06/29/2012, Kingston, Ontario
I'm posting this early before I go to KGH to see what this day brings. Yesterday morning I was feeling pretty discouraged. There had been no improvement in Al's condition and the neurosurgeon (not his) in charge of yesterdays rounds was not sounding very encouraging. It was confirmed Al has aphasia (google it, basically the inability to talk often because of a brain insult of some kind).
However, by around 2 p.m. yesterday Al tried to say his first words. They were not perfect, but he was trying to communicate and that was a huge step forward. We know he has feeling in his right arm and leg but there is still no voluntary movement there.
Early last evening I had a visit from his own Neurosurgeon, Dr. Wallace, and I must say as far as physicians go, he has the best bed side manner of any I have ever met. He took time to speak to me, and to Al. Answered all my concerns and was not rushed at all. He suggested that we try to word our communication with Al so he can answer with a yes or a no in this early phase of Al exploring his language. Dr. Wallace also explained that the hypothalamus and pituitary have been affected. Actually his words were "they seem to be on a holiday" and so the fluids in Al's body were going a bit crazy. This has been corrected with hormones.
A feeding tube was also inserted through his nose to his stomach yesterday for nutrition. Because he is not talking they can not determine if he can swallow so he can't eat. Over the next several days, depending on progress the feeding tube may be inserted via an incision in his side. This would make it easier for Al to speak and help the professionals monitor his swallowing ability.
Now the GOOD stuff is, Dr. Wallace still feels confident (and in his experience) that this is all related to the brain swelling and as that subsides we should see improvement. So with that in mind, I am anxious to get back to the hospital to see what ground we cover today.
Al did show his humourous side yesterday and when he was asked to stick out his tongue, he was able to. Now to show displeasure or sarcasm to us he will stick out his tongue. A very good indicator that most of our communication can be non-verbal. He responds to commands and he proved he can still pucker up for a kiss.
Dr.Wallace told us both this recovery was going to be hard work and he asked Al to try to stay positive and not "lose his noodle" during this process.
Both of Al's daughters arrived last night and they will stay for a few days. Al seemed delighted to see them.
During this time Miss Bridget has joined the Crew at my daughters, and although she seems exited to see me, she is having an absolute blast with her (technically) neices and nephews, and running in the yard.
Onward and upward.
| I.C.W |
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Comments [6]
Jen
Remember that even baby steps are good steps.
Barb and I really apreciate you taking the effort to keep everyone posted on what is going on. I know that you have more important things to worry about that writing a blog post, but for those of us too far away to actually visit we would be even more worried than we already are if we didn't hear from you.
Say "Hi!" to Al for us, and tell him that we are thinking about him.
Mike
Pete
Pete
K&B
06/28/2012, Kingston, Ontario
When I returned to the hospital last evening Al was in radiology having a CT scan. They were concerned about the "way he was presenting". Which in our speak meant, he was not coming out of the anaesthesia with the speed expected, and his right leg was slow in responding and his right arm was not responding at all. There was concern that he was not trying to talk. The scan showed no blockage but doesn't completely rule out a small stroke. These setbacks could be due to just the swelling, the next 48 hours will be crucial and time will tell. And the CT scan was not conclusive. Last night he seemed in pain and mildly agitated. He was also putting out way too much urine but a drug has been given to correct this.
I plan to be at his bedside by 8 a.m.and I hope to see improvement throughout the day.
Will report back.
| I.C.W |
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06/27/2012, Kingston General Hospital
Its been a long day and I'm bagged, but I'll quickly update you that the surgery was about 6 ½ hours and Al made out well. The tumour was "grizzly" and not the two day old jello texture that was expected. Dr. Wallace is still confident it is benign and specimens have been sent to pathology. There seems to be some weakness on the right side but I am told it is likely from the anaesthetic. Al is pretty out of it still and so I have not heard his speech. I am at Kiley's for a bite and a wee nap. I will return this evening to visit him in ICU. Will keep you updated. But all in all it appears to have been successful.
| I.C.W |
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06/27/2012, Kingston General Hospital
I just got an OR update from Suzzette the OR liaison nurse. Dr. Wallace sent word he's about 1/2 way there, and things are going well. We have not been assigned a bed as yet because there is a shortage at the moment. This means Al will be spending the night in recovery, which may not be a bad thing. I bet there is more close care there.
I'll be in touch y'all.
The hospital knitting is going well, its taken me a while to get the mojo going.
| Kingston, Ontario |
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Nancy
06/26/2012, Kingston, Ontario
We will be up at the butt crack of dawn to be at the hospital for 6:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. That is the time we are to be there but surgery won't commence until the paper work and final chats with the anaesthetist and neurosurgeon happen.
We just got home from the final MRI, it will be very up to date and ultra current. I will do a post as soon as I am able post surgery to keep y'all informed.
Peace out.
| I.C.W |
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06/26/2012, Kingston, Ontario
We witnessed this beauty off our balcony last evening after a rain. I have never understood the science behind a rainbow, but it surely is a gift from the universe.
Another surprise last evening was a call from our friends at Palm Coast Marina wishing Al well. On our cruising journey we met so many wonderful people, some friendships stuck, others remained transient. Our Palm Coast friends have stuck and we really appreciated the call and hearing their voices.
We have had lots of calls, email, cards and words of encouragement, and I think Al is on just about every prayer list from here to the Bahamas. So with all that behind us we are confident this blip in our life will remain a temporary blip.
I will try to post tomorrow as soon as I have any news. Surgery is estimated to take anywhere between 3 to 13 hours. Apparently the longer the surgery, the better. Longer surgery = success, shorter surgery = close him up and get out of here nothing can be done. So I'm waving the positive vibes in the direction of longer, being successful in removing as much as they can with out any damage route.
Praise be to the UNIVERSE.
ONE MORE SLEEP AND A WAKIE
| Kingston, Ontario |
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