You are in my prayers Jude.

Prayers for you and Bob!

I'm so sorry to hear about Bob, but am relieved to hear that he's showing some improvement in rehab. Kirk Douglas and Patricia Neal are shining examples of improvement with intensive rehab. Sending positive thoughts and wishes for Bob that he continues to regain function. Hugs and strength going out to you as you walk this path at his side. Hang in there!
E

Oh Jude, I am so sorry to hear this. How distraught you must be. I will keep you and Bob in my thoughts. I do wish him the very best possible outcome. Strong, healing thoughts coming your way! Hugs, too.

Jude, I am saddened to read of Bob's stroke. You must be so distraught and who could blame you. I'm glad he is getting such good care and is showing recovery. They do really wonderful things for stroke victims today.

I'm an example, Jude. In 2009, when I had my stroke, I was partially paralyzed on my right side also although my speech was unaffected. I retained some ability to move although I could not lift my legs to, say, roll over in bed. It took about 3 months before I started to walk unassisted. I have other neurological problems so my current situation is more tied to those issues than the stroke although I do have some remaining symptoms from the '09 episode. I'm sure people here on the forum remember all my many typos while I was relearning how to type. :)

I'll add you both to my prayers and also Bob's physicians and care providers. Come here as often as you want/need to talk. Somebody's always around. This forum was such a help to me. I hope I can return some of that good karma in your direction.

/tricia

Jude, Like everyone else, I am very sorry to hear this about Bob. It sounds like he is in the best facility to get the care and treatment needed.

Thinking of you both and wishing Bob a full recovery.

~Ann

Jude, you have my prayers for a full recovery. It is one of the best places for Bob to be.

Illinois senator Mark Kirk suffered a massive stroke in early 2012. So severe that he had several surgeries and was thought never to recover BUT he is now back in Washington and even climbed the Senate steps. Patience, love, and not giving in to the naysayers kept him improving.

It is an unfamiliar road and has its bumps and blocks but he and you can navigate it. Ask for help when you need it, and celebrate all the small victories.

We are here to lend a shoulder.

Jude, I am so sorry to hear about Bob's stroke and the implications. I know Tricia is a shining example of how one can get through this. And just when things were looking up for Anna. Prayers and hugs to you as the care giver.

Oh dear, Jude, I'm so sorry to hear about Bob and you both will certainly be in my prayers.

I don't know a darned thing about rehab or good facilities or strokes in general, so I can't be of any use other than lending a shoulder and sending all the strong thoughts I can.

I do know that the things doctors do today are nothing short of miraculous, sometimes, so I'll be praying for a complete recovery for Bob and strength for you.

Annie

Jude, you and Bob are both in my prayers. I'll be pulling for his complete recovery.

Nancy

Jude,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's unfortunate circumstances. You are both in my thoughts.
Wishing you well,
Jo

Jude, I haven't checked in to the forum in a long time, but I stopped by today, and saw your post. I will definitely add you, Bob, your family and those helping you both through his rehab to my prayers.

Sending lots of strength and healing to both you and Bob, Jude.

Please keep us posted on his improvement and recovery.

Linda

Wow, I'm so sorry. You and DH have quite an adventure ahead of you.

You know we are sending good thoughts your way and wishing you that each day is better and better. You'll have a wonderful spring, summer and fall to enjoy together (winter, not so much!)

You all are so dear and I can't tell you how much it means to have your prayers and good wishes. I told Bob today that my CF friends were praying for him and he said"that's good but it would be nice to have them cooking for me".

He is improving, especialy his speech..Has some strenght in his leg but can't really move it on his own. The arm hasn't shown any improvement...YET, but we are hopeful. His attitude is very good and that's so important. He'll be doing intensive therapy starting tomorrow and lots of people say there'll be a big difference in the coming week. My girls have just been super. I don't know what I would have done without them.

Thank you ALL again. And, thank you for sharing your experiences.

jude

I just wish I were there, I'd cook for both of you, and your girls too.

I'm glad his speech is improving and his attitude is good and it seems that he hasn't lost his sense of humor either.

I'll be watching for updates, and praying for a quick and complete recovery.

Annie

Good luck with the road ahead, your news is positive.

Jude, my thoughts are with you both.

