Stephanie took David to French Hospital in San Luis Obispo on Saturday because he was experiencing atrial fibrillation. French Hospital checked him in for observation. At 3 am on Sunday morning, he started experiencing weakness on the left side and they determined he was having a stroke. They life flighted him to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara.
The doctors at Cottage Hospital determined he had a massive stroke. They immediately found and removed a large blood clot on the right side of his brain. The right brain controls the left side of our body. The doctors and nurses said it will be a life changing stroke, and David will have effects on the left side of his body.
He has been intubated since the stroke so the brain can rest, heal, and limit stimuli, which is typical procedure. The doctors want to take things slow and keep him intubated and sedated until there is no swelling in the brain. Right now, we just have to wait.
Stephanie has been by his side the entire time and is seeing small signs of improvement. He knows he has visitors and likes to hold and squeeze your hand. He also likes foot rubs. His lungs look good and there are no clots in his legs which are all good signs.
Claire, a dear and amazing friend drove Stephanie to Santa Barbara on Sunday morning and stayed with her and David until today. Claire and David have lots of inside jokes (imagine that) and she was able to get a reaction from him. Jody, Matt, Jeff, Hannah, and Cynthia arrived today to relieve Claire. It was a tough visit but David responded to each of them by squeezing their hands and opening his eyes. It was a small victory!
It’s going to be a long journey but he couldn’t be in a better place. The doctors and nurses at Cottage Hospital have been incredible and really like David (who doesn’t). Hannah's answering David’s phone and nobody knew how many friends he really has! We are staying positive and taking it a day at a time. With David’s determination, spunk, and sense of humor, we know he's going to do well. Thank you for all of your love and support. Please keep David in your thoughts and prayers.
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