyone one at a time, so here it is. I started with the day of the stroke, and am working my way forward. It will be a slow process, but I'm hoping to get caught up before the Super Bowl.
There isn't much going on today - Larry really wants to have proper fluids, but he can't until he sees the speech therapist, which won't be until tomorrow. They've allowed him ice chips, which help...but it's not as satisfying as a glass of water!
The physiotherapist came today, and started moving Larry's left side. He has some feeling in his hand and calf today! YAY!
I couldn't find the magazine he was looking for, so Mike asked D to bring it.
I went to the grocery store today to pick up a few things and they had T-Bone steaks on cheap. I decided "what the hell" and got two. They turned out great! I did feel a bit guilty because Larry was still on puree - but I realized that I have to take care of me, and if a steak would help...I'm having it.
I also dropped off the paperwork for his doctor to fill out for the insurance company.
The posts from now on will be a lot shorter, because there's not a whole lot going on :P
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Sunday Jan 26, 2014
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
--------------------------------------
Today, I upgraded Larry's phone. Why? Because he was trying to text yesterday and couldn't see the keyboard on his old one.
So, I went and got him a Samsung S4. It's bigger than his old one, and he should be able to text with it. To be honest, I'm doing it because I want him to have a new phone... this is just an excuse! :D
I was later getting to the hospital today, but that's okay. His dad was there for a while, and Larry needed a nap anyway. K is actually making dinner tonight, and Larry says it's only fair that it should be pureed. He's really not liking the "mush" but is eating some of it anyway. Keeping up his strength. I was also informed that chocolate pudding is never allowed in the house again! I guess they've been giving him his meds with it... so it's pretty awful!
Larry had some feeling on the left side, and was able to slightly move his big toe. This is the side affected by the stroke - so this is a good thing!
I also realized that I'm a bit of a mother hen. Larry's room mate is an older woman, and hard of hearing. Her family is with her all the time, and they DON'T SHUT UP! Yap yap yap yap. They kept waking Larry up, and he needed his sleep!
It was another pretty quiet day today, since it was Sunday. I showed Larry his new phone, but it wasn't quite ready to go so I took it home with me. The Chicago Blackhawks and the Jets were playing. When I left, Chicago was up 1-0.
I didn't turn the game on at home until it was almost over, but the score was 3-1 Jets! WOW! and woohoo! :D
(yes, i realize the tenses are all messed up...but I don't really care... :P)
--------------------------------------
Today, I upgraded Larry's phone. Why? Because he was trying to text yesterday and couldn't see the keyboard on his old one.
So, I went and got him a Samsung S4. It's bigger than his old one, and he should be able to text with it. To be honest, I'm doing it because I want him to have a new phone... this is just an excuse! :D
I was later getting to the hospital today, but that's okay. His dad was there for a while, and Larry needed a nap anyway. K is actually making dinner tonight, and Larry says it's only fair that it should be pureed. He's really not liking the "mush" but is eating some of it anyway. Keeping up his strength. I was also informed that chocolate pudding is never allowed in the house again! I guess they've been giving him his meds with it... so it's pretty awful!
Larry had some feeling on the left side, and was able to slightly move his big toe. This is the side affected by the stroke - so this is a good thing!
I also realized that I'm a bit of a mother hen. Larry's room mate is an older woman, and hard of hearing. Her family is with her all the time, and they DON'T SHUT UP! Yap yap yap yap. They kept waking Larry up, and he needed his sleep!
It was another pretty quiet day today, since it was Sunday. I showed Larry his new phone, but it wasn't quite ready to go so I took it home with me. The Chicago Blackhawks and the Jets were playing. When I left, Chicago was up 1-0.
I didn't turn the game on at home until it was almost over, but the score was 3-1 Jets! WOW! and woohoo! :D
(yes, i realize the tenses are all messed up...but I don't really care... :P)
Jan 25, 2014... now what?
