StrokeSurvivorBlog

There has been another new development in Steve’s health. He had another seizure yesterday morning (2/2/09). This one was milder than the first one, but he fell off a chair in the bathroom, hit his head on the wall and landed on the floor. I heard the noise from the other room and ran to see what was wrong. It wasn’t as scary this time because I knew what was happening. I was able to get him stretched out and put his head back. He bit his tongue again even though I wedged a towel between his teeth so he wouldn’t bite down on it so hard. It lasted only 5-6 minutes compared to the first one that lasted about 20 minutes. I didn’t feel it was necessary to call the doctor or take him to the hospital this time. We had an appt. already scheduled with a neurologist for today, so I felt it could wait. I called our daughter Pam and she came over within 10 minutes and helped me get him off the floor and into bed. He could walk but was wobbly. A few hours later he came downstairs.

The neurologist said Steve must take an anti-seizure medication, because the frequency of the seizures will increase. He explained the cause of a seizure as an electrical spark in the scar tissue of the brain (which is like a barn full of hay). That spark sets off the seizure, and the spark may happen at any time. The only warning Steve had was that his head felt like it was swimming and he was dizzy. Our concern is that he could fall and get hurt. The doctor is reviewing his medical history and will let us know which med might work better for him.

We also got the results from the Holter monitor measuring the atrial fibrillation.The electrophysiologist said it is well-controlled so there is no need to do anything at this point. Although he wanted Steve to take the Coumadin to keep the blood from clotting to prevent another stroke. But with the addition of a new anti-seizure med, we will have to wait before starting another new drug so we can monitor any side effects.

Steve is doing as well as can be expected, and feels a little fatigued.

Please pray
-for his strength to return
-that God will give us wisdom to make the right decisions
-that He will grant us a revelation of the knowledge of His will
-and that we will surrender to it.

Thank you for remembering us in your prayers.

Love, Steve and Kathy