April 18, 2025

So we are a full week now since Mike’s stroke.

Mike had a restless night. Didn’t sleep at all. He’s experiencing hospital delirium. It’s common with some patients in his condition. As I and his kids have experienced when we visit, he will talk about going upstairs to lay down or asking for his pants that he just put on. He was telling the nurse last night he needed to go to GA for his son’s graduation.

He is completely oriented and aware on every neuro check and that’s really the best measure that cognitively, he’s ok. As we’ve also seen when we visit, he will talk about current projects he was working on or make comments and jokes that are witty and relevant to the topic of conversation. He’s got a lot on his mind as he told me a couple days ago. And he sure does.

So pain wasn’t the issue keeping him up. They may be able to give him a sleeping pill tonight. 

PT didn’t see him yesterday but they should be in today. They do 5 days out of 7 for PT. 

His labs came back perfect.

Hoping to get discharge info today. He needs out of that place!!! Laying in that bed is not doing him any good. He’s a worker and it’s time to get to work in rehab! 

He does try to get out of bed at least once a day and wants me to help him. He insists he can do it. I always tell him I know you can do it but let’s wait a bit til you’re stronger and he will lay back down. 💕

Evening Update

Mike got peaceful and restful deep sleep most of the day. He reports no excessive pain. The meds are covering him and the muscle relaxer is making a big difference.  Seeing him resting and not in pain is so comforting and so good for my soul. 

God is good 🙏

PT had to wake him up but at that point, he’d had some good rest. He did well even though a bit groggy. They saw and felt some muscle activation. Taught us both some exercises for him to do and showed me how to help stretch his left leg and hand a bit to avoid things getting too tight. 

The neurologist was very happy with everything today and said as long as the next 24 hours stays stable, they will aggressively pursue discharge planning to Sunnyview. That most likely will start to happen Monday but one of the team members told me he will try to get a jumpstart today on paperwork since we are heading in the right direction.

I was able to get approved to be off Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. I feel it’s critical to be here. Mike needs the emotional support more than anything. He rests easier when I’m here. 

He ate a lot more this evening after waking up from his slumber.  Speech came this morning and evaluated him and approved regular liquids and bite size pieces of food. No more thickened liquids or mushy gelatin like food. He had a good meal and I got him a KitKat and some Coca-Cola and that put a smile on his face. 

We had some tears tonight. Things are hitting him. I consoled him and he is resting now. It’s so hard but I assured him we will get through this. 

I’m going to head home a little early. It looks like he will get more rest now and I’m going to take everyone’s advice and go rest as well. 

Keep those prayers coming. 🙏🙏 Mike says thank you 💕