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
----------------------------------------
I was woken up this morning by a text from Mike asking me how I was. I was a bit bleary eyed, but felt better after the meltdown and some sleep.
I had a long hot shower and some coffee. I also found the items that Larry had requested - his radio, batteries and headphones so he could listen to the Jets vs Leafs game that evening. Yes, not even 48 hours after a stroke... listening to the game.
There wasn't much going on today in the hospital - just adjusting meds and resting for Larry. My chair that day sounded a bit like the T.A.R.D.I.S. and I made a point of texting my son that. I was trying for a bit of normalcy.... in a crazy world.
Mike texted me and asked what size jersey Larry wears. K checked and we advised. All I knew was Mike was getting a football jersey for the Super Bowl for Larry.
Mike and his wife visited in the afternoon, and Larry had me have K bring a few things when he came to pick me up that evening. His own pillow seemed to help Larry a lot.
Listening to the game tonight, Larry showed emotion other than "smart assery" which is a big step! One of the rookies scored, and Larry teared up a bit. I was quite happy to see that, because it meant the "detachment" was fading.
I felt a lot better heading home tonight...probably because Larry was looking better and wasn't declining.
However, I still had a bit of a melt down... and thankfully HRB and Kathy (evil one) were there to talk me down. :)
----------------------------------------
I was woken up this morning by a text from Mike asking me how I was. I was a bit bleary eyed, but felt better after the meltdown and some sleep.
I had a long hot shower and some coffee. I also found the items that Larry had requested - his radio, batteries and headphones so he could listen to the Jets vs Leafs game that evening. Yes, not even 48 hours after a stroke... listening to the game.
There wasn't much going on today in the hospital - just adjusting meds and resting for Larry. My chair that day sounded a bit like the T.A.R.D.I.S. and I made a point of texting my son that. I was trying for a bit of normalcy.... in a crazy world.
Mike texted me and asked what size jersey Larry wears. K checked and we advised. All I knew was Mike was getting a football jersey for the Super Bowl for Larry.
Mike and his wife visited in the afternoon, and Larry had me have K bring a few things when he came to pick me up that evening. His own pillow seemed to help Larry a lot.
Listening to the game tonight, Larry showed emotion other than "smart assery" which is a big step! One of the rookies scored, and Larry teared up a bit. I was quite happy to see that, because it meant the "detachment" was fading.
I felt a lot better heading home tonight...probably because Larry was looking better and wasn't declining.
However, I still had a bit of a melt down... and thankfully HRB and Kathy (evil one) were there to talk me down. :)
The day after the scariest day of my life... Jan 24, 2014
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
I've been given permission to use names instead of initials for some people, so that's why the changes.
---------------------------------
I don't know how, but I actually managed to get a bit of sleep in the Emergency ward. We had a "private" room, which was a surprise. It had a plug in for my phone charger, which allowed me to have a conversation with "evil one". She helped keep me sane during the long night in Emergency.
Larry had a bit of trouble with the catheter, and kept asking me if he had one, why did it still feel like he had to pee? The only answer I could come up with was that it was irritating his bladder. I wasn't far off, I found out later. Some folks have bladder spasms. OUCH!
He also kept asking me why we had a human arm in the living room. That one took me aback, until I realized that he was talking about his own arm...he was a bit detached at that point.
Every time he stopped snoring, I woke up to check on him. I was afraid that his brain would swell from the stroke, and he'd go down hill. He also told me to make sure I called his boss to let him know what had happened. yes, on the day of the stroke... "call my boss and let him know." Wow.
In the morning, a lovely doctor with a Scottish accent came in, and we had a chat. She checked him over, and said that we could be "cautiously optimistic". She also told me that this was NOT my fault, and I couldn't have changed it. Here I thought I'd been pretty strong, but she saw right through that!
Larry again reminded me to call his boss, so I did. I had to leave a message.
