Hi everyone! This is Mike. First of all, my heartfelt thanks to all who are holding up our precious Patti before the Lord and to all those who have come to our side with such love, support, encouragement, and help. We have needed it!!!!
Patti suffered a stroke Friday night, November 4th at around 8:35 PM. At the time I was travelling to Washington D.C. and was spending the weekend with Todd (New son-in-law) and Paige. Patti was in our living room just finishing dinner when the event occurred. Unfortunately, it wasn't until Saturday morning that we realized there was a problem and sent a neighbor to check. (This is a hard story to hear, but I believe God's plan was evident.) She was rushed to the hospital, St. Francis Medical Center, Monroe, LA. Paige, Todd and I headed for the airport. Mike and Morgan (Daughter-in-law) and Aidan (Favorite Grandson) headed over from Ft. Worth. Stephen left school (LSU - Baton Rouge) immediately to be at his Mom's side as did Abbey, Nick (Son-in law) and Cadence (Favorite Granddaughter) - Abbey from work in Bossier City and Nick from work in Ruston.
Patti was conscious and responsive when the emergency crew arrived. Her vital signs were stable and have remained so throughout. The initial result of the stroke was paralysis on the right side and loss of speech. It was obvious from the beginning that Patti recognized everyone and was aware of what was going on. Our wonderful friends from our church LIFE group were the first ones to the hospital and immediately started the work of intercession, not only with our Father, but with the doctors as well. What has happened since then is a considerable string of events and miracles as follows:
1. Patti was supposed to travel on Saturday morning to Dallas for a Believercise reunion. Thank the Lord this didn't happen while she was in the car or some other location in the house such as bathtub or stairs where we might have lost her completely. God graciously preserved her life.
2. We were told that most stroke victims experience worsening of their condition on days 2 and 3. Patti stabilized immediately and actually improved on days 2 and 3.
3. On day two she laughed and cried, huge signs of wholeness.
4. Also on day 2 the neurologist told us that she hears everything we say, but doesn't understand anything due to vocabulary loss. Patti thinks the guy is a quack!!
5. All of the initial CAT scans and MRI showed that from the brain down, Patti is in perfect health. All of her arteries and organs showed completely clear. This is baffling to the doctors as they are unable to find what appears to be a cause for the event. However, this also important for Patti's recovery as healthy people recover faster. We also have less to worry about as a recurrence is less likely as well.
6. On Sunday night a group of men from our church, First Baptist West Monroe, prayed over me. Billy Foster, one of my dearest friends annointed me with oil, both my head and my hands, to pray for Patti. Right after that Mike, Paige, Abbey and Stephen went into Patti with me as we laid hands on her, annointed her with oil and prayed the prayer of faith in agreement over her. On Monday morning the doctors replaced her nasal tube with what is called a central line that is inserted in the right clavicle area and is used for nutrition, medication and to draw blood if needed. As a result, Monday night she began resting much more deeply and comfortably.
7. Also on Monday she was taken for a follow-up MRI. When the results were in, the doctor was practically beside himself to get the info to us. The results looked at the two main areas of the brain, what the doctor described as white matter - the deep part of the brain that controls motor functions and the gray matter - the stuff we're all a little short of. The scan showed the white matter suffered absolutely minimal damage. Well under 5%. This is a good indicator of Patti's ability to recover. The gray matter was worse off but, as he put it, we can stand to lose some of that. It may cost us a couple of IQ points, but everything there can be restored or re-directed. Praise God, Patti was preserved in a special way. The scan also showed significant re-introduction of blood flow to the brain -- more than would normally be expected.
8. On Tuesday Patti finally began receiving nutrition through the central line and the results were dramatic. Her eyes returned to their normal bright green. Her physical therapy sessions immediately began to be more productive. She began showing great improvement in her hand/eye coordination and in her strength to sit up, stand up and balance.
Here is a summary of her current condition:
She is still paralyzed on her right side but is able to wiggle her toes some and can squeeze with her right hand at times. (Miracle) She recognizes everyone, remembers everything and her sense of humor is completely intact. (Miracle) She is on solid food and will be in a regular room by this afternoon (details later). She is leaving ICU in six days which is half the time the doctors expected. (Miracle) She is progressing in speaking and writing, albeit slowly, but she is adding words daily. (Miracle) She looks great and her facial expressions are very animated, as always.
Specific prayer requests.
Please pray for the following:
1. A get up and walk out miracle.
2. That the doctors would get a revelation about the cause so that preventative treatment will be accurate and effective.
3. That Patti will remain strong and encouraged as she goes through the emotional ups and downs she will experience.
4. Sustained strength for family and friends as we support and encourage Patti.
A couple of tips for visitors:
1. The conversations will be one way for a while. Patti will really enjoy hearing what's going on in your life and any funny stories you have will really help lift her spirits.
2. She tires easily so please stay long enough to make the time meaningful, but be sensitive to her needs.
3. She may cry sometimes when she sees you. If so, don't let it worry you. It's good for her. Just love on her and encourage her the best you can.
4. Avoid phrases like "I'm so sorry this has happened to you." and "We were so worried about you."
5. If you are shy about visiting or concerned about the best time just call me, Mike, at 832-423-3426.
For those of you visiting from a distance:
1. Use the blog as often as possible or convenient, but....
2. Please don't forget to send cards, letters or e-mails. Patti loves to read them and have them read to her. Also, we want to decorate her room.
3. If you have a special message you want to deliver by phone, just give me a call and we'll get you on with Patti when we can. She enjoys hearing your voice when possible.
God bless all of you for your continued expressions of love and support. Please continue to hold all of us up before the Lord, but especially Patti.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Forever in Him,
Mike
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