Margot Shellenbarger

On Wednesday, February 28, Mom had a stroke on her right internal capsule.  Unfortunately Dad had just left for a trip to deliver a motorhome in Canada that day and it must have happened soon after he left.  Luckily they make a point to talk every evening when Dad is gone so that Mom knows he is ok and vise versa.   When Dad tried to call that Wednesday evening and could not get in touch with Mom, he became concerned.  He called Tifany and she drove out to the house to check on Mom.   She immediately knew that Mom had a stroke given the way she was speaking and the fact that she was having trouble moving.  Mom was rushed by ambulance to the local Montevideo hospital. It became apparent quickly that she needed additional medical attention and she was transported to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale.  Luckily this is a wonderful hospital for stroke patients.  Mom underwent surgery Thursday morning. The doctor who performed the surgery was amazed at the size of the clot he removed. He also indicated that the type of procedure they performed would not have been possible just a few months before.  

Mom has undergone a lot in these short few days but despite all of this, her love for talking has never waivered.   Her speaking has improved each day and while she has very little feeling or movement on her left side, that is also improving every day.

North Memorial has a great acute rehab unit for stroke victims and Mom was strong enough to be able to be accepted into this intensive program.  It is a lot of hard work and involves 3 hours of therapy each day, including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy.  Her first day of rehab was yesterday, March 6.    We figured she would be wiped out after this but Dad said she was very alert and happy when he saw her after therapy. Of course, that was the first day she was able to wear something other than a hospital robe so I am sure that in itself made her feel better!  

Mom has some amazing doctors, nurses and therapists working with her so we have no doubt she will continue to improve in the days ahead.  

We would like to thank all of you for expressing your concern and sending your prayers to my Mom!  They definitely are working!