Mike and L arrived about 10:30 or so, and Larry's boss called at that time. He asked me "Hey, Tracee ..how are you doing?" I managed to say "I've been better...." and then couldn't continue. I handed the phone to Mike and grabbed tissues. Poor D - I feel for him! Mike let D know what had happened, and got all the contact information straightened out.
After that, Mike zipped me home to have a shower and grab some lunch, and back I went.
The nurses assured me that he'd be admitted, but someone had to "either be discharged or die". Ghoulish...but I'm glad they were blunt with me. Tell it to me straight, please...don't beat around the bush!
After a bit of time, we were advised that he had a bed upstairs, and they'd be transferring him soon. I kept my BIL M advised of all this, and asked him to let L know. While we were waiting, I again ran my finger up the sole of Larry's left foot. *gasp* his leg moved! While I didn't want to get too excited, I knew this was a good sign. "cautiously optimistic" was the phrase I'd use for the next few days...
I advised a few friends of ours of what happened, and had them pass the news on. I just didn't have the strength to do it at the time.
While waiting for Larry's room to be ready, a lovely lady came in to see how he was doing with his speech/swallowing. She tried him on some thickened juice that he had no trouble with. She also told me that she was quite happy with how clear his speech was. He was approved for thickened liquids and pureed foods (cat food Larry called it). He needed help to eat today, but did try to do it on his own.
A few porters came and got Larry ready to move up to his room. They told me what the number was, and I followed at a slower pace. I also let Mike and K know where to find Larry.
It was a fairly quiet day, and then came the end of visiting hours. I knew I had to go home and get some sleep.... but I also knew that the last time I'd left Larry alone...he'd had the stroke. I had a nurse ask me if I was okay and I said "no. I know I have to go, but .." and started sobbing. She was so wonderful... she assured me that they'd keep a close eye on him, and that I could call the ward at any time - even 3am!
I managed to go home and grab something to eat. Then Mike texted me and asked me how I was doing. I wasn't doing well, and I told him so. I was in the process of having a meltdown....and told him so. I knew it was the post traumatic stress of the past 28 hours, but I also knew I didn't want to stop it. It was the release I knew I needed (no gutter minds!)
Mike called me and let me cry, shout and freak out. He was the best brother (in law) I could ever hope for! Having family to lean on in this has been .... wonderful. I finally calmed down enough that I thought I could sleep, and off to bed I went.
Again, during all of this... "evil one" was there, letting me vent/whine/cry. She kept her phone on all night, just in case I sent her a message.
I've been given permission to use names instead of initials for some people, so that's why the changes.
---------------------------------
I don't know how, but I actually managed to get a bit of sleep in the Emergency ward. We had a "private" room, which was a surprise. It had a plug in for my phone charger, which allowed me to have a conversation with "evil one". She helped keep me sane during the long night in Emergency.
Larry had a bit of trouble with the catheter, and kept asking me if he had one, why did it still feel like he had to pee? The only answer I could come up with was that it was irritating his bladder. I wasn't far off, I found out later. Some folks have bladder spasms. OUCH!
He also kept asking me why we had a human arm in the living room. That one took me aback, until I realized that he was talking about his own arm...he was a bit detached at that point.
Every time he stopped snoring, I woke up to check on him. I was afraid that his brain would swell from the stroke, and he'd go down hill. He also told me to make sure I called his boss to let him know what had happened. yes, on the day of the stroke... "call my boss and let him know." Wow.
In the morning, a lovely doctor with a Scottish accent came in, and we had a chat. She checked him over, and said that we could be "cautiously optimistic". She also told me that this was NOT my fault, and I couldn't have changed it. Here I thought I'd been pretty strong, but she saw right through that!
Larry again reminded me to call his boss, so I did. I had to leave a message.
Mike and L arrived about 10:30 or so, and Larry's boss called at that time. He asked me "Hey, Tracee ..how are you doing?" I managed to say "I've been better...." and then couldn't continue. I handed the phone to Mike and grabbed tissues. Poor D - I feel for him! Mike let D know what had happened, and got all the contact information straightened out.
