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Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-02-2021, 09:23 PM:

My wife, Millie, Did not feel well Friday, but that's not unusual for us old people. She's 82 and I'm 86. Then Saturday morning, her lips felt numb on one side. That was an instant alert. Our oldest daughter was on her way up from Bowling Green. She was almost here, so we did wait for her. Then she drove us to Baptist Health Hospital in Madisonville. When we got to the ER, they immediately took us to an ER treatment room and the doctor was there in minutes. After a few tests, he told us she had indeed had a stroke. There are two types of strokes, and this is the one they could treat there. They sent her to CCU, and she is still there. They let us stay there with her from 10:00am to 6:00pm so the daughter and I are "off duty" right now. We still don't really have a prognosis, but are praying that she will return to normal. I'll try to keep you up to date.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-02-2021, 09:35 PM:

Norm,
I am sad to hear that news. I am just back from Bible class and will pray for her and you and your family in this time of sadness and concern.

Posted by EnterpriseCat (Member # 2881) on 06-02-2021, 09:36 PM:

Praying for Ms. Millie, Norm. Hoping she has a full recovery.

[ 06-02-2021, 09:36 PM: Message edited by: EnterpriseCat ]

Posted by MEL (Member # 141) on 06-02-2021, 11:39 PM:

So sorry Norm, I will be praying for you and MIllie !!!

MEL

Posted by m hamilton (Member # 127) on 06-03-2021, 06:12 AM:

Paula and I know just exactly what you mean. She had to make the decision to take her uncle off life support on Tues. He passed about 10 minutes later.

Prayers that Millie makes a full recovery.

Posted by CatfanRick (Member # 126) on 06-03-2021, 06:13 AM:

Prayers for Millie, Norm and family. Stressful times for sure.

Posted by GA Cat (Member # 642) on 06-03-2021, 09:40 AM:

Praying for Millie and you.

Posted by Jarcat (Member # 95) on 06-03-2021, 10:22 AM:

Mega prayers for Millie and you, Norm, heading your way. I am a man of strong faith and a firm believer in the power of prayer.

Posted by ukcatfannfl (Member # 1425) on 06-03-2021, 11:03 AM:

Norm - Joan and I are praying for Millie and you in this most stressful time. Pls keep us informed and we know that she will make a full recovery..

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 06-03-2021, 06:48 PM:

Sad and disturbing news. I pray for Millie and for her caregivers to effect a full recovery.

Stay strong, Norm. Your TCD community is with you.

Posted by rlt4uk (Member # 3194) on 06-03-2021, 08:42 PM:

Praying for you and Millie

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-03-2021, 09:25 PM:

She seemed to be a bit better this afternoon. She can hold a conversation with us now, albeit in broken words. The stroke caused weakness in her left side, and that includes her mouth and especially her lips. Our oldest daughter has been here from Bowling Green, since the beginning. She works at WKU and has a lot of vacation and sick days. Her bosses have graciously let her use some of them to be here with us. One of our sons just retired from teaching military kids at Fort Knox and Okinawa. He came from Elizabethtown Wednesday, stayed today and is going home tomorrow. Millie seemed more alert today, but physically weaker. She couldn't get out of bed and stand up like she did yesterday. Still some blood pressure problems, but that is better than yesterday. Sugar has been pretty high, but that may be from lack of exercise. We are not allowed to bring her meds from home, and is given insulin as needed, instead of regular dosage. I think that may be part of the problem as well. That, my friends, is all I know.

Posted by handycat (Member # 2323) on 06-03-2021, 09:45 PM:

Norm, i’m Very very sorry to hear this. I will be in the Dawson Springs area next week visiting my sister. I had hoped to finally meet you but I know that is very unlikely now as you have your hands full.

I will pray for you and Millie my friend.

[ 06-03-2021, 09:47 PM: Message edited by: handycat ]

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 06-04-2021, 09:06 PM:

It's good to hear Mille is a bit better and hopefully each day will continue to show improvement.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-05-2021, 10:23 PM:

I have never seen such change happen in one day. We learned this morning that she had another stroke yesterday. Altogether a different person today. In fact, she fed herself today, under the guidance of a Speech Pathologist. Her left side is almost totally paralyzed, but she did very well with her right arm and hand. Her sense of humor is not diminished. She did break down and cry when one of the kids and/or grandchildren came to see her. They moved her to a regular room this afternoon. Things are looking up.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-06-2021, 09:24 AM:

Thanks for some good (not all good) news. I pray she will make progress from this point. I will continue to pray for her progress and for your mental comfort.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-09-2021, 05:12 PM:

Millie scared the wadding out of me this morning. I woke up at 3:00am and couldn't go back to sleep, so I shaved, took a shower and got over to the hospital at about 6:30. Millie was sleeping and crying at the same time. Neither I nor the nurses could wake her up. I came on home at 9:00 when one of our sons got there. I couldn't take it anymore. He sent a text just shortly after I got home, saying about 12 people had a zoom call with a neurologist, from her room. THAT woke her up and she was pretty much the same as earlier. I drove straight back and had a chat with her before the daughter came and had a shift change.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-09-2021, 06:54 PM:

Norm,
I know this is a very difficult time for you and I am sorry for you. I do pray that your wife will not suffer in this time frame of brain injury.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-09-2021, 08:51 PM:

I have asked the Lord to go ahead and take her if she was going to wind up as an invalid in a nursing home, if it was his will.

