Friday, April 20, 2012

I finally got back into this account! I am terrible with multiple passwords. So to update everyone on Allan's progress.... Allan had the PFO closure on 3/6. The procedure went well, but the cardiologist did notice that Allan had an irregularity with his heartbeat. Allan got to wear an event monitor for one month to determine the severity of the irregularity. We went back to the cardiologist after Easter, and Allan was told that he has a 2 1/2 second pause in between beats (occasionally). We see an electro physiologist next week. At a pause of 3 seconds, Allan gets a pacemaker. During the visit with the cardiologist, Allan mentioned he had more floaters in his eyes since the PFO closure. Long story short, the retinas are ok but Allan has the beginning stages of glaucoma in his left eye. So now we have to see a glaucoma specialist. The good news, Allan has two remaining days in day neuro!! He has been back at work on a part-time basis for the past few weeks. He should be back full-time very soon. He feels much better now that he is getting back into his old, per-stroke routine. He's exhausted from his return to work, but he's so glad to be back with his group. We continue to feel very blessed by Allan's recovery. We are so grateful for everyone's love and support. We could not have made it through these past 4 months without our friends and family. I'm not sure I could have survived all of this without the help from my mom. I've always known my mom was the best, but she has certainly confirmed that feeling. Thank you mom!!! I will try to remember my password so I can update the blog after the EP appt next week.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Allan had his echo, and now we are waiting to be discharged. We have to stop by the cardiologist's office to pick up the event monitor. We will follow up with Dr Ali in a month. Thank you for keeping up with us and for keeping us in your prayers.

Tuesday evening

Well, our uneventful procedure day took an eventful turn this afternoon. Allan got up to use the bathroom once he was allowed, and he nearly passed out. He had to get back to bed via wheelchair and several nurses. That prompted a call to his surgeon who placed him back on bedrest. Allan's heart rate dropped to the mid 30's during his trip to the bathroom. Dr Ali came by about 90 minutes later to talk to Allan. Dr Ali thinks Allan has a conduction problem; he had an episode before and during the procedure that provided the evidence to Dr Ali. Allan will have an echocardiogram before we leave tomorrow, and once discharged, we will have to swing by Dr Ali's office to pick up an event monitor. Allan gets to wear this new fancy piece of jewelry for 30 days, less time if something shows up before the 30 day period. Dr Ali said it isn't quite as bulky as the Holter monitor. And the worst part for Allan; NO alcohol during this time!!! Yes, he has been pouting since he heard this part.
So, nothing like stirring up a little excitement at the hospital!! I questioned two cardiologists about the possibility of a conduction problem following the stroke, but was assured that it was not his problem. I guess wife's intuition doesn't count for much. Oh well, at least someone is assessing it now. Keep Allan in your prayers! More tomorrow as we learn more.

Tuesday 11:00

Allan is out of the procedure and doing great. Dr Ali said that the closure "went better than good". We do have to spend the night for observation. I certainly feel better about him staying here tonight! Thank you for your prayers and concern.

Tuesday, mid-morning

Allan was taken back for his procedure around 9:40. The nurse said it would take a few hours from prep to end of the closure. I'll continue to update as I hear something

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

We are here at Plaza Medical Center, waiting to check in. I love how you have to "hurry up and wait" for day surgery. Today is the big day to have the PFO closed in Allan's heart. The procedure is supposed to start around 9 am, so I will update the blog as the day goes on. Thank you for all of your prayers!
And, happy birthday ACE!!!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

I'm not sure if anyone is even following this blog anymore, since it has been a while since my last post. Allan continues to improve each week. He has a neuropsych eval next week, which is an 8 hour test. This will help the therapists determine his readiness for the driving program and his re-entry level for work. He still has quite a bit more recovery and a lot of training to go before he can return to work, but this is a good start. I know Allan is certainly anxious to get back to his team.
Allan will undergo day surgery on March 6th for closure of the PFO (hole in the heart). It is supposed to be day surgery, but there is a chance that he would need to spend the night. We'll see.
We would like to thank the Boll family and Jim for the rides to BIR on the days that I work. That has been such a huge help to us. Thank you, thank you!!!!
And a big thank you for all of the meals and goodie baskets, and emails/texts. You have know idea how much all of those things have meant to us.
I will keep everyone informed of any progress as we go.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

I'm a few days late with this post, but I wanted to update everyone on Allan's appts that he had on Monday. We spent the entire day in Fort Worth (thank you MM for watching the monkeys). Allan had a repeat CT scan of his head, which is standard protocol. I guess we will hear the results in April, provided nothing has changed, when we return to the neurologist. We had the cardiology appt after the CT. This cardiologist was the one who evaluated Allan after his stroke, at Plaza. He wants to close the PFO; the Dallas cardiologist did not. This one, Dr Ali, said closing it is one more layer layer of protection against another stroke. I think Allan wants to have it closed (as do I). We now have to wait for his insurance to approve the closure b/c it is considered "off label". It's only approved after the second stroke. Awesome!