After that, Mike zipped me home to have a shower and grab some lunch, and back I went.
The nurses assured me that he'd be admitted, but someone had to "either be discharged or die". Ghoulish...but I'm glad they were blunt with me. Tell it to me straight, please...don't beat around the bush!
After a bit of time, we were advised that he had a bed upstairs, and they'd be transferring him soon. I kept my BIL M advised of all this, and asked him to let L know. While we were waiting, I again ran my finger up the sole of Larry's left foot. *gasp* his leg moved! While I didn't want to get too excited, I knew this was a good sign. "cautiously optimistic" was the phrase I'd use for the next few days...
I advised a few friends of ours of what happened, and had them pass the news on. I just didn't have the strength to do it at the time.
While waiting for Larry's room to be ready, a lovely lady came in to see how he was doing with his speech/swallowing. She tried him on some thickened juice that he had no trouble with. She also told me that she was quite happy with how clear his speech was. He was approved for thickened liquids and pureed foods (cat food Larry called it). He needed help to eat today, but did try to do it on his own.
A few porters came and got Larry ready to move up to his room. They told me what the number was, and I followed at a slower pace. I also let Mike and K know where to find Larry.
It was a fairly quiet day, and then came the end of visiting hours. I knew I had to go home and get some sleep.... but I also knew that the last time I'd left Larry alone...he'd had the stroke. I had a nurse ask me if I was okay and I said "no. I know I have to go, but .." and started sobbing. She was so wonderful... she assured me that they'd keep a close eye on him, and that I could call the ward at any time - even 3am!
I managed to go home and grab something to eat. Then Mike texted me and asked me how I was doing. I wasn't doing well, and I told him so. I was in the process of having a meltdown....and told him so. I knew it was the post traumatic stress of the past 28 hours, but I also knew I didn't want to stop it. It was the release I knew I needed (no gutter minds!)
Mike called me and let me cry, shout and freak out. He was the best brother (in law) I could ever hope for! Having family to lean on in this has been .... wonderful. I finally calmed down enough that I thought I could sleep, and off to bed I went.
Again, during all of this... "evil one" was there, letting me vent/whine/cry. She kept her phone on all night, just in case I sent her a message.
The scariest day of my life.... part 2
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
---------------------------------
Once we got to the HSC, my BIL (brother in law) M parked the car while I went into emergency. You know its serious when they take you the "family room" and there are several boxes of tissues there.
I sat down and M came in a few minutes later. The doctor came in and told us what was happening. Larry had had a stroke, it wasn't good and they couldn't give him the major clot busting stuff because the risk of a bleed was too high. They were in the process of doing a test using dye to see if the clot was close enough to the surface/neck to try pulling it out.
The next bit is a blur, but I remember just sitting there shaking, thankful that M was there to share the waiting, stress, angst...whatever.
I ran out to the washroom, and FIL (father in law) L had arrived. We brought him into the family room, and we all stared at the door wishing they'd hurry up and tell us what was going on.
The doctor finally came back and said that the clot was too far back to try and pull out because the risk of poking a hole in the artery/brain was too high. The clot would have to break up on its own. The next 48-72 hours were going to be rough, because there was the chance of swelling and bleeding. Larry could get better, get worse or stay the same. No one knew what was going to happen.
A nurse came and took me back to where Larry was, and it was quite a shock to see him. His eyes were barely open, and he wasn't making much sense. But, he was alive and conscious. After a few minutes, I had L and M and my son K come back. They mirrored my shock. We did our best not to let Larry see just how terrified we were. Even then, I did a quick test to see for myself how bad it was. I ran my finger up Larry's left foot - no response at all. There's a reflex there that they check in hospital.
The doctors then told us that we would be going back to G because they couldn't do anything at HSC that they couldn't do at G, and they needed the space for the people who could have the major clot busting stuff. Fair enough.
