Some of us were advised last night (Sunday, September 23) by Lynn's sister Dana that Lynn has suffered another serious stroke. For those who don't know, she had a couple of debilitating strokes about 10 or so years ago, but being our Lynn, through sheer will and determination (and good rehab), she had regained most of her faculties, except for some lapses in memory and some speech problems.
Earlier this year, she had some experienced some Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA), which are also known as "little strokes." TIAs are caused by a temporary disturbance of blood supply to the brain, resulting in a sudden but brief decrease in brain function, generally lasting anywhere from an hour to no longer than 24 hours. I know these had been of concern to her. In addition, she also had a severe attack of shingles this year, which caused some painful nerve damage. In fact, she was to have undergone surgery today to try and block the nerves which were causing her such pain. I talked with her last Friday, before the proposed surgery, and she was as feisty as ever, just wanting to get the surgery done so she could get on with the things she wanted to do. Among other things, we talked about our trip to Ireland in 2003, and what a wonderful time we had, and how much we wanted to do it again, adding Scotland into the Celtic mix for the next time around. Obviously, it appears this will have to be postponed.
The latest word I had from Dana today is that Lynn has been moved from ICU into a regular room at the hospital, and they may do an MRI to help in assessing the damage. She is pretty much paralyzed on her left side (her dominant side). She can't walk or move her arms (although Dana says she can grip with her hands), her speech is garbled and she is having some trouble with vision and with opening and closing her left eye. At this juncture, they don't know how long she will be in the hospital, or whether she will be released to go home or to a rehab facility. I will post further significant updates on her condition in the "Comments" section hereto. Perhaps some of you might like to leave a comment for her as well and, if so, I will print them and send them to her. Or, if you wish to send her a card, please e-mail me at yahnjenn@cox.net and I will provide her mailing address.
Lynn has not only survived her previous strokes, and other maladies, but she is also a Hurricane Katrina survivor. I know she will be using all of her remarkable strength to get through this, too. Lynn is tough, as she herself would tell you, and she is most assuredly a "diamond" (see my previous post), which is one of the last things I said to her when we talked Friday. Nevertheless, sometimes we all need a little help from our friends to get through the bad times. I am a great believer in the power of good thoughts, so would ask you to send a few her way, as well as to her family.
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7 comments:
Lynn's story is a perfect example of how little we know about our old friends from the past. Jim and I will certainly be sending our thoughts her way and praying for a speedy and complete recovery. She is obviously a remarkable woman to have gone through so many trials and to still maintain her sense of humor. We look forward to the time she can share more with us.
One bit of information I want to share in case you don't know about this. There is now a shingles vaccine. Jim and I have plans to be vaccinated as we know too many people who have suffered through this and if it can be prevented it will be well worth it.
Jennifer, thanks so much in keeping us informed!
Nicki
Lynn's older son Jeff advised Dana this morning that he has been told Lynn's doctors now think ... based on the ratio of improvement since Sunday and depending on the results of the MRI ... that Lynn can expect a 90-95% return of function. Dana talked with Lynn briefly after Jeff's news, and Lynn still can't walk, although she is now able to feed herself. Lynn's speech is still affected, and she must wear an eye patch at least for the time being because of double vision.
Dana believes, based on their conversation, Lynn has a LONG way to go, particularly due to an onset of short-term memory loss. Dana says "she can't remember what the physical therapist has told her or if she has even seen one", although Dana assures me she has.
Obviously the potential ratio of improvement sounds good, but Lynn still has the proverbial long row to hoe before she gets out of the woods. (Nothing like mixing a few metaphors.) Nevertheless, if anyone is up to the task, it is Lynn, and she has done it before. Good, positive thoughts would still be beneficial, I feel sure.
Thanks also to Nicki for sharing the info about the shingles vaccine. Yahn and I have also made arrangements to be vaccinated, as no one should have to go through what Lynn has this past few months. I'm sure it was a huge stressor for her, as well as being terribly painful.
I'll give more updates as I receive any significant news.
I spoke with Lynn yesterday evening, and talked to Dana earlier, and this is what I can tell you about Lynn's condition at this time.
Lynn has been moved to a rehabilitation center in Pascagoula. She was lucid when I talked to her, and she knew me, but Dana told me that she does not remember some of the conversations they have had, so she may not remember our conversation either. She had a full day of rehab yesterday, and will likely have the same every day for the foreseeable future. She was able to walk, with assistance. The doctors are still very worried about her, however, and at least according to what Lynn told me, about the possibility that she might have another stroke.
Dana told me that Jeff, Lynn's older son who lives in Tulsa, is going to Mississippi for a few days to be with her and to evaluate the situation for himself.
On the whole, it seems the indications are positive ... except for the possibility of another stroke, of course. Also, her rehab is certainly going to take major resources, but Lynn is and always has been very resourceful. I hope she can remain unstressed and just concentrate on getting better. At this juncture, there is really no point in trying to assess just when she will be allowed to leave rehab. "One day at a time" as they say.
I know she remains in our thoughts, and that we are sending "good thoughts" and prayers her way. I have told her how many are concerned about her, and I know she would also thank those of you who have inquired for being such good and caring friends, if she were able to do so.
I heard from Dana last night (Thursday) that Lynn's older son Jeff arrived safely in Mississippi and visited Lynn at the rehab center last night. Jeff said that although the strain of her ordeal is evident, he is actually somewhat relieved to see that her face is no longer drawing/drooping. Her vision is driving her nuts but her balance is improving. Jeff also said that with a little prodding she can remember things but her spontaneous memory is just gone right now.
I talked with Lynn briefly this morning, and she sounds much better than when we spoke on Wednesday. Her voice is much stronger, and she was able to determine my identity just by the sound of my voice. (Still trying to figure out if that is a plus or a minus as far as my voice is concerned, but I have had several people tell me my voice is "distinctive".)
Lynn was waiting with Jeff and Corey for her doctor to arrive to discuss her progress, prognosis and physical therapy. However, things seem to be looking better than they were earlier in the week, for which we are grateful. More updates as appropriate ....
I talked with Lynn yesterday (Sunday) and she is doing well, given and excepting the circumstances, of course. She continues with her physical therapy and is working very hard at it. She was originally told she would be at the rehab center for 3-4 weeks (she has been there a week now), but obviously this will be determined to some extent by her progress in the coming days.
Again, if anyone wants to send a card or a note, I will be happy to provide the address(es) if you will e-mail me at yahnjenn@cox.net.
I had an e-mail from Dana last night, and she says that Lynn is improving quite well. She is now able to remember several days of time at once, although he speech is sometimes still halting. There is apparently a tentative date of October 15 for Lynn to be discharged from rehab, but we'll just have to wait and see. I'm planning to talk with Lynn tonight or tomorrow, and will report any further news as it becomes available. Thanks to all of you who have inquired and/or sent cards to her. I know she appreciates that people are thinking of her.
Had an e-mail from Dana ... and also just talked myself with Lynn ... she will be released from the rehab facility tomorrow (Friday. October 12). Lynn sounded good, although she acknowledged that she still has a way to go, and will just have to keep after it. She will be at her Mississippi address after tomorrow for about the next two weeks.
More good news: After two weeks, her son Jeff is coming to get her and move her to Tulsa ... a place she dearly loves. She and her husband Chick lived there for quite some time, and of course Jeff will be there for her now. Lynn told me that her younger son, Corey, may eventually move there. It will be a MUCH BETTER environment for her on any number of levels ... not the least of which is removing her from the heat and humidity of the Gulf Coast (which exacerbates her lupus) and taking her away from the proximity to hurricanes. One Katrina is enough for anyone!!!!
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