Posted by Trey Ball (Member # 332) on 06-09-2021, 09:09 PM:

Norm,

Prayers for you and your family.

Posted by GA Cat (Member # 642) on 06-10-2021, 01:22 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by Old Norm:
I have asked the Lord to go ahead and take her if she was going to wind up as an invalid in a nursing home, if it was his will.

Norm,

Praying for you and your family!!

Posted by rlt4uk (Member # 3194) on 06-11-2021, 03:21 AM:

Praying for you, Norm.

Posted by CatfanRick (Member # 126) on 06-11-2021, 09:50 AM:

Hang in there Norm, keep your faith that His plan is the best plan.

Prayers continued.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-11-2021, 04:02 PM:

Millie will be transferred to SKY (?) rehab hospital in Bowling Green soo, maybe even today. I have a daughter living there, and will be staying with her for the duration. Mama was doing a lot better the last two days. Left side still paralyzed, but at least she can feel when anyone touches her there. I'll take my laptop with me, and will try to keep TCD updated. Norm

Posted by ukcatfannfl (Member # 1425) on 06-12-2021, 10:47 AM:

Thank you Norm - Millie feels like part of my family. Tks for ur updates and pray she will be home soon,,

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-12-2021, 08:57 PM:

Fairly good day. All manners of therapies going on, which we expected. After all, it's a rehab hospital. The food there is gross, as my teenage kids used to say. All her food is pureed, as she has to learn to swallow properly again. The evening meal consisted of pureed meat, pureed carrots, and some kind of nasty looking gravy. She tasted all three and made a face after each one. Our daughter was out looking for something in town and I texted her and asked her to bring her Mama something to eat. She looked for something that Millie could swallow and finally got a chocolate shake. Mom sucked that cup dry and was perfectly content and happy. I think these people working there are really good at what they do. One or two of the CNAs are a little on the lazy side and are not very prompt, but overall, very good.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-12-2021, 10:00 PM:

Norm,
Thank you very much for the update.
I have a swallowing problem from Parkinsons disease. If your daughter had not already helped her Mom by buying her a milkshake, I was going to suggest that as a good option. Still praying for all your family in this stressful time.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-14-2021, 04:34 PM:

Both of us had a milk shake today because that's the way she wanted to celebrate our 63rd wedding anniversary. I tasted her food at lunch, and I don't think it's the taste of it bothering her, but the consistency.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-14-2021, 05:01 PM:

Thanks for the update. You two have been married longer than my wife and me. Our fifty sixth anniversary will be this Saturday (June 19). I am still praying for you as you undergo this distress. I am also praying for your wife that she is not suffering.

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 06-14-2021, 06:21 PM:

It sounds like those milk shakes are helping, keep them coming!

Posted by m hamilton (Member # 127) on 06-14-2021, 07:40 PM:

Congrats on the anniversary! Prayers still coming.
Side note, you all have been married longer than I've been alive. 54 The wife and have been married 32 years.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-14-2021, 08:07 PM:

Our youngest was 52 in March. Oldest 62. We I a staying with her here in Bowling Green, where the rehab is located.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-16-2021, 05:02 PM:

Major milestone today. She mover her left leg! First time I've dared hope to see her walk again.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-16-2021, 06:57 PM:

Norm, that is good progress. Therapy can really Help with improvement. I know this is a hard time for you, and I pray for you.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-16-2021, 08:58 PM:

This hospital has double occupancy rooms. When Millie moved in Saturday, her roommate had had a drug induced stroke. She wasn't that bad of a roommate; helpful and friendly. A new one moved in yesterday. I don't know how to describe her. She is loud and has a beard. This is unexplored territory for me. Then this afternoon, my daughter says her boyfriend was there. Big fat guy that had the room reeking of cigarette smoke (from his clothes I guess) Loud talking with lots of obscenities including lots of F bombs. I don't think this is going to work out. One of us has got to go.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-16-2021, 10:42 PM:

Norm,
That is terrible!!
I do not ever want that situation. They should move Millie to another room quickly.
I hope that situation will improve very quickly.