I sent K, L and M (heehee) home, because there wasn't anything they could do. I had my phone, and would update them as needed. I rode in the ambulance with Larry to the G, and we were whisked into the Emergency department. However, we got a whole room to ourselves! I know now that it was because if he got worse, they'd need the space/equipment, but I was just happy to have a room. They asked me if I'd like to stay, and I said yes. Honestly, they'd have had to drag my dead body out if they wanted me to leave.
During the evening, I discovered that one of the chairs in the room sounded like a whoopee cushion if you sat down fast. So, when Larry was awake... I sat down fast and then said "heehee I've got a farty chair!" He smiled and said "classy". :)
After that, every time I sat down I laughed. About 5 times into it, he looked at me and said "every time?"... and I said "yes, every time!". A tiny bit of normalcy in a world gone crazy!
When it was getting later in the day, they brought me a recliner to sleep on. I would have, but it was broken. So, I got to sleep on a stretcher. well...attempting to sleep, anyway. Those things are narrow and no sides! I was afraid of falling off....
The night was fairly quiet - they kept checking on Larry's blood pressure, etc, and just monitoring.
---------------------------------
Once we got to the HSC, my BIL (brother in law) M parked the car while I went into emergency. You know its serious when they take you the "family room" and there are several boxes of tissues there.
I sat down and M came in a few minutes later. The doctor came in and told us what was happening. Larry had had a stroke, it wasn't good and they couldn't give him the major clot busting stuff because the risk of a bleed was too high. They were in the process of doing a test using dye to see if the clot was close enough to the surface/neck to try pulling it out.
The next bit is a blur, but I remember just sitting there shaking, thankful that M was there to share the waiting, stress, angst...whatever.
I ran out to the washroom, and FIL (father in law) L had arrived. We brought him into the family room, and we all stared at the door wishing they'd hurry up and tell us what was going on.
The doctor finally came back and said that the clot was too far back to try and pull out because the risk of poking a hole in the artery/brain was too high. The clot would have to break up on its own. The next 48-72 hours were going to be rough, because there was the chance of swelling and bleeding. Larry could get better, get worse or stay the same. No one knew what was going to happen.
A nurse came and took me back to where Larry was, and it was quite a shock to see him. His eyes were barely open, and he wasn't making much sense. But, he was alive and conscious. After a few minutes, I had L and M and my son K come back. They mirrored my shock. We did our best not to let Larry see just how terrified we were. Even then, I did a quick test to see for myself how bad it was. I ran my finger up Larry's left foot - no response at all. There's a reflex there that they check in hospital.
The doctors then told us that we would be going back to G because they couldn't do anything at HSC that they couldn't do at G, and they needed the space for the people who could have the major clot busting stuff. Fair enough.
I sent K, L and M (heehee) home, because there wasn't anything they could do. I had my phone, and would update them as needed. I rode in the ambulance with Larry to the G, and we were whisked into the Emergency department. However, we got a whole room to ourselves! I know now that it was because if he got worse, they'd need the space/equipment, but I was just happy to have a room. They asked me if I'd like to stay, and I said yes. Honestly, they'd have had to drag my dead body out if they wanted me to leave.
During the evening, I discovered that one of the chairs in the room sounded like a whoopee cushion if you sat down fast. So, when Larry was awake... I sat down fast and then said "heehee I've got a farty chair!" He smiled and said "classy". :)
After that, every time I sat down I laughed. About 5 times into it, he looked at me and said "every time?"... and I said "yes, every time!". A tiny bit of normalcy in a world gone crazy!
When it was getting later in the day, they brought me a recliner to sleep on. I would have, but it was broken. So, I got to sleep on a stretcher. well...attempting to sleep, anyway. Those things are narrow and no sides! I was afraid of falling off....
The night was fairly quiet - they kept checking on Larry's blood pressure, etc, and just monitoring.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
The scariest day of my life.... part 1
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
----------------------------------
January 23rd 2014 started out like any other day. Larry was up earlier than me (he always is!) and I came down and had coffee.
