We think Ron, my husband, may have had a stroke Friday while I was at NH. He is now on a 30 minute watch - they wake him and move him every 30 minutes. His doctor is on vacation - the doctor on call was called and saw him Friday afternoon. Either that or he has had an acute allergic reaction to something? What it could be - we have no idea. There is also the possibility that he may have a mild bout of Bells Palsy. His vital signs are excellent and his oxygen levels are normal.
The left side of his face is either swollen or is drooping - only the next 24 hours will tell the tale. They sent me home because all I could do was watch him sleep. The doctor thought I would be better, if I kept busy and tried to enjoy time with the family that is in from out of town.
I am not that far away and can be there within just a few minutes if anything changes. He is on palliative care and they will not be moving him at this time.
Yesterday(Saturday) was a much better day - Ron spoke to me and smiled at me. Saturday was a great day for him - Friday was a very bad day. Saturday is the first time he has spoken to me in months. If he speaks at all it is a slight whisper that is almost impossible to hear. He seemed to be very much 'on' - not disconnected as is usual. He turned toward sound and tried to smile when others wore talking. He has not done this for a long time.
He has lost 27 pounds and is only eating about 50% of his meals. His face is still distorted and he is only smiling with half his face. The grip in his left hand is better - on Friday he couldn't hold anything and would not try to take of hold any ones hand.
Thanks you all for your thoughts and prayers.
I will write more updates as things change from day to day.
Dear Ruth, thoughts are with you, be strong for him and good to yourself. It sounds like he is in a serious condition indeed but how wonderful that he was able to speak and smile. A good thing to be able to remember.
Dear Ruth, unexpected concerns can be around any corner with AD. we all know we are on borrowed time with our loved ones as well. i am very happy you and ron had a good day saturday and hes making a rebound. smiling is all we can ask from them -its a good day for all when it happens. hope the improvement continues, stay in touch with updates- divvi
Ruth, I am glad he was better on Saturday. Our spice seem to take two steps backward, then come back one step forward. I know you will treasure that smile. I'm adding my prayers for you and Ron. ((((HUGS))))
Ruth I am so happy that you have seen something good come out of this. Keep those memories and know that prayers are being said for both you and your husband. Hope you both have a great evening......
Today (Monday)Ron is about 'normal' as he has been for the past few months - whatever normal is. I got home awhile ago. He was up, dressed, I fed him about half of his lunch, and he was about ready for a nap. He seems ok, much like he is most days. I got a couple of 'yes' answers from him and an 'ok'. He tried to smile at his nurse. Most of the distortion is gone from his face, and the grip in his left hand is strong. He is not as 'on' today as he was on Saturday - but Saturday' was an exception to anything I have seen for awhile. I will let you know when/if anything else changes.
Thank you again for all your thoughts, prayers, annd hugs - I will try to keep you updated if/when anything changes. I don't know where I would be today without the support of 'friends' like I have found on this web site.
Special thank's go to Joan for all the work she does, in addition to caringing for Sid, to make this space available to all of us.