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March 17, 2020 (
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jefferdle/journal/view/id/5e71443397cdffca7699ab6c)Journal entry by Christa Erdle — a minute ago
Dear Family and Friends,
On Sunday, March 15 Jeff suffered a stroke. He was in the kitchen and fell to his knees while gripping the kitchen sink. As I came around to help him it was clear he couldn't move properly. I asked him to smile and raise his arms to his sides and he couldn't lift his left arm out. I called 911 and they confirmed stroke and he was taken to the hospital.
In the midst of the chaos, a flurry of angels disguised as neighbors and friends descended on our home. They were Praying, sheparding our children, making fresh beds for incoming family, putting themselves at potential risk of COVID-19 by coming to the hospital and waiting with me while we waited to hear from doctors on his condition. While both sets of grandparents jumped in their cars immediately an rushed here to help.
Jeff stabilized quickly and we have been in ICU ever since. Each day so far has had its ups and downs as the subspecialists come and evaluate him. We feel a great deal of confidence in the staff here, Dr. Shy, the Critical Care doctor has been particularly helpful and most importantly, hopeful for Jeff's long term outcomes. Dr. Shy describes this as a very slow marathon, with good days and bad. Currently, Jeff has clear sensory and motor issues on the LEFT side of his body. The right side is totally normal. He has some movement in the left hand and he can feel a pinch on his left leg. He is answering questions, missing the kids, asking A LOT about work, but primarily he is sleeping which is what needs to happen for his currently bruised brain to heal.
We remain positive because he has remained relatively stable. Yesterday they added a new TPA medication to be a bit more aggressive in breaking up any clotted blood and help drain the pressure.
So like Dr. Shy said, this is a marathon. We humbly invite you to run it along side us as we take each day at a time, one hill at a time. Caring Bridge is a place where we can share updates on Jeff for our friends and family to stay up-to-date on Jeff's progress. It's a place for you to share your support too which we will certainly need in the weeks to come. Please feel free to share the site (I know I don't have everyone's emails!) with those you know want to join.
With much love,
Christa Erdle
