Olla Rae Chicola the matriarch if the Chicola Family had a stroke sometime Sunday evening September 17. She was discovered at her home unconscious on Monday September 18. She was brought to the ER at Rapides Medical Center. She went there because her internist Dr. Renois practices there. She had an embolism ( clot) obstruction with some bleeding. It was in the left temporal and parietal lobes which affects speech and language.
She was moved from the ER after she stabilized into the ICU. As she improved she was moved to the Stroke unit – Room 407 where she is today 10-2-17. She has made steady improvement. She had a stomach tube put in today. This is how she will get nutrition and medicine. She did very well in the procedure. Dr. Meyer Kaplan was the surgeon.
She has had excellent care in the Stroke Unit. The nurses and techs have been very caring,, attentive and competent in her care. Dr. Renois has been our guardian angel through this process.
The family appreciates all of the prayers and support that we have received. It has been wonderful and I feel certain your efforts have contributed to her recovery.
We are not sure how long she will remain in the hospital. She will go from here to a skilled nursing facility when it is appropriate. I want to especially thank members of our extended family for their help—Leecie Kennedy, Carolyn Richard and Teal Fresh, Dr. Brytt Eldridge and advice from Dr. Babson Fresh. Olla Rae’s Grandchildren—Lindsey Chicola, Kimberly Noel and Madelyn Chicola have been a blessing to us taking care of things that we need. Many others have visited. Sharon Chicola has been there when we needed things done. Sister in laws Laura and Kay have visited and offered comfort. Many of the priests and Eucharistic ministers have offered prayers at her bedside. We are all on Team Olla Rae. The family is forever grateful.
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