I had a doctors appt at 11:30 am, and the roads weren't great so I was leaving early. I left at 10:45 am, and Larry was fine.
I went to the doctor, who agreed to be Larry's family doctor (yay!), went and got his paperwork from his workplace and hit the dollar store and grocery store. I was pretty tired by then, and our son wasn't home yet, so I knew I had to bring in the bags. I grabbed the dollar store stuff first (this is a good thing).
I walked in the door, and the first thing I see is Larry's computer monitor on, but I can't see him. I figured he'd run upstairs to the bathroom...until I realized his chair wasn't where it was supposed to be.
Then, I saw Larry on the floor. The bags in my hand flew across the living room, as I ran to him. He was alive! Trying to talk to me, and I couldn't understand a word he was saying. I grabbed the phone and called 911. From what I remember, I was pretty coherent with the operator. She dispatched ambulances and firetrucks. I stayed by Larry, and realized that he'd had a stroke. How did I know this by just looking at him you ask? My mother was a nurse, and I knew what to look for. At first, I thought it was a heart attack, but the fact that he kept grabbing the arm he was laying on and it was flopping... I knew.
I heard the sirens, and went out of the front door to flag them down. It's quite difficult sometimes to find the separate units in here, and I knew time was of the essence. I couldn't flag them down, but the maintenance guy saw me and realized what was going on in an instant. He ran and flagged down the fire truck for me.
It was a flurry of activity after that, and I confess I don't really remember all of it. I remember talking with the paramedics, and them confirming that it was a stroke. I remember them sitting Larry up, and then somehow getting him out of our unit. The stretcher would not fit because it's very very small and cramped in here.... it was built in the 70's and if there's 450 sq ft for the whole living/dining/kitchen area I'd be surprised.
The next thing I remember is calling my brother in law, and it took me two tries to tell him what I needed. Looking back, I was pretty hysterical...but I think it was justified! While waiting for him, I brought in the groceries and basically threw the frozen stuff into the freezer, the fridge stuff into the fridge, and then off to the HSC we went.
----------------------------------
January 23rd 2014 started out like any other day. Larry was up earlier than me (he always is!) and I came down and had coffee.
I had a doctors appt at 11:30 am, and the roads weren't great so I was leaving early. I left at 10:45 am, and Larry was fine.
I went to the doctor, who agreed to be Larry's family doctor (yay!), went and got his paperwork from his workplace and hit the dollar store and grocery store. I was pretty tired by then, and our son wasn't home yet, so I knew I had to bring in the bags. I grabbed the dollar store stuff first (this is a good thing).
I walked in the door, and the first thing I see is Larry's computer monitor on, but I can't see him. I figured he'd run upstairs to the bathroom...until I realized his chair wasn't where it was supposed to be.
Then, I saw Larry on the floor. The bags in my hand flew across the living room, as I ran to him. He was alive! Trying to talk to me, and I couldn't understand a word he was saying. I grabbed the phone and called 911. From what I remember, I was pretty coherent with the operator. She dispatched ambulances and firetrucks. I stayed by Larry, and realized that he'd had a stroke. How did I know this by just looking at him you ask? My mother was a nurse, and I knew what to look for. At first, I thought it was a heart attack, but the fact that he kept grabbing the arm he was laying on and it was flopping... I knew.
I heard the sirens, and went out of the front door to flag them down. It's quite difficult sometimes to find the separate units in here, and I knew time was of the essence. I couldn't flag them down, but the maintenance guy saw me and realized what was going on in an instant. He ran and flagged down the fire truck for me.
It was a flurry of activity after that, and I confess I don't really remember all of it. I remember talking with the paramedics, and them confirming that it was a stroke. I remember them sitting Larry up, and then somehow getting him out of our unit. The stretcher would not fit because it's very very small and cramped in here.... it was built in the 70's and if there's 450 sq ft for the whole living/dining/kitchen area I'd be surprised.
