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Susie’s Story

Site created on August 14, 2022

I will start by saying thank you to everyone for the thoughts, prayers and kind words. It has definitely not gone unnoticed. We will be trying to use this page to update everyone on what has been going on with Susie and her progress towards recovery.

On Saturday morning, as many of you know, Susie was preparing for another fun weekend of Gunder Cheesefest activities. She began not feeling well and decided that she would run home for a while. She was not there long before she realized that something was not feeling right and called Clete and asked him to send someone to check on her, but to continue cooking for Cheesefest! We are so very grateful that she called for help when she did and some amazing people not only came to her aide, but knew what signs to look for, and to call 911. She was taken by ambulance to Gundersen Lutheran in West Union and then airlifted to LaCrosse for what we now know was a hemorrhagic stroke. This means that a brain bleed is what caused the damage to her brain. At this time there is nothing conclusive that we know of that caused the bleed to begin with. The stroke occurred in the left side of her brain, so this is causing weakness in the right side of her body and is also making communication difficult. She was initially monitored on the neurology floor, then moved to ICU for further/more close monitoring of her symptoms and then today (Sunday) was able to return to the neurology floor once again.

Some good things that we saw throughout the day Sunday: Susie was more alert and comfortable. She definitely is aware of her loved ones and can recognize them when they come into her room. Although communication is still a struggle, she was able to say "water" or "fan" to ask for what she wants, repeat words back to the nurses and seems aware of what is going on. Clete called and updated that she was able to eat a little tonight which is great! She was also able to get up in the chair with the use of a mechanical lift to help her.

At this time Susie is still very tired and rests frequently throughout the day, but I am sure with tomorrow being Monday they will come in with Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy and Occupational therapy which will help to further assess what she is able to do.

Thank you again for all of your thoughts and we will try to update again tomorrow with how things are progressing.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Sheena Bouzek — Sep 25, 2022

Another good update post for mom!
Corey, Dustin and I were able to visit mom over the weekend with all the grandkids too! She also had a nice visit from Clete's cousins from out of town. She is continuing to practice her walking and exercise her right arm. She said the other day she was able to move her thumb, so I believe that's a good sign! Her speech has improved immensely and I'm extremely grateful and love having conversations with her. Hopefully soon we will be able to talk daily on the phone like we use to. She still tires easily, but that's to be expected. She is the determination to get better and to get back to her sewing and her cricut work!
Thank you everyone for keeping her in your prayers!

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