We continue to enjoy great meals from our wonderful friends. Again, thank you so much. It has been so helpful to us. And thank you for all of the cards; Allan's grandmother sends him a card a week. Too cute! The Boll family has been incredible. They take Allan to his day neuro program wednesday-Friday. Thank you so very much!!

Will update more when we find out whether Allan's insurance will cover his PFO closure. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers

Tuesday, January 24 2012

Allan has been attending outpt therapy at BIR for a week now. His speech continues to progress, but he's got a long way to go before he is ready to return to work. He continues to have a great attitude, but gets a little frustrated about not getting enough of what he needs at rehab. He wants more speech and focus on return to work, and less PT. He goes to the gym everyday on his own time. I'm very proud of him!
We continue to blessed with kindness from our friends. We have had very yummy dinners and breakfasts. Allan also continues to receive many sweet cards from friends and family. He absolutely loves the flash cards that Miss Ivy made for him to help with his speech. So very cute!!
Many thanks to all of you who continue to follow Allan's progress. We are very blessed to have each of you in our lives!

Wednesday, Jan 18 2012

Allan had his neurology appt yesterday. His doctor was excited about his progress. He needs to have a repeat CT scan at Plaza (protocol) and follow up with the neurologist in 3 months.
Allan started the day neuro program today at BIR. I bet he'll be tired when he gets home this afternoon! So excited that he will be getting therapy for the most of the day, Monday through Friday. He wants to be "normal" again asap.
We have continued to have so many good meals dropped by our home. Thank you for all of the wonderful food. It has been such a nice treat. And thank you to the Grays for the box of Sprinkles cupcakes! I saw that box as a treat for me; so love the red velvet cupcakes!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Allan had his cardiology appt yesterday. Drum roll please.......we still have no answers. The cardiologist said that the PFO (hole in the heart) is not the problem. He said that he would not recommend closure because the risk of the procedure outweighs the benefits. A disk is inserted into the hole; there is only a 2% complication rate, but when it goes bad, it goes really bad. Bottom line, Allan has to be aggressive with his known risk factors (blood pressure and cholesterol).
While we are grateful that Allan does not require PFO closure, it still makes him uneasy that we still don't have any answers. Of course Allan is fearful of having another stroke at any time. Like Dr Vallabhan said, he will need to control his known risk factors and live his life. After all, none of us are guaranteed another day. We will have to put our faith in God and move forward.
We see allan's neurologist on Tuesday, then day neuro starts on Wednesday. I think Allan will have fun in day neuro. I'm sure he'll keep his therapists entertained!
Thank you to the Andresens and Cagelys for our yummy dinners this week. I cannot tell you how helpful these meals have been to us. It's been one thing that we haven't had to focus on. Allan has really enjoyed the cards that friends and family have sent over the past few weeks. Thank you!
Allan's boss came over yesterday to help Allan with some work business. Thank you, Jason, for helping Allan with the computer and with his job responsibilities so he can get back to work as soon as he is able. I know he misses you guys and wants to get back.

Monday, Jan 9 2012

So glad that Allan's daily progress has been better than LSU's offense! Did someone forget to tell JJ that this was for the National Championship?? Ugh!

Allan had his first speech therapy appt today. Love his therapist! She felt like he had come a long way since his stroke (knowing how much it affected his language center). We go back again tomorrow. He does get to start his day neuro program a day early. Yay! I think he is ready to tackle his deficits and get on with life.

We had his hematology appt today. He does not have a clotting disorder! While this is great news, it doesn't explain why he threw a clot. Maybe we will get more answers when we go to the cardiologist on Wednesday.

We went to church on Sunday, and it was great to see our friends. We have an awesome church family. Such love and support from the church and from the Montessori program (our kids go to mother's day out at our church). We are so blessed.

Will update more after the cardiology appt on Wednesday.

Friday, Jan 6, 2012

We had a great meal provided by one of our church members (and new friend) last night. Thank you Rebekah; awesome gooey bars! Go Hogs! A sweet neighbor dropped off banana nut bread before I went to bed. Thank you Amy- it was a very nice treat this morning. We have such amazing friends and family; I really cannot say that enough.
Allan's boss came by today to help him with his computer work, since I obviously cannot help him in this area. Again, so impressed that his boss would come by to help Allan get back to work. Allan knows how slammed they are at work, and has voiced concerns about that since day 3 of his stroke. He hates that his team has to pull his load as well. With Jason's help, and with the day program, I'm hoping he can get back to work rather quickly. Time will tell.
A friend of ours read my blog last night and commented on allan's boss and SWA. He stated that he always knew SWA was a great company to work for, but wow! My dad also has a friend whose daughter and son-in-law work for SWA. The son-in-law became ill and required time off. My Dad's friend said that SWA was one of the best companies to work for because of the way in which they treat their employees. I would have to agree. Thanks Jason!
We are looking forward to a relaxing weekend before the craziness of work, medical appts, and speech therapy appts begin.

