We went up to visit T's mom this evening.
It was a very difficult and scary day for T, as she ran into a seemingly endless array of roadblocks in terms of finding out what is happening, and what is being done for her mom. Doctors, nurses, patient representatives -- just about everyone she tried to talk to today was uncooperative and unhelpful.
Eventually, with a lot of fussing and a lot of pushing, she managed to find out that the second CT scan was inconclusive, but an EEG run last evening showed some definite damage on the left side of the brain and a "lesion" in the brain that is problematic. They are now thinking that her mom is strong enough to undergo an MRI without having to be intubated again, so that will happen tomorrow morning around 10:00.
As we drove north, we were all feeling pretty glum. Things just did not sound encouraging.
However --
When we got to the hospital, we found Mom showing a great deal more movement than any of us had seen previously -- on both sides. Her color is much improved, and the swelling in her face and neck is much, much less. The nurse who examined her while we were there noted that her pupils are now responsive. She is making some noises, and that too is new. Admittedly, they are only grunts and groans, but we believe we saw both some reception of spoken language, and some awareness and attempt to make a response.
Those are all bits of good news. Small bits, but there nonetheless. We left feeling far more hopeful than we did earlier in the day. This seems likely to be a very long, very difficult road to recovery, but it feels as if there might really be such a road.
Off to try and get some sleep. Thanks to all who are holding Mom in your thoughts. You cannot begin to know how we value that simple gift.
swan
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteT, your mum sounds like a fighter... that is a good thing- the human spirit and will to vanquish adversity is often awe-inspiring; keeping you all in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSelkie is right, T's mum sounds like a fighter.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you all.
Love.
Ronnie
xx
One step at a time, holding hands tightly, it's working, I think. Will keep you all close today.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I hate American medicine when it comes to these situations. We went through this with Dan's mom in January and now Dan's aunt who is still in ICU.
ReplyDeleteWhen they can't fix the situation, they start to ignore the family. It sucks and it's so confusing. It's not that way in other countries, it's just not. They discuss it and admit that they are stuck or they have to wait or whatever.
But not here. Instead they just ignore us and we're so worried.
My heart goes out to you all, I hope she recovers soon.
As Mom begins her recovery process, you might be interested in reading a book called "My Stroke of Insight." It is the memoir of a young nueroscientist who suffered a massive stroke and the extraordinary recovery she made. She and her mother somewhat followed their own recovery regiment different from what the rehab specialists prescribed. It also presents some simple brain science to help you understand the effects of a stroke. I found it very interesting.
ReplyDeleteSending hopeful wishes.
jojo
Big hug to T and to the rest of you. I wish I could say something to help. Nice book suggestion Jojo.
ReplyDeletesin
sending each of you very best wishes for grace and peace through this challenging situation.
ReplyDelete