Posted by GA Cat (Member # 642) on 06-17-2021, 03:03 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by Old Norm:
This hospital has double occupancy rooms. When Millie moved in Saturday, her roommate had had a drug induced stroke. She wasn't that bad of a roommate; helpful and friendly. A new one moved in yesterday. I don't know how to describe her. She is loud and has a beard. This is unexplored territory for me. Then this afternoon, my daughter says her boyfriend was there. Big fat guy that had the room reeking of cigarette smoke (from his clothes I guess) Loud talking with lots of obscenities including lots of F bombs. I don't think this is going to work out. One of us has got to go.

Norm,

We had this problem last year when my mother-in-law was in rehab after almost losing a battle to an abdominal bleed. Go to Millie's doctor and calmly explain the situation and ask him to make a decision that is in the best interest of her recovery. He can get one of them moved.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-17-2021, 03:18 PM:

Norm,
Has the room situation been improved?

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-17-2021, 08:37 PM:

Boy friend did not show up today. Nurse told our daughter they would try to move Millie. Hasn't happened yet. I don't want to rile them up, because after all, I have to trust them to take care of her.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-17-2021, 09:55 PM:

I hope they will get Millie into another room very soon. I know that having medical problems is very distressing, but when more unpleasant situations are added, it is increasingly distressing for the patient and their family.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-18-2021, 03:38 PM:

Is the room circumstances better?

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-19-2021, 07:08 AM:

In a manner of speaking, I guess so. Daughter said he did come see the lady yesterday. When he started getting loud, she shushed him and he didn't stay long. She also didn't hear any F-bombs. She may have had a lecture from the staff?

As far as Millie goes, They put her back on chopped solid food; no pureed stuff. She cleaned her plate. She also told daughter that she moved her toes on paralyzed side. Nobody else saw it, but if she said she did it, she did it.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-19-2021, 09:25 AM:

Thanks for the update. I am happy for some positive news and pray it will continue.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-20-2021, 03:48 PM:

Occupational Therapist had Millie standing for about thirty minutes today. Not quite on her own but being supported by OT. Still, she was holding her own weight up. Progress. She has also supposedly been graduated from pureed food to solids. Somebody dropped the ball today and brought the pureed stuff. She ate the meat (turkey) and rejected everything else after taking one taste.

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 06-20-2021, 07:07 PM:

Good news, Norm. It will take a lot of patience from both Millie and you, but clearly things are going in the right direction.

Prayers continue from your TCD prayer warriors!

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-21-2021, 12:15 PM:

Norm,
Prayers for continued progress.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-21-2021, 12:16 PM:

Norm,
Prayers for continued progress.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-21-2021, 03:26 PM:

Physical Therapy took her to the gym today for over an hour. She came back exhausted, but the guy said she walked 30 feet using the parallel bars today, bearing her own weight, but he did have to push her left foot forward for each step. It's looking more and more like she may walk again. Roomie still there, but she (or someone) must have lectured the boyfriend. He has calmed down.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-21-2021, 04:49 PM:

Thanks, Norm, for more good news. Glad to hear that the boyfriend is not continuing to make the social situation bad.

Posted by Bigcatdaddy (Member # 21) on 06-22-2021, 02:53 PM:

I don't stray much from the word association thread, and am just learning of this, and I too will join those praying for you and Millie.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-22-2021, 04:19 PM:

Thank all of you. More good news: Occupational Therapist got her to move that paralyzed left arm and hand about 3 or 4 inches today. Got my tears flowing.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-22-2021, 04:25 PM:

Thank you for telling us more good news. I understand your tears.

Posted by CatfanRick (Member # 126) on 06-22-2021, 11:34 PM:

These updates are great Norm. Prayers for Millies continued improvement.

Posted by GA Cat (Member # 642) on 06-24-2021, 08:36 AM:

Norm,

Thanks for all the updates and rejoicing over the good news. Me and the members of my church are praying for Millie and you!!

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-25-2021, 08:22 AM:

Not much change to report. I made a quick run home yesterday to take care of a few things. Brother is re-doing our bath. Removed tub and is building a curbless walk-in shower from scratch. Did you know floor tile is expensive? Millie is making slow but steady progress, working with occupational, speech and physical therapy. The bearded lady roommate is gone as is the boyfriend. New one already in place. This is 14th day in rehab. The best news may be, catheter is out.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-25-2021, 09:18 PM:

New roommate seems just fine. Millie walked between parallel bars again today. They put her left arm in a sling to keep it out of the way and she holds onto the right bar. She can bear her weight on the left leg but cannot take a step with it. Steps with her right leg and drags they left foot forward. Took 80 steps today. The PT people were really happy with it. Me too. The thing I'm most pleased with is, her brain seems just fine. She wakes up confused sometimes, but with our help, figures out where she is. I have hope that she will overcome this.

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 06-25-2021, 11:25 PM:

One step (literally) at a time! This is more good news. Prayers continuing for Millie and for Old Norm. [Smile]

Posted by ukcatfannfl (Member # 1425) on 06-27-2021, 12:40 PM:

Good news Norm. She appears to be getting better each day!

