[Dialogue] (no subject)

[Ruth H. Gilbert]

November 26, 2009

Re: a final Ken Gilbert update:

 

Dear Friends and Family - near and far

 

Thanksgiving abounds within us!

 

Ken had a brain bleed (subarachnoid hemorrhage). All statistics suggest that
he should be dead. But he isn't. And he didn't appear to have any physical
or mental "residue" from the event. Astounding!

 

Ken had a second stroke during the last diagnostic test that was conducted.
This happens to about 1% of people undergoing such a test. He landed in that
1%. The residue from this stroke was in his occipital lobe and produced a
"cut in his right field of vision." 

 

This means that Ken can't see from his nose to his right ear. His eyes work
fine but his brain can't interpret the information that is delivered to it.
We are sorry about this. We also realize that this stroke could have had a
much worse outcome. We are resilient people and are standing thankful for
what we do have.

 

Ken was "too well" to be accepted into in-patient rehab. That is good news.
It means that we were discharged and returned home on Sunday. This week has
been about nesting, resting and recuperating. 

 

We are in the process of referral for follow up to a neuro-surgeon in
Chicago, a neuro-opthamalogist in Champaign, a physical evaluation for
physical therapy, a checkup from his primary physician and dialogue with his
professional work situation.

 

Ken is learning to live with his new self. This will take some time but we
move steadily toward normalization of our lives. He is eager to regain his
strength and energy but we can live into the time frame of several months
suggested by his doctor. Ken is eager to get back to work but we wait for
that future to unfold itself in its due time.

 

We send abundant thanks to all who supported us during this time. This
thanks goes to all who sent cards, photos and messages, to close friends and
neighbors who delivered concrete acts of care, to strangers in our extended
network who offered a car, a computer, a cell phone, daily lunches and
evening dinners, transportation support and other. The list is extensive. We
have been overwhelmed by it all.

 

Thanksgiving abounds within us! We wish that it encircles your life as well.

Ruth and Ken Gilbert 

 

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