Sounds as if Bob is on the path to a full recovery given the progress he has shown in such short order! Good for him!

My niece had a massive stroke that left her paralyzed and unable to speak for months but with the fabulous work being done in the area of therapy she is now down hill skiing and maintaining an 80's average!

Watch yourself too. Make sure you get the rest and support you need .

Keep us posted

I'm glad he is getting good therapy and, with determination and plenty of time, I bet he recovers function. Are there lifestyle changes he needs to make as well?

Thanks for the update, Jude. I'm glad things are improving and hope it continues that way. I'm sure it will! A good attitude is half the battle won.

(((Jude and Mr. Jude))) I'm sorry to hear this. Thank you for letting us know and the update. My thoughts are with you both (and your family). Take care!

-Robin

Bob is improving gradually, for which we are soooo grateful! Therapy is helping him so much although it goes without saying that it wears him out. Today he was able to lift his leg several inches off the bed and his arm just a little. His speech has improvied quite a bit as well. Mentally, he seems to be very alert. His cognitive skills are pretty good. The doctor said today that he will probably be there at least 3 or 4 more weeks.

John, Bob is COPD in addition to the stroke and has already been on oxygen 24/7 for quite some time.. Add the fact that he is 81 years old as am I ('til Saturday, wink, wink) and it is a hard fought battle. Yes, there will be lifestyle changes as well, especially if he is not able to walk. We live in a split-level which will limit how much he can do if he cannot climb steps (only 6). Our bedrooms are all on the top level so I'm sure there will be modifications of some sort. We'll do whatever we have to in order to make it work. I shudder to think what it would take if we have to move. We've lived here 46 years and Bob has told me many times that I keep bringing "stuff" in and nothing ever goes out.LOL

Thanks again my friends.

jude

Jude, I'm happy that Bob is improving although it's a long process.

I'm sure there will have to be modifications to your house, maybe a lift, since there are only 6 steps. Luckily it's not a 3 story home or something.

That's the problem with Elery's house, which we are in the process of selling. The only full bathroom was upstairs on the second floor, so his father could not stay there, he couldn't get up and down the stairs to bathe, there was only a small half bath downstairs.

Or, perhaps, you have a room you could convert to a bedroom on the lower level?

Hugs to you, I'm sending lots of strong thoughts.

Annie

I hope it makes you laugh: I'm such a dolt, I thought you were traveling on a literal road with which you are unfamiliar. And as I read on, I was worried that Bob always drove it, so you couldn't get him where he needed. Today, I finally figured it out. Dummie me! Just for a grin. I hope. (((her and Bob)))

Jude, I'll keep you and Bob in my thoughts and prayers.

Sally

Rob, you are so funny and you always make me smile. Glad you got it all figured out!

Annie, I think my house and Elery's are probably a lot alike. We remodeled about 15 years ago and combined a very small den and a 1 car garage into a larger family room and made the bathroom larger with a jacuzzi which has been rarely used. When I broke my leg about a yearr later, we put a hospital bed in it for a while until I could negotiate the steps. (The bed was in the family room, not the bathroom.LOL)

Right now June 21st is the target date for his dismissal but that will all depends on how things go between now and then. In his speech therapy today part of what he did was match words and write down the answers and I was amazed at how well he wrote with his left hand. He even went from printing to cursive. He manipulates his fork like a veteran left-hander.

We are so very thankful for the progress he has made.

jude

Jude, I'm VERY glad to hear you have something to be thankful for. I know it's going to be tough on you but you seem okay with what's ahead. My HG has always said he dreads getting sick because I am a terrible nurse...he calls me Nurse Ratched from "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest".

This post was edited by mustangs on Thu, May 30, 13 at 10:37

Glad to hear of Bob's progress. It really is amazing how some people come back from strokes.

Cathy, I am an awful nurse, too. I never know what to do, plus I get cranky because I want to go so something else.

I also have a house that is not appropriate for old age. The only full bath is upstairs plus I stupidly put in a deep tub that is hard to step over. There is no shower stall. Guess I'll have to move to the old folks home when the time comes.

Wow, Jude....all good thoughts for you and Bob. Glad he is progressing!

(Looking at my fairly steep, owner-built-home stairs...)

Jude, I'm so sorry to hear this. But I am very heartened by all the progress he is making, and that he has kept his sense of humor!