The next thing I remember is calling my brother in law, and it took me two tries to tell him what I needed. Looking back, I was pretty hysterical...but I think it was justified! While waiting for him, I brought in the groceries and basically threw the frozen stuff into the freezer, the fridge stuff into the fridge, and then off to the HSC we went.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Prelude to a stroke...
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
----------------------------------
This journey actually started on Jan 7, 2014. That's the first day Larry felt ill enough to go to a doctor.
We went to a walk in clinic, and he was diagnosed with pneumonia. Given an inhaler and antibiotics - as we expected because he was coughing and just didn't feel right.
He took his meds and used the inhaler as required, and was feeling pretty good by the 11th. On the 12th he felt really really bad, so we went to an urgent care facility - after the football games, of course.
I found out later that his blood pressure was 225/15# (eek!). When I went into the room he was in, he was on a monitor and they told me he had Atrial Fibrillation (a-fib) and fluid in his lungs, and we were going to be transferred to a hospital. I will admit I was concerned, but not panicking.
He was in the G hospital emergency ward for two days. He was given diuretics and blood pressure meds. He was released on the 13th with a couple of prescriptions and a referral for a follow up. On the 17th he had a cardiac ultrasound. We made it to that appointment, but Larry could barely walk down the hall without coughing.
I wasn't going to mess around. Back to the G we went. His blood pressure was back up to 19#/13# (not good) and the a-fib was back. The emergency doctor on that night said she had seen his ultra sound, and there was a slight enlargement of the left ventricle. She didn't seem all that concerned. At the G emergency room, they put him on diuretics again and higher doses of his meds. Again, I was concerned but not panicking.
Larry was released again on the 19th, with a wicked gout flare happening. They gave him a med to help with that as well, and off we went. We filled his new prescriptions and went home.
Larry's father had given us a home blood pressure monitor to use, and use it we did. Every morning before and then 1/2 hour after his meds. His blood pressure was coming down nicely, and he was feeling better. The gout was clearing, and it looked like he was going back to work on the 29th.
----------------------------------
This journey actually started on Jan 7, 2014. That's the first day Larry felt ill enough to go to a doctor.
We went to a walk in clinic, and he was diagnosed with pneumonia. Given an inhaler and antibiotics - as we expected because he was coughing and just didn't feel right.
He took his meds and used the inhaler as required, and was feeling pretty good by the 11th. On the 12th he felt really really bad, so we went to an urgent care facility - after the football games, of course.
I found out later that his blood pressure was 225/15# (eek!). When I went into the room he was in, he was on a monitor and they told me he had Atrial Fibrillation (a-fib) and fluid in his lungs, and we were going to be transferred to a hospital. I will admit I was concerned, but not panicking.
He was in the G hospital emergency ward for two days. He was given diuretics and blood pressure meds. He was released on the 13th with a couple of prescriptions and a referral for a follow up. On the 17th he had a cardiac ultrasound. We made it to that appointment, but Larry could barely walk down the hall without coughing.
I wasn't going to mess around. Back to the G we went. His blood pressure was back up to 19#/13# (not good) and the a-fib was back. The emergency doctor on that night said she had seen his ultra sound, and there was a slight enlargement of the left ventricle. She didn't seem all that concerned. At the G emergency room, they put him on diuretics again and higher doses of his meds. Again, I was concerned but not panicking.
Larry was released again on the 19th, with a wicked gout flare happening. They gave him a med to help with that as well, and off we went. We filled his new prescriptions and went home.
Larry's father had given us a home blood pressure monitor to use, and use it we did. Every morning before and then 1/2 hour after his meds. His blood pressure was coming down nicely, and he was feeling better. The gout was clearing, and it looked like he was going back to work on the 29th.
Larry's Journey started Jan 23, 2014
That's the day he had a stroke.
I am his wife, and will be the one making entries until he's able to.
Thank you for joining us on this road. More shoulders make the burden lighter.
I am his wife, and will be the one making entries until he's able to.
Thank you for joining us on this road. More shoulders make the burden lighter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)