Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place.
Ronald (Ron) suffered a massive Hemorrhagic Stroke at his vacation home Monday morning October 24th, 2016 approximately 7am Florida time, in the Villages in Lady Lake, Florida.
Ron was LifeFlighted to Orlando Regional Medical Center where he is currently in the Level 1 Intensive Care Unit. Strokes of this seriousness account for only 13% of all cases. You can read more about it by clicking the link below.
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/TypesofStroke/HemorrhagicBleeds/Hemorrhagic-Strokes-Bleeds_UCM_310940_Article.jsp#.WBEXrS0rLIU The most important factor for us all at this point, especially after reading all about this type of stroke is that he is made it to the
hospital and is alive! That alone is a miracle and while the road for recovery ahead of us is undeterminable at this time; we are all so thankful
that we even have a road to contemplate.
The stroke has caused paralysis on the left side of his body. The bleeding and swelling in his brain is causing constant headaches
which has been the most troubling for Ron. The priority medically is to allow the brain to heal and manage his symptoms. Most importantly monitoring blood pressure and sodium levels, keeping stimulation to a minimum – including keeping blinds closed, keeping visits short, and minimizing pain from the pressure from his brain.
Ron had an initial CT scan when he arrived at the hospital and they did another one this yesterday. The CT scan showed an increase in bleeding and swelling; which they said is to be expected in the first 72 hours. As with most brain traumas, the first 72 hours are the most critical. He also had a swallow test which he passed and has allowed him to have fluid, although they have to be thickened to the consistency of yogurt to reduce chances of aspiration.
Ron is able to communicate with the nurses and family members. His memory, thinking and thought processes appear to be clear and logical for the most part. This gives us much hope for his recovery.
Nancy (mom) is handling this better than anyone could have even hoped or prayed for – as we all know, she is a tough cookie! She is spending most of her time attending to my dad and is trying to respond as much as she can to all of the people reaching out to share their compassion and concern with her. This site will help share that information so that she can focus on the most important of priorities right now, Ron’s recovery.
Thankfully, Nancy’s brother Bob (Jackie) DeJanes lives minutes away and was able to rush Nancy to the hospital as she was unable to be
her husband during the unimaginable flight. There are other family members in the area that have also been able to visit as well from the east coast of Florida.
We appreciate all of the thoughts, prayers and concerns shared over the past 72 hours.
It means so much to all. There are many unknown factors at this point; which is the main reason for starting this site
in order to keep all concerned updated.
We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