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-28-2021, 05:08 PM:

Mama slept a lot today. I don't know if she was just tired or if it's because I'm so danged boring. PT and OT did work her pretty hard this morning though.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-29-2021, 12:14 PM:

Norm,
Thanks for the news. I imagine she slept because of the physical fatigue from therapy. I have had some recent PT and came home and went to bed. Therapy is certainly good for her. I am still praying for her and for you.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-29-2021, 07:24 PM:

Pretty good day. )n a personal note, Daughter with help of one of her brothers and a couple of Firemen that do it as a side line, got all her belongings from old 2nd floor one bedroom apartment to one on ground floor and two bedrooms and two baths.

At the rehab, Millie rang for help going to bathroom. This LPN is cut from a different bolt of cloth. The others say, "Wait a minute, I have to get more help." This one said, "Come on Honey. Get up." She actually swung both legs over the side of the bed and the nurse took her left (paralyzed) hand, and she stood up Holding the right restraining rail with the other hand. She also walked with a cane yesterday. I am totally happy with her progress.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 06-30-2021, 09:59 PM:

Not trying to bore you guys, but Millie will be discharged from rehab Saturday. Occupational and Physical therapy will still make home health visits though, as I understood it. We'll be staying with our daughter in Bowling Green for an undetermined time though.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 06-30-2021, 10:33 PM:

Thanks for more good news. I believe she will be happier in that situation. Home therapy is effective.

Posted by CatfanRick (Member # 126) on 07-01-2021, 11:47 AM:

Good news is never boring Norm, keep the updates coming. I too feel that getting out of a facility will make a difference. At least now she will know who to complain to... [Big Grin]

.

Hang in there my friend, you 2 have had a great life together and it is my prayers that it will continue for a long time to come.

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 07-01-2021, 11:57 AM:

Norm, Great to hear, thanks for the great news!

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 07-03-2021, 06:12 PM:

No discharge today. With a three day weekend here, we decided we would be better off waiting another day. That way, We'll only have one day totally on our own with no help available. She'll be brought here tomorrow. They will load her in the car, but from that point forward, it's all on us. Now it will be ME that needs prayer!

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 07-03-2021, 09:16 PM:

Norm,
Be careful about your own health. Lifting can be dangerous. I imagine she will be happier at home. I will be praying for her to make continued progress and for you to not overwork providing her care.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 07-04-2021, 12:46 PM:

We have her at daughter's apartment and she's asleep in a big easy chair. Daughter is preparing Millie's first home cooked meal since May 29. Left arm and hand still pretty much paralyzed, but leg seems a little better. We are on our own, but happy to have her here instead of the noisy rehab hospital!

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 07-04-2021, 01:33 PM:

Good to hear your daughter is helping her mom and you in this difficult time.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 07-08-2021, 09:14 PM:

Just a short report. We are trying to get Millie back into rehab here at Daughter's apartment. Home Health is proving to be a pretty much useless outfit. We have seen one nurse and she was just here to do paperwork. She also attempted to draw blood and botched that. Had a therapist of some kind call this morning (Thursday) to set up an appointment tomorrow or next week. WE have called the rehab hospital about doing outpatient therapy and have decided to go that route. Transport will be a bit of a problem, but we are willing to deal with that to get a good job done by professionals. Millie is still pretty much paralyzed on the left side, but all progress stopped when we left rehab. We'll see how this new route works out.

Posted by rlt4uk (Member # 3194) on 07-12-2021, 02:27 AM:

Norm, I'm praying for you and your family. I hope Millie can make a full recovery.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 07-16-2021, 08:53 PM:

We finally got all the necessary paperwork taken care of and three, three hour appointments back at the rehab hospital for next week. She'll be seeing speech, occupational and physical therapists one hour each, from 1:00 to 4:00, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. My old car started acting up last week and our oldest son and his wife loaned us one of those ugly little KIA Soul box shaped cars. It came complete with a pair of Crocs. I try hard to avoid anyone I know. Actually, the thing drives and rides very well.

Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 07-17-2021, 09:45 AM:

Norm,
I am so happy that she is getting those important therapies. I am still praying for you both.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 07-17-2021, 10:48 AM:

Thank all of you for your prayers and moral support. Millie is doing very well. When she wakes up in the mornings, she's a bit confused. We moved her lift chair here to Bowling Green for her to sleep in. She can't get out of it easily, and that was the point. She keeps thinking she can get up and go to the bathroom. She feeds herself, brushes her own teeth and just about anything a person can do while sitting in a chair. When she gets this left leg to work, we'll be going home. Daughter had a lot of vacation and sick time saved up, and the folks at WKU were kind enough to let her take off for an extended period, but she's going to need to go back soon though, probably early August.