[Dialogue] (no subject)

[Ruth Gilbert]

Dear Friends,

It’s been a long two weeks of testing, waiting, coping with
complications, and standing by.  There are now 3 areas to report on:

	He initially had a brain hemorrhage and 9 days were spent trying to
find the source.  It is now clear that that issue has cleared up
without any significant deficit or restrictions for his life or risk
of re-occurance beyond what you or I would have.

	During that period of time he had numerous non-brain complications
(lung congestion, fluid overload, temporary congestive heart failure,
cramping muscles) most of which are rather frequent problems in
bedridden post-bleed patients.  One of the hard ones was “ICU
psychosis” which happens when someone’s REM sleep is disrupted by
hourly nursing checks, tests and treatments, all of which are
critically important.  In his confusion one night he climbed over the
rails and fell against something, resulting in major disruption of
everyone’s night as well as deep cuts in his chin and lip. These are
all resolving satisfactorily.

	Now the most serious issue is that during Thursday’s angiogram (still
trying to locate the source of the original bleed) let loose a clot
which traveled to the part of his brain which controls vision.  This
caused a stroke.  It is an unfortunate risk that occurs only in 1% of
angiograms.  The stroke caused a “visual field cut”:  he cannot see
toward the right side of his body and has no peripheral vision there
either.  Even though his eye still works, his mind where the brain
cells died can’t figure out the messages.  Sort of like phantom limb
syndrome, his brain is now creating images for the missing area – red
geraniums, floating objects, parts of our hands or head that appear
suddenly and disappear just as quickly.  This is very disorienting,
tiring and distressing to live with.

Lots of recovery from the stroke as well as adaptation to the visual
field deficit is expected, although no one can begin to predict how
much or how fast.  He will need treatment at a rehab center following
his discharge here and improvement will come in months rather than
days or weeks.  He was told to expect 6-12 months of recovery.  Our
financial plan did not include his retirement this year so we have
lots to prepare for and plan.

Your continued prayers are welcome.  We have appreciated the generous
care, prayers and good wishes that have already come our way.  Many
people here are helping us as well and it helps sustain and comfort
us.  Funny cards and photos have started coming in. He has especially
appreciated your photos. Haven't we all changed!

Ruth