Hugh Riddle

So many people care about Hughie, far too many for me to update individually.  With Charlie's help, we are setting up this page to keep everyone informed.



After developing some mild but noticeable symptoms, Hughie went to a few doctors and was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis due to bicuspid valve. This appears to be a congenital defect that just recently started to get noticeable.  After consulting with numerous doctors and specialists, it was decided that an aortic valve replacement was necessary.  On Tuesday, June 14, Hughie came to UVa for open heart surgery was necessary to correct the problem.  The procedure was a success and Hughie was well on his way to recovery.



On Saturday, June 18, 2016 while still at UVa hospital, Hughie experienced a severe embolic stroke on the left side of his brain.  Due to quick recognition by his nurses and the Stroke Response Team, the clot was successfully removed.  He was taken to the Nerancy Neuro Intensive Care Unit (NNICU).  Several hours later, the NNICU staff noticed an additional change in Hughie's condition.  Additional testing showed he now had a second clot, this time on the right side of the brain.  The Stroke Response Team again was able to remove the clot from the right side.  Hughie remained in NNICU, in a state of unconsciousness for nearly 2 days  He finally started to respond and since then has been making steady progress.



On Tuesday, June 21, 2016, Hughie was moved out of intensive care.  He currently has very limited movement on the left side of his body.  His speech is very labored and weak.  He also is unable to swallow properly and to avoid aspiration, he still has a feeding tube.



His doctors are amazed at his progress and are optimistic on his long term prognosis.



He is unable to talk on the phone.



We will provide updates as he continues his long road to recovery.