Early this morning, I felt it was going to be a bad or hard day. As time as gone on, it is quiet, and not difficult at all.
I believe that Jim has had a mild stroke. About two weeks ago, he complained that his leg was numb, and he was dragging it when he tried to walk. We questioned him but found no noticeable reason.
Now, two weeks later, he cant walk at all without using his walking stick, which I traded out yesterday for a walker. It steadies him better and he can lean on it more than the walking stick. He is sleeping 100 x's more than he ever has in his life; it is 11:25 am and he is still in bed. He slurs his speech and has trouble realizing what is going on around him. The speech and inability to walk on his own, made me think of a stroke. Thankfully we go to his heart doctor tomorrow and we are hoping he can give us some answers.
Jim says it is the pain in his back that is affecting him. I am sure that is a big part, but the weakness in his legs, the speech, the sleep, etc. are something else.
Jim had a bad wreck about 7 years ago, and then the back surgery and he has gone downhill since then. The surgery did not work, and actually has made his pain worse. The last CT scan he had shows the surgical area is intact, but he has severe arthritis above and below the site. Also, depression has set in due to his selling his company. This is a 81 year old man who has been "a tough old guy" all of his life. He has travelled, hunted, owned his own construction company and worked, enjoyed life in so many ways, and now, to him, he has nothing left.
I have to be easy in suggesting this or that and if you knew him, you would understand. I am telling my blog friends all this because if I disappear for a day now and then, you will know ahead of time, what is going on and what I may be doing.
I only have one request. I ask you to pray for Jim that God's will be done, and for me and my children as we care for him during this time. I believe in prayer.
Linda, I am just glad you are going to the doctor tomorrow. You might ask the doctor if Jim could have NPH which is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.
ReplyDelete"The parts of the brain most often affected in NPH are those that control the legs, the bladder, and the "cognitive" mental processes such as memory, reasoning, problem solving, and speaking."
This is a condition that is easily corrected with amazing results. I sure hope it is something like that for Jim.
I will keep you both in my prayers.
Thank you so much for your reply, and I will definitely ask the dr. about that.
DeleteJim is blessed to have you there, and that you are a retired nurse, as well as knowing him so well, makes you more aware of his health - both mental and physical. I'm sure you are right about the stroke. Sure sounds like all the symptoms we hear about all the time. I'm so sorry he has to go through this, and that you and the kids will be dealing with it too. He (and you) will be in my prayers, so count on that! If you aren't here, you know I will be worrying about you, but I also understand. Love & hugs!
ReplyDeleteI love and appreciate your friendship so much. Thank you for being there.
DeletePrayers for you and Jim during this difficult time. Bless your heart!
ReplyDeleteSeems you and I have a lot in common these days doesn't it? I will pray for you and yours and thank you for praying for us too.
DeleteSo glad that you are see a doc tomorrow. Prayers that you receive answers.
ReplyDeletePrayers coming your way for your husband, you and your family. I pray you also get some much needed answers tomorrow at the doctor as well for your husband.
ReplyDeletePraying for Jim and all of you.
ReplyDeleteLinda I am so sorry you and Jim are going through this. I am praying that Jim did not have a stroke and I am also praying that God's will be done. The power of prayer is an amazing thing!
ReplyDelete