Carl Larson

Hey Everyone and welcome to our CaringBridge website. We (myself, Carl and the kids)  are using this website to keep family and friends updated in one place about Carl's recent stroke. We covet your prayers and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.


Carl's journey started on Monday,  Feb. 18, 2019. Carl woke me  with strange noises from his c-pap machine, that I almost dismissed as him sleepwalking. He seemed restless and grumpy, (and those that know him, know he is NOT a grumpy guy) I then realized something was very wrong.  I quickly called 911 and paramedics arrived within 6 minutes of my call! He was taken to Lake Norman Regional Medical Center where it was determined he had a stroke, later to be diagnosed as a thrombotic (where a blood clot, thrombosis, forms inside the brains arteries. This then blocks blood flow to a part of the brain causing brain cells to stop functioning and die) stroke. Because of the unknown start time of the stroke he was not a candidate for tPA(tissue plasminogen activator-clot clearing drug).  After a couple quick scans they rushed Carl via helicopter to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center where they performed another scan and found 3 clots. It was determined that Carl needed a  Thrombectomy and right away. They were able to remove one large clot, but the 2 small clots were too far away to be reached-he was given a dose of heparin to help dissolve these 2 remaining clots. He was then transferred to the Neuroscience ICU where he remained for several days. While in the Neuro  ICU he struggled to maintain a high enough blood pressure to aid in the pro fusing of blood past the clots.  After only 3 days in the ICU it was determined that his neuro exams were not improving with the blood pressure medication and it was more dangerous to continue that treatment. Since he no longer needed the blood pressure meds or arterial line to monitor his blood pressure so he was moved to a step down care unit. He has slight ankle weakness and Expressive Aphasia-inability to use right words when talking and sometimes writing. He knows what he wants to say, but can't get out the right word. 

God has been with Carl every step of this journey, from speedy paramedic care, amazing EMTs, caring nurses, quick to react doctors, and truly out of this world family & friends to pray for him and love on him.  In just a few days we have seen Carl go from being almost unresponsive to saying and writing  his name, birthdate, and writes his address. He shows no real sign of right side weakness, he's walking the halls and talking in small conversations!  Praise God! Now his real journey begins.....recovery! He is making great improvement every day and we give God all the glory!