The Starting Line

On Thursday, May 7 Daddy (aka Papa and Rick) suffered a major ischemic stroke. At the time he was at the Claremore Indian Hospital for a "minor" stroke that had occurred on Tuesday. He was air lifted to St. John's in Tulsa around 11:00 AM.

The stroke claimed a significant portion of the left side of his brain along with the ability to communicate verbally and move the right side of his body. He's also having trouble swallowing and is therefore not able to eat or drink.

Given the extent of damage, doctors are closely monitoring the amount of post-trauma swelling and are administering mannitol to try to keep it under control. Staff is watching the swelling with CT scans and neurological exams over the next few days in hopes that more invasive surgery is not required.

Given all that, we've already seen vast improvements since he was admitted on Thursday. He's regained some movement in his right leg (he can lift the leg, bend the knee and wiggle his toes on command), mimics movements, and has on more than one occasion tried to climb out of bed when no one was watching (while he was thoroughly chastised by staff, I eagerly cheered him on). Yesterday he sat in a chair with the help of a lone 90 lb therapist, she looked at me and stated "we need to get this guy to rehab, he's ready for some therapy!"

Verbally he is able to (generally) answer questions with a "yeah", "yep" or head shake back and forth (no) and has retained many of his mannerisms and facial expressions (mostly expressing frustration or indifference... typical). Friends were able to cajole a few written comments from him, including his name, "make TV on" and "H20".

He recognizes friends and family and greets everyone with a hand shake or squeeze. While he can't verbally communicate it's apparent that he understands what's spoken to him; indeed, the women in his immediate family think the "selective response" is also consistent with his personality and not the result of brain damage...

Best case scenario the swelling is kept under control, surgery isn't required, and he is transferred to a rehabilitation facility in 5-7 days. Given his "aptitude" for all exercises thus far, staff is anxious to get him to rehab quickly. In the meantime, Daddy will get as much rest as possible while we get through the next few critical days.

We appreciate all the visits, phone calls, texts, thoughts and prayers thus far and those we will undoubtedly receive over the next few critical days and while on the long road of recovery ahead.

Our hope is that this blog will keep all our friends and family well informed on Daddy's progress. Indeed, this left-brained, analytical, to-the-point, non-emotional family member (wonder where I get that from...) welcomes contributing authors that have touchy-feely stuff to add! 

Please use the blog's guest book to send your love and well wishes, we'll pass on all the encouraging words!

Crystal (aka #1)