Thursday afternoon

Sara Quy: thank you for the yummy strawberry pie. I feel so loved!

Thursday, Jan 5, 2012

Wow! I think that Allan and I are completely overwhelmed by the love and support we have received from you all. What a comfort to know that we are cared for by so many people. I apologize for not updating the blog as frequently. I used to do my updates while Allan was hospitalized, and I did not have daily interruptions. Now that we are home, I have gone back to work. By the time I get home around 5:00, play with the kids and feed them, get them bathed and ready for bed, then do allan's speech homework, I'm too tired to blog.
Allan had his PCP appt yesterday, and had his BP medication increased. Last night, Allan's childhood friend (a speech pathologist) came by to show me how to help Allan with his homework. Thank you very much Amy Caverlee!!! Allan starts ST at BIR on Monday, and we also have f/u with hematology on Monday. Hopefully that appt will provide us with some valuable info. We have a cardiology appt with a Baylor physician next week. Always good to get a second opinion! We f/u with the fort worth cardiologist at the end of the month.
Allan and I are very fortunate to have very supportive bosses! Allan's boss, Jason, came by on Tuesday to visit. He has graciously volunteered to come by the house two times/week to help Allan relearn his computer/job skills. Thank you Jason!
We had an excellent meal on Tuesday from Mary Ann and Jim Johnson; thank you! Allan loved his meal and said it was just what he needed.
A funny little story: Allan and my mom went to Starbuck's on Wednesday morning. Allan told my mom that he wanted to try to order by himself. Allan told the Barista that he had a stroke and was still crazy in his head. So Allan Richard! Very proud of him for taking chances and for being able to laugh at himself. A quality that I have always admired in him.
Will update more later.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

I am simply too tired to blog tonight. Allan's doing great at home. I'll catch everyone up tomorrow.

Sunday addendum

John Caverlee: thank you for all that you have done for Allan. Thank you for your daily hospital visits, and for all of the LSU gear and Mavs gear that has cheered Allan up. You are a great friend, and I cannot thank you enough for your support. I think that you have become such a part of my daily routine that I have begun to think of you as another member of our family. My thank-you is long overdue to you.

Monday, January 2, 2012

What a great, but exhausting day! Allan got booted from rehab around 1:30 yesterday afternoon. The kids were napping at home, so Allan requested to go to Fair Park to walk around the Cotton Bowl and fair grounds. It was a beautiful day! It's always nice to be at Fair Park when there is nothing going on (the Ticket Bowl) was being set up, but no crowds and lots of sunshine.
We were finally able to celebrate Christmas when the kids woke up from their naps. I think this is the last year that I will be able to have gifts around the tree prior to Christmas day. Olivia was ready to open everyone's gifts.
Allan's good friends came over to visit; 2 from childhood and one from LA Tech. I think it completely wore him out, but He had a great time. It was also really good for him. Thank you to Trey Kennedy for the great casseroles and salad from Central Market. We've tried 2 of the 3, and both were really good. I'll definitely get those for future dinners! Very sweet of Trey.
Allan got to sleep late this morning; not a luxury in the hospital! We had some friends come by to bag up the leaves my mom had raked; thank you Clary family!! My yard looks great! We took a long walk and visited some friends. We also had a visit from the Gardner family. They have been key in setting up the Care calendar, and brought chocolate chip cookies. Yum!
Allan's speech is really coming along. He is able to say more words everyday. His right hand function continues to improve as well. His progress has been amazing.
We have really been blessed in so many ways. My parents have been absolutely amazing. They have cared for my kids, which allowed me to focus on Allan (thank you to the Blalocks and the lawrences as well). My mom has cleaned my house, done our laundry, and stocked our house with food. I cannot thank them enough. My dad made daily trips to the hospital to check on Allan and provide me with support. Thank God for wonderful parents!!
I will try to update the blog daily, but if not, then every other day. Thanks again for your love and support!

Sunday afternoon

We are going home today! We are on the waiting list for outpatient therapies and for the day program (not so good). I guess I will have to be his speech therapist for now; yikes!! We are glad to be going home, but anxious for his therapies to continue. I'll update you all later.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Allan has cleared PT and OT, meaning he is too good for inpatient rehab. The therapists have recommended discharge to their outpatient day program. The day program is daily from 9-3. He still has to be cleared from a medical standpoint by his doctor. So, we wait! I will let everyone know something as soon as we hear.