Steve Bastian Steve Bastian

On Sunday morning, Dec 17th, Connor found his dad, Steve, unresponsive and collapsed on the floor in the living room at the base of a couch.

He was rushed to St. Vincents by ambulance where they started running tests to determine what had happened. 
He has been diagnosed with having a major stroke involving the left hemisphere of his brain.  At this time the working diagnosis is that a blood clot from his leg, traversed his heart, to one of the major arteries supplying the left side of his brain.  It is still being evaluated how this could have happened, because in order for this to happen, he has to have a hole in his heart.  If he doesn't have a hole in his heart, and the origin of the clot was his leg.....he would have had a pulmonary embolus, which would have probably taken his life.  
After Steve was stablilized and evaluated with CT scans, he was intubated and given medication to sedate him.  Subsequent CT scans confirmed increased intracranial pressure secondary to swelling of the brain (a common occurance in this situation) and consequently last night at 7:30 he underwent a craniotomy to relieve the pressure.   Since a piece of his skull was removed, he was placed in a protective helmet.  He will remain in this for 6-8 weeks until the piece of bone can be replaced.
Presently Steve's heart is being evaluated to determine if there is a passage that would allow this to happen.  If he does not have that passage then it probably means that the origin of the clot is from elsewhere.  
This morning Steve showed some encouraging signs by a response when prompted.  For example he opened his eyes, opened and closed his fist, raised his left arm in the air, gave a thumbs up, and moved his toes on the unaffected side (the left side). 
Connor and Claire are being cared for by great friends and were given age appropriate information on his current condition.  Needless to say Joanna's world has been rocked, and she is in survival mode.   More than anything they could all use your prayers and positive thoughts.  At this time they are asking for no visitors.  Right now Joanna is not in a position to field questions, but would love to get encouraging messages of support. In fact Caringbridge is a great place to do that.   
We will do our best to keep everyone updated as soon as possible. 

As I know you all agree, Steve is one of the most special guys around.  He is loving, kind, and so genuine.  He has an infectious laugh.   He is a great dad, husband, son, and friend.  There is no doubt he is so loved and respected.  Please continue to pray (or send positive directed energy) for healing for Steve, and for supernatural comfort and peace for Joanna.