Andy is home! Not cured by any means, but he’s not going to have the stent put in, at least for now. Two of his doctors had different ideas —as we understand it the surgeon says the problem is his left carotid artery had delaminated (split into layers) which means the blood flow isn’t smooth so blood clots can form and move into the brain. He wants to put in a stent.
The neurologist thinks, again as we understand it, the blood in the CT scans (we don’t know exactly where that blood is and what caused it, a bump on the head?) is irritating the brain and causing seizures with symptoms mimicking TIAs (little strokes that do no lasting damage). She prescribed anti-seizure medication for two weeks while the blood is absorbed.
Andy decided to go with the neurologist because it’s easy to test her theory. Take the medication for two weeks, see if it helps. He had another episode in the hospital this morning when he was taking a shower so they did another CT scan. It showed no difference from the one Sunday night, so they let him go and Beate drove and I went with her to pick him up. He had another small attack walking to the car, a more noticeable one in the supermarket on the way home (he had to hold on to the cart to walk). Then after dinner we walked the few blocks to pick up the Jeep at the hospital where it was left Sunday night and he was fine. But a few minutes ago he staggered for a short while again.
Needless to say, we’re trying to do some research on possible causes and treatment options. This is the first cluster of symptoms he has had — before he would have a brief one and then be fine for months. We expected the same this time, so something has changed. We will keep you posted.
Kaitlin in flying in Thursday afternoon and will leave Saturday. Needless to say we’re happy about that.
okay – good to hear – that at least for now, it’s gently goes on what should happen…and yep if the anti-seizure meds kick in and help, all good.
With K on site, instead at end of a phone…Kaitlin with surely also say/see and all that… and help you all understand what should or should not happen.
fingers crossed and gentle hugs to all who may need it…
I think it will be good for her to go up to the land with him just in case he has more attacks. They’re so unpredictable. And, of course, we’re always happy to see her! I think all four of them are coming for a few days at the end of the month. Fingers crossed it works out.
oh, I hadn’t thought about the “land” – but yes, if K is able to go with him, reassure him and you…put things to “bed” so to speak, so that the “land” can wait for his return…
and just having a forthcoming visit with the whole family – good for morale all round…
He went up this morning and Beate and Tim will visit to make sure he’s fine.
I’m sorry to hear that. It all sounds rather serious. I hope they can sort out exactly what the problem is and put it right.
Yes, it can be very serious, and on the whole we’re handling it well, which is the best one can do.
I’m glad you are waiting on the stent.
Sounds as though everything is very well thought out.
Hoping the meds will correct the situation
But I’m thrilled to read that Kaitlin is coming.
She is definitely the person to be with him, she won’t hesitate to take whatever action needs done.
And so nice to have her there for both of you.
You and Andy are in my thoughts and prayers.
xoxo
Love you!
Thank you. You will see in today’s post that the discharge instructions about the aspirin may not be well thought out.
all these comments have wonderful supportive thoughts.
know that you are in our every thought for only the best.
bless you my monk!
he is a strong man. and otherwise healthy in every respect!
not many can do what he has done and continually does up on ‘the land.’
XOXO
Thank you!
Good that Andy is back home and that you can be with him during this tense times and Kaitlin coming over is a bonus.
All the best to all of you.
Yes, things are well. 🙂
Tough times, Jean, but you and Andy are amazing people, and you are adapting well. My thoughts are with you. Not sure I could be as string.
Thank you. We will keep you posted.