First Days following the Stroke

I am going to use this blog format to reach all the folks who care about my husband Dave. Below is the email message I sent out 2 days after he was taken to the hospital following a stroke at home. Our son Jorel is the hero of this story. He was the one who discovered Dave that morning around 10am. From what we can piece together Dave was having difficulty in bed and got dressed with intentions of going to the hospital. He made it to the living room. and collapsed partly on the couch and the floor. This is how Jorel found him. We had not idea if he would recover since he had lost his speech and the mobility of his right side.


Here is the email I sent 2 days after his stroke:

I know how much you all love and care for Dave and the past days in the hospital have been so busy and overwhelming that it is hard to put it succinctly.

The main thing he is improving...it is slow and frustrating but he is doing well. He has gone through shock, frustration, fatigue and many more emotions. It is normal for stroke patients to feel depression and be very emotional. He is battling feeling stupid right now but inside his head he is still the same guy. He has what is called "Aphasia" where he has difficulty understanding and speaking language. The blood clot affected the left side of the brain and the speech center. Therefore his right side went from paralyzed on Monday to weak today. But he actually stood up and took steps assisted today!!! We are hopeful he will be able to overcome these disabilities and live a normal life...but we are taking it day by day.

He is working with Speech, Occupational and Physical therapists each day as well as seeing doctors. Most likely he will be here 3-4 days and then transferred to a care facility in order to be trained to come home. We are hopeful for enough of a recovery that this will happen!

I know all of you love Dave and are very concerned....many of you have asked to visit. Dave appreciates all your messages but at this time he asked that he not get visitors. He is so busy and gets too little time in between things to rest.

Many of you have asked what you can do. First off you can pray! One thing we could use help with is home meals. Jorel is going in for knee surgery tomorrow and I will be at the hospital so much I do not want Jorel to be neglected in any way. We don't need a lot....just a few simple easy meals that Jorel can get for himself. His surgery is minor and it won't be too long before he is back in action.

Some of you have asked if it is okay to let others know....yes it is with the caveat that my mother not be told just yet (that means that if you pass this on it must be underlined!!) She is completing a fabulous 3 week trip back east with 3 girlfriends and will be home this Sat. the 1st. She will be informed then when she is not so far away.

Thanks for all your love and kindness!!

Cheryl