Jude, glad to hear that Bob is doing so well.

~Ann

Jude, I can't imagine trying to do anything left handed, I'm so NOT ambidextrous. I did have to laugh thinking of your bed in the bathroom, though. Right next to the Jacuzzi, LOL.

Elery and I agreed when planning the house at the farm that the bathroom and bedrooms and kitchen and laundry would all be on the main level. No upstairs, and a walk out basement so access can be gained without negotiating any stairs at all. The upstairs bathroom will have a walk in shower stall with seats.

Funny how your house planning changes when you're doing it in your 50s and 60s instead of in your 20s or 30s and Elery's doc has already talked about a hip replacement with him and he's only 61.

I'm glad that there is somewhere Bob can have a bedroom downstairs, though, even if modifications are necessary. At least it can be done.

Hugs and prayers to you both, I'm happy to hear he's doing so much so soon, I can't help but think that's a good sign.

Annie

You are doing some good planning, Annie. I hope your birthday was eventful....I didn't realize we are almost twins!LOLOL

My birthday was uneventful and very nice, thanks. (grin)

Elery is the long term planner. My job is designing the barn. Well, with the exception of that shower. I never take baths, I like showers and I want one every day, so it's a walk in type shower for me.

See, it'll be all set up, you can come and visit!

Annie

I always forget to come over here and look! Jude, I'm glad to hear of Bob's progress, but sorry to hear of his stroke. I'll add you both to my prayers.

Tami

Just checking in wondering how things are going.

Yes, I'm here to check in too, I'm hoping Bob is going full tilt and back home.

Annie

Sorry I've been out of touch lately. Bob was moved from Patricia Neal to another rehab facility on Monday. He's doing really well. They're working on his walking, with help of course, and he's making progress on that. No use in his arm yet but he can lift it somewhat. He is working unbelievebly hard, very determined! I try to sit in on his therapy sessions as much as I can so I can see how he's doing. No word yet on how long he'll be there. Selfishly I hope for at least another 10 days at least.

We're doing major renovation on the downstairs bathroom, taking out a jacuzzi and making a 4x7 walk-in, all tile,shower, changing the sink to a wall mount and all that stuff. They started the demolition yesterday and basically gutted the entire room, including the floor. I don't enjoy making decisions about things that can't be changed, like tile, for instance and location of sink etc. when they offer me choices. How sad is that! I'll be going to the rehab before they start the jackhammer, digging up concrete.:-)

Again, as always, thanks for your concern.

jude

I forgot to add that he does really well on transferring from bed or chair to his wheelchair and he stands up very well,without help also, but of course can't go forward without help. How lucky we are!

j

Jude, glad to hear that Bob is coming along. You must be ready to explode from stress, between his condition and house renovations. Sounds like you are handling it as well as anyone could.

My neighbor had a stroke awhile back and now I see him out walking his dog. He has some balance problems, but otherwise has recovered very well.

Wishing you both well. Please continue with the updates. Hugs!

I think making permanent decisions in a stressful situation is hard too many things on your mind. Please don't be hard on yourself you are going through a lot. You said selfishly you would like him to stay at least 10 more days. But I don't think that is selfish at all realistic maybe due to construction and how it will work out. The longer he has therapy the better transition for him (and you). Love to hear how motivated he is that is truly something to be grateful for.

Still Praying
Cindy

Bob is still in my prayers too. I know the renovations are difficult, heck, it took me nearly 5 weeks to pick out paint for the dining room. Ashley said I was the only person she knew that would give themselves some kind of attack by painting the dining room beige, LOL.

That walk in shower is going to be nice, though, and Bob will appreciate it, I know.

I don't think wanting extra time is selfish either, with everything going on. It would be nice to have it all finished before he came home.

Annie

Annie, I can completely relate to your panic in paint selection.

Jude, I'm so happy to hear how well Bob is doing. I agree that it's not selfish to hope he stays 10 more days. It sounds completely practical to me. Renovations are messy, dusty, and loud - he doesn't need that, and neither do you.

We went with white tiles in our bathroom so that we could change the color of the rest of the room any time we wanted. White goes with almost everything.

(Edited to correct confusing spelling mistake.)
Sally

This post was edited by sally2 on Mon, Jul 1, 13 at 8:58