Hi everyone --
I can't thank everyone enough for the notes and prayers and calls. I realize that this is one of those cage-rattling moments that the Lord hits us with once in awhile to remind us who is truly in charge of our lives. But I also know that with Him, and by putting my hand and heart in His, all things are possible.
Rick was transferred to Northwestern Memorial in downtown Chicago last Friday. Northwestern is a stroke trauma center, plus home to a high-level stroke and vascular rehabilitation center. In addition, his personal physician is on staff at Northwestern, so we know we're looking at a higher level of care. That hospital is also the sports medicine facility for the Bears and Bulls, so one of the first things that was accomplished was getting a larger bed -- one that more comfortably fits a 6'3", 375 pound man.
Our sister, Courtney, flew in from San Francisco over the weekend, and when she came into the room, he became animated and tried to talk. Hopefully, when I get there Thursday, it will do him some good as well.
He is now able to turn his head to the right, when he wasn't previously able to do. He definitely sees and hears and understands what is going on around him. He can communicate with nods yes and no, and, at least with Courtney, tried to talk a bit. The speech therapist has been working with him to try to get him to swallow small amounts of liquids and pudding.
He moved his right leg late Saturday, and the physical therapist says that he is showing remarkable progress.
His blood sugar has fluctuated wildly, and is being controlled by drugs for now.
A funny story -- at least guys will find it funny. My wife and mother both insisted it wasn't, while my dad and I thought it was hilarious -- on Sunday, he was very agitated and obviously uncomfortable. Courtney found a charlie horse in one leg and massaged it out, but he still wasn't completely comfortable. When my mother called later in the night, the nurses said they found that his catheter had a kink in it! Once they cleared that, they said, he slept like a baby.
I guess us guys can appreciate that pain and relief... Plus, of course, that also means that his has feeling in that part of his body, and that nothing more serious is wrong there.
In terms of a cause, I'm not sure; I do know he has been under a dramatic amount of stress lately. Rick has historically been one to hold things in when they bother him, as opposed to my sister and I; we are both much more demonstrative when we are stressed. We find ways to release that stress in whatever way we can.
The doctors are saying that a possible cause may be related to a small hole between the ventricles of his heart. Apparently up to 15 percent of the populace has this minor defect, and in the vast majority of persons, it has no effect. But in this case, they say a clot may have formed and traveled by way of this hole to his brain, causing the stroke.
In any event, surgery has been discussed as an option after the present issues are taken care of, to repair that hole and prevent any sort of issue from surfacing in the future.
Thank you again, for everything. You can't imagine just how much you all mean to me and to us here. God bless and keep you all.
Michael
May God continue to bless him, his, you and yours.
Thank you for the update, Michael. You, your brother and your entire family remain in our family's prayers. May God keep you and bless you.
Hi Michael, just catching up after some time away...prayers up for your brother Rick...safe travels to CHI-town and place your trust in The Lord to heal his body, and just k-e-e-p o-n p-r-a-y-i-n'!
Oh our Gracious God bless you in your travels and anoint you for this service to your brother, because Jesus LIVES, amen!
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
~1 Peter 5:7
Thinking of you and Rick. Praying continues.
Great update! Sounds as if he is taking little, but important steps in the right direction. Hopefully, they will nail down the cause soon.
YOU take care too.
keeping you all in our thoughts,
tatt