Good morning friends!
I'm so sorry I haven't been able to update you here. I would bring my laptop to the hospital but could hardly open it as I was caring for Russ. After 14 days in ICU he was finally brought to a regular room on Tuesday. It was quite the celebration. He stayed in ICU because of the medications they were giving him to raise his blood pressure. Because Russ is a healthy young man, he maintains a healthy heart rate around 60 and his blood pressure on the low side of 100/60. The doctor wanted to increase both so it could perfuse the brain more. They had a terrible time decreasing these medications becasue when Russ would relax or sleep his blood pressure would drop to 85/40. Yikes.
Finally, they were able to wean him off and he was ready to move. He had another CT scan on Tuesday morning and while the clot is still in the carotid artery, it has decreased greatly. He continues to be on blood thinners to continue to dissolve the clot as well as increase the flow in that artery. His Dr said that the he can see other blood vessels helping to perfuse the area in his brain where the stroke occured. Praise God!
We see little improvements in Russ right side daily. He still cannot move his right arm. His right leg he can lift off the bed but really struggles to bend the knee. Physical Therapy has been seeing him daily and even walking Russ with a walker. He made a trip around the ICU before leaving. Every nurse in the unit would stop and cheer Russ on. It was the coolest thing to see their encouragement. It made Russ smile and give his famous smirk.
His speech improves daily. You can barely notice the droop on the right side of his face. I find it's only noticable when he is very tired. It's the same thing for his speech. If he is really tired he has a much harder time getting his words out. He has speech therapy everyday as well and he does it on his own to practice. This is when Russ and I start belly laughing together. Thank God he has the best sense of humor becasue the speech therapy is very funny. Hearing him say "tasty tomatoe" 10 times fast would make anyone laugh. He still struggles at times with finding the right words to use when he is talking but most of the time it all comes out correctly.
Yesterday they transferred Russ to the local Rehab Institute in our area. It's at a different hospital and ironically my old nursing stopping grounds. This is the hospital that Russ proposed to me. This rehab has an excellent reputation and Russ has been forwarned it will be like a bootcamp for him. He is SO SO ready!!
The kids are doing great. Alexis had a tearful moment this past Sunday. I think being with family during the holiday and then coming back to a quite home without daddy was a bit of a shock again. She just wants daddy home for Christmas. The kids have so many questions that I don't know how to answer. I tell each of them this is in God's hands. We have to have faith that Russ is going to improve everyday.
As for me…. I'm like a robot. I just keep going. I feel like an octupus many days. I want to be in all places at once. I don't want to leave Russ at all but I have my kids that need to see mom too. I'm trying hard to continue to keep their schedule as normal as possible. If it wasn't for my family helping me this would not be possible. I ask that you pray for my parents as I know I'm running them to death too. They have been so so so supportive with the kids. They have been the shoulder to cry on, the ones that take the kids to activities and seeing Russ in between all of this. We are here for a reason.
My brother has been a saint to me. He is currently on terminal leave from the Navy as he gets ready to retire on 13 December. During his "break" he has been the one to keep up with our Saltwater Tank and keep it in tip top shape for Russ. He has also helped finish work around our home that Russ and I were working on. Shane said he wants Russ to come home and not worry. My family is amazing. We are forever grateful.
Our mailbox has been overflowing with fan mail for Russ. He cannot believe all the love and support coming his way. It gives Russ so much encouragement and helps in his recovery. He is determined. He has the best attitude and clearly motivated to fight the fight. This is Russ. He is a fighter.
We can't thank you enough for your continued prayers and support. We thank you so much. We feel your love and support every single day.
XOXOXO
15 thoughts on “Making Progress”
Kimberly, I haven't been looking at your blog for ages and just decided to visit it this morning. I am so, so sorry about what happened to Russ and what all of you are going through. Praise God, Praise God that Russ is responding to treatment! I guess it was all in the plan to have you move back close to your family. I will be keeping you and your dear family in prayer.
So glad to hear that Russ is continuing to improve. Take care of yourself too….Praying for a full recovery. Michelle
I recently went through a critical illness with my husband. When you said you felt like a robot, I thought that is exactly how I felt. Please remember to take care of yourself. That is so important. You are not being selfish. You need time for revival. Put your faith in the Father and he will sustain you. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Nancy Powell
SO,SO glad to hear of positive progress for Russ! Still in my thoughts & prayers.
Kimberly,
Just want you to know that I'm praying for all of you. I know you don't know me but I'm also a stampin up demonstrator and a military wife and have felt a connection with you ever since I ran across your blog. Praying for a speedy recovery for Russ and peace and strength for you.
I've been a silent stalker of your blog for some time now but reading your post today, I just wanted to reach out and wish you and your family well. It seems you have had a big year, some good, some just busy and now, not so good. It sounds like you have an amazing family around you to support you during this difficult time and I'm sure they are a great comfort to you. I hope each day brings you a little more progress than the day before. Hang in there 🙂
Hi Kimberly, it's so great to hear of Russ' excellent progress! I have been thinking about you and praying for your family. You have so much going for you during this challenging time; I'm still so amazed that God put you back in FL before all this happened! What a positive sign that all will work out for you, Russ, and the kids! I hope you continue to find the strength to be the best cheerleader, caretaker, and mommy that you always are, and that all of this will just be a memory before too long. Thank you for the update!
Glad Russ is doing better. It will take time, but he will improve. God works in mysterious ways and your faith on him will get you thru this. The best to you and your family. tell your mom hello for me. I sure do miss her since I moved to Jacksonville.
Angie Solis
So glad Russ is doing better! Praying for his continued progress and strength for you and your family! Xoxo
Absolutely wonderful to get your update on Russ and the whole family. Congrats on moving out of ICU and then to rehab ~ so ironic that is where you worked & Russ proposed! That makes it a special place where only the best will happen. Just take it day by day, moment by moment. Chin up and my best to Russ and your whole family. I truly believe that God had a plan when he moved you all "back home". You're a team, and you WILL WIN!! I'll continue to keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers.
Echoing the other comments…continuing to send best healing and strength and best all around wishes and prayers for you all!
Sooooo happy that clot is dissolving! This is wonderful news – you need to be there for him and cut yourself a little bit of slack. You have been there for your kids from day one and you have raised them to be smart, resourceful little people. This whole thing has certainly rocked their world as well as yours but they are strong like their mama and daddy and they will get through this. Just breaks my heart to hear about Lexi's sadness…love you all with my whole heart.
Continued thoughts and prayers go out to all in your family. It's good to hear of Russ's progress. When my mother had a major stroke I worked hours with her beyond what the therapists did and they said it made all the difference in the world to her recovery. It takes a lot of time and energy for everyone. It's a long, hard road but I know you will all be fine! Thanks so much for the update.
I wish you health, happiness, peace and serenity. Know you are loved.
Jenny
Best wishes for your husband to get better, stay strong, your love for each other and family will get you through this tough times. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Maria A. Rodriguez, from Crown Point, IN. USA.
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