Posted on 01/24/2007 10:24:26 PM PST by mhking
As most of you know, my time is generally not my own these days -- I am a web producer for the NBC station in Atlanta, plus at this time of year, I'm also a tax preparer for H&R Block. Plus I always keep a side-hustle of some sort or another (I've been doing a lot of mystery shopping the past year or so)...
In any event, sometimes God reaches out and rattles the cage to remind me who's truly in charge.
I received a phone call yesterday that truly rocked my core.
My 42-year-old younger brother had suffered a stroke. My dad called me at work with the news, sounding so much older and weary than I had heard him in many years. He and my mom were at the hospital in Chicago, along with my sister-in-law and her entire clan.
Thankfully, I had enough presence of mind not to jump behind the wheel, realizing that I was in no condition to try to go home. After a silent prayer, and a rushed phone call to my wife, I threw myself into my work, trying to get through the night.
He has no movement on the right side of his body. He cannot speak. But, my dad says, he has recognition of those around him. He's able to nod and shake his head yes and no.
The doctors say that with what they called aggressive rehab and therapy, that he should regain the vast majority of what he's lost. They say that his age is in his favor.
A good sign is that he has been fighting to try to move his right foot and hand.
A CAT scan today showed no blood or fluid buildup in his brain. An MRI tomorrow will look a bit deeper, to be sure.
The physical therapist came in to see him today, and said that Rick was trying to pull himself up with his left arm, and using that arm to pull his right arm across, which, too, is a good sign.
I'm in Atlanta, and my sister is with her husband in San Francisco. We figure we'd be in the way if we tried to go home now, so we are waiting a bit -- perhaps until he comes home. We figure there will be more of a need for us to help out then.
And while I'm praying real hard for him, I can always use more hearts praying for him. And for myself for that matter. I'm not being selfish; I just need to have more strength to endure and be strong for everyone else.
Our family -- blood and extended -- is a strong one, and we're all there for each other. I just know that extra prayer is always in order. I thank you all in advance, folks. And God bless each and every one of you.
I do not know the details of the timing of your story, but
if he was quickly taken to the hospital, his chances of complete recovery are very very good. He would have been treated with agressive clot busters (not just "blood thinners") which will very significantly increase his chance of a complete recovery.
The fact that he is already moving a bit is so so good. Doctors always downplay good signs, but this is very good.
"He has no movement on the right side of his body. He cannot speak. But, my dad says, he has recognition of those around him. He's able to nod and shake his head yes and no. The doctors say that with what they called aggressive rehab and therapy, that he should regain the vast majority of what he's lost."
My dad had the same kind of symptoms with his stroke, but he was older AND delayed going to the hospital by 24 hours. The clot busters were barely in existence then so he may or may not have gotten them.
The doctors told him he would never talk, walk, work etc again and basically told him and my mom to get themselves ready for the change.
Well, all you have to do is tell an Irishman they can't do something and then you better get out of the way.
He walked, he talked, he played golf and he went back to the job he loved.
So I see your brother as doing very well. God love you and him and the rest of your family through this very difficult time. Prayers offered.
Prayers for your brother, Michael. May the Lord have his healing angels and a skilled team of docs hovering at his side.
God bless and take heart. You have many people praying for you and all your family.
Prayers up for your brother and all of your family and friends. Sounds like a strong willed person which is very important in rehab. Please keep us posted! Take care!
And thanks much for the update.
Hi. I'm so sorry to hear this news. A member of our family had a cerebral stroke last year (at age 37), so I know how scary it can be. We're thinking of you out here in California; wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery. You and your family sound very strong and close-knit. Take care of yourself.
Prayers up for your brother, Michael...and for you and your family as you all struggle to help your brother through his time of need.
Prayers from me, too.
Continued prayers for all of you.
Keeping Rick, you & your family in my prayers.
May our Divine Physician guide Rick's doctors and give him a complete healing!
Blessings,
Julie
Good news..Prayers for a full recovery.
Prayers for your brother, you and your family, mhking!
I continue to pray for Rick. I remember you, too.
'Tis good news, and don't worry about the formatting.
Hang in there!
great news, prayers continuing
Praying for your brother, you and yours, mh!
May he find the strength to recover. My brother also had a stroke at a young age. May God bless and heal.
Prayers and thoughts going out for you and yours right now mhking.
Prayers up for your brother's complete recovery, for strength and patience for all of you. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.