I had intended to write a generic post about how being thankful can assist in recovery after a trauma, such as a stroke. But if you read yesterday’s post (https://cheryltondreau.wixsite.com/blog/post/wordless-wednesday-ubc-day-2)
you saw pictures I took documenting the day. Yesterday started the way most days do - waking up, thanking God for this new day and getting up to take the dog out. Only yesterday after getting out of bed, I saw the text from my sister asking me to call her when I got up. It was a text I was expecting and dreading. My father had gone to the hospital after calling 911 the afternoon before. At the hospital doctors didn’t think much was wrong but before I went to bed, doctors decided to do a CAT scan even though they didn’t think it would show anything. I was certain it would. (When I talked to him just before the ambulance took him, I heard the slur in his voice and just knew.)
Since they didn’t think the test would show anything and the results could take hours, doctors told my sister to go home. She did and then got the call that they were transferring him to a new hospital for a more extensive neurology exam. He was transferred to the hospital I was brought to over 5 years ago when I have the stroke.
They did a new CAT scan to determine if the 3 brain bleeds got larger when he got to the 2nd hospital. Thankfully the bleed did not progress. They just had to keep his blood pressure under control, administer anti-seizure medication, and take him off aspirin and the medication he takes to increase blood flow to his legs. The majority of his symptoms are dizziness, blurred vision and coordination, especially when walking.
After hearing the news, my husband and I traveled from VA back to RI. It only took us 9 hours. I am thankful for this.
It looks like he is going to be ok. I am thankful for this.
He is going to be transferred to a rehab hospital tomorrow . I am thankful for this.
I am truly grateful for so many things.
However, I am also a bit traumatized by this experience. I’ll probably talk about this tomorrow. Today is about being thankful.
Until next time…..
I am saddened to hear your story. My sister and brother-in-law are going through this right now. His father had a stroke two weeks ago affecting his entire right side. They drove the hour drive to the hospital in anticipation that he will be moved to rehab today. He needs to take a step on his own first, and still was unable to do so as of last night. I am waiting in anticipation because our families are close. I look forward to your updates as we move through this challenge.
First of all, I am happy to see you back at the UBC, Cheryl! Second I am sorry to hear about your Dad, but grateful he seems to be in good hands. It must bring back emotions from your own trauma. Tamara
Cheryl, what a journey! I am so glad your father is going to be okay. Rehab services are great these days. Blessings!