OT: My Stepdad's Stoke--Need Prayers/Positive Thoughts

Traveler asked for updates...

My stepdad is 47 years old, his name is Jody.  He had a stroke 6 days ago.  His condition has been complicated by serious brain swelling.  We thought he had made it over the hurdle but it now appears the swelling is returning and the doctors have put cranial surgery back on the table in which part of his skull would be removed to expose his brain and allow it more space.  He has become less responsive and they are concerned.

Please send out prayers and positive vibes. 

I'm so sorry to hear about your stepdad..  I am sending positive vibes and prayers..

Please keep us updated, okay?

Wishing the best for Jody...

Denise

Thank you all.

Things are very up and down with my stepdad. He seems like he is improving and then suddenly a set back.

He has been in ICU for 7 days, nearly twice as long as expected. Yesterday they were considering surgery, this morning they were saying he was more responsive and then through the day he began acting dillusional, confused, difficult to wake.

Now the doctors are saying he is in critical condition...not sure he was ever NOT in critical condition.

My mom thinks its that he has had too many people coming in. The doctors check him hourly and the nurses are constantly coming and going, at least each hour. Plus, family is there. Including my mom, it sounds like there are 8 to 10 people sitting at the hospital all day long. She said it would be fine if people just peaked in on him but they want to wake him, chat, and even argue amongst themselves, disturbing his sleep. He makes his greatest strides at night and I have to think that it is because he is less disturbed over night. His brain needs to go without some stimulation for a bit.

Additionally, they are no longer treating his pain because they don't want to mask the symptoms of swelling.

Its heartbreaking. He is so young and I worry that the longer he is swollen up, the more damage he will have. My poor mother. Its all she can do to hold herself together. She was trying to pay the bills he usually takes care of online and doesn't even know where he stashed the account info. I offered to help....

Hang in there Worried!! It does sound like your Step-dad is having too much company! Your Mom should just ask that no one (but maybe a select few) come to visit! That's how I had to be when I had family members in serious condition in the hospital. I told them they could visit when we got home!

Continuing to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.....

Big gentle hugs,
Trav

Hello all.

Thank you for your prayers.

My stepdad's condition seems to have improved! Following another scare and the possibility that he would need surgery to remove his skull, the swelling stabilized. He has been more alert and eating a little bit of pureed foods. He has been talking a bit; although he is very quiet and mumbles, we can understand much of what he says. He even throws in the occasional joke--or at least you assume thats what it is--can't tell bc he can't make facial expressions.

He continues to be fully paralyzed on the left side but we are hopeful.

Thank you again.

Oh gosh, Worried!! How wonderful!!! What a New Year's gift!! You and your family must be overwhelmed with joy! I'm so very glad that there has been such a wonderful amount of improvement with hopes of more to come!!! ((((((((hugs))))))))

Please do keep us informed on his progress! This is sooooo great!!!!

Thank you all, once again.

Two days ago, Jody smiled for the first time since the stroke--ten days prior. My mom was there. I didn't ask if it was a half or full smile since his L face has been paralyzed.

His scan showed a small reduction in the swelling yesterday--for the first time.

They are now weaning him from the antis welling therapies--it can rebound if done too quickly.

He is now awake enough to be bored! It's tough bc there is do little he can do and is used to being busy. I am hopeful it will come in time.

Thank you for the blessings. Although we have pain as family members, I am most sad for whack he must be experiencing in a body that no longer cooperates. I'm sure many here can relate.

That is really good news, Worried!! How wonderful!! I'm so glad to hear that it's even near where your Mom works! That'll make it easier on her as well!!


Now maybe you can begin to turn your attention back to your healing!

I'm so sorry to hear that he is in all that pain. I hope that they can get it under control soon.

I can't imagine what he must be feeling either.

Many prayers still for you and your family!