Panic Attacks

What an interesting day this has been. The girls stayed the night again (two weeks now) and TJei headed off for a couple hours of school. Tomorrow is officially the last day of school for her, yesterday was Mia's last day. TJei had to attend until 11:00 this morning. She would be riding the bus home after school. We took Mia home about 10:00 then Mike and I headed off to Show Low. Breakfast at Denney's. Sounds good. It was good. I had a usual breakfast; scrambled eggs, bacon, and two small pancakes. Mike went for something new, Apple Pie French Toast. Yum, that was good. I had a bite of the apple and another bite of apple with some of the crumble. That was good. I'm glad (sometimes) Mike is a bit more adventurous than me on food choices. :)

We picked up pictures from Walgreen's. I was really looking forward to that! These were pictures from last weekend in the Valley with Zena at Desert Challenge and also celebrating Ashlee's birthday. Lots of smiles and special moments captured in those images. Lots of smiles looking them over.

As we crossed the intersection and started heading into Walmart, my phone rang. It was Shawn, my sister Kim's boyfriend. He was terribly upset and he told me Kim had a stroke this morning and was not doing well. I assured him I would find out what I could and get back in touch with him. It took a little while but eventually I was able to call again and felt secure in assuring him the problems Kim is experiencing are not medical matters. Her CT scan and other tests had come back normal. I think the problem is panic attacks leading to conversion disorders. Millie had experienced stroke symptoms in 2008 and that was the diagnosis they had given her when all the tests came back normal.

Long distance diagnosis yeah but I'm pretty sure there is no medical emergency with Kim at this time. I hope she is able to let go of some of the stress and get healthy again.

I Couldn't Be Happier

...it is so amazingly good to be able to call my sister and wish her a happy birthday!  Millie, I am so glad you were born, so glad you are my sister. I adore you and I hope you know always how very much I love you. You are the most patient person I know. I strive to have the kind of love you have for so many...a love that is patient, and kind, and trusting at all times. I hope you are able to celebrate your special day in the way that makes you happiest, surrounded by family. I love you!

Today Is...

Millie's birthday! :)

What a special gal. She is loving and caring, witty and gentle. And, she is my sister. I am so lucky to have her in my life. Millie brings a special quiet influence to all who share her life. A smile, a glance, a caress, a hug...she touches hearts and makes everyone feel special. Today is your special day, Millie. I hope it is a good one...and hope that you know always how very much I love you!

Happy birthday!

Got Me Smilin'

What a treat! I just answered the phone and heard Millie's voice. :) What a welcomed surprise! We don't talk often, I'm not sure why ... we enjoy talking to one another. :) It just doesn't happen often. She sounds wonderful. I can just picture her toothy smile and inquisitive sparkling blue eyes as we talk. Especially about grandkids. She has eight and all her little ones just adore her. Who wouldn't? She's so sweet. It made my day to hear her voice. I'll have to call her sometime soon, too. Sometime when I'm not coughing in her ear. :(

Conversion Disorder

Coping mechanisms built into our minds and bodies are complex and provide us with ability to endure or overcome pain, disease, adversity and other circumstances.

Yesterday evening, Millie went for another MRI and while gone for the exam, all the progress made over the past couple days (regaining speech, some movement in arm and leg) went away and she was again fully paralyzed on her right side and unable to talk or communicate. I can't even imagine how frightening that is for her.

Conversion disorder is a condition where the mind and body takes one problem and presents it as another. The disorder can even simulate stroke symptoms such as those Millie has been experiencing. I know it would be bizarre if true, but there is a possibility all this pain, worry, and expense has come about because of a toothache!

Millie had a toothache in the days before this event. Yesterday, she had completed an antibiotic treatment and been taken off that medication a short while before going for the MRI. She had told Zena her tooth was hurting her again during the day yesterday and Zena said her face had gotten puffy and inflamed on that side. The MRIs and other tests have not identified any blockage or vessel impairment (stroke) that would be causing the paralysis.

It'd be bizarre, but sure would be a blessing, if it were just a toothache causing these problems!

National Institute Health article on Conversion Disorder

Stroke Symptoms

I talked with Millie on the phone last night. Her voice was raspy from the ventilator tube she had in for a time and it was apparent she struggled to make her words but it was so very good to hear her voice and to know she is making progress!

Stroke Symptoms - Know the signs
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do this simple test:

FACE
   Ask the person to smile.
   Does one side of the face droop?
ARMS
   Ask the person to raise both arms.
   Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH
   Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
   Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?
TIME
   If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important.
   Call 911 or get to the hospital fast. Brain cells are dying.

Stroke Symptoms include:
SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body.
SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you have any of these symptoms

http://www.stroke.org/

Update on Millie

Millie is out of Intensive Care this morning, she was moved to a regular room late last night. She had an MRI yesterday but they don't have any feedback on that procedure just yet. Millie is recovering ability to talk and has been able, with assistance, to sit-up at the side of her bed.

Toledo Hospital
Millie Cole, Rm 1935
2142 N. Cove Blvd.
Toledo OH 43606

That is the address where cards and notes can be sent. I know Millie would appreciate receiving well-wishes and greetings. She is making progress and she has been comforted in the knowledge so many are praying for her and her family during these difficult days.

Finding Words

There's just aren't words to describe what I've been feeling this morning. Zena contacted me earlier and told me that our sister, Millie, had experienced a stroke during the night.

Millie just celebrated her 50th birthday in April and she has battled a plethora of medical issues over the years - her most trying being diabetes and the severe depression that kept her isolated from family and friends for so long. Now, she'll face even more trials and tribulations as the severity of this stroke is evaluated and she begins the daunting challenge of therapy and recovery.

At this time, Millie's right side is paralyzed. She is not able to talk or communicate in any manner - she uses her right hand for writing. She isn't able to swallow so even her own saliva can be life-threatening for her.

I know that her kids are worried and concerned for her. I hope they each know how very much I love them and how much I love their mom. I know they can face this challenge together - they can find strength in one another and also in their faith.

I'll be doing the best I can to monitor changes in Millie's condition from a distance. She is in intensive care and family visits are extremely limited. I know her children want to be in there with her. Millie knows I love her, I know she loves me. I want her to have that time with her family. I want her family to keep me posted at regular intervals so I can stay in the loop on updates.

I'd just ask that everyone keep Millie and her family in their prayers as they face these latest challenges.

50 Year Old Mojo

Somebody pinch me! --- Okay boys, backoff. I know you'd like to pinch me but it was just an expression. --- I'm just not sure whether those numbers could be right. Beyond the obvious, how it reflects on my own age, it just seems sacrilegious somehow to think of Millie (Mojo to many) being a specific age; she's timeless!

mojo:
Personal magnetism; charm.

In looking through pictures of Millie to compliment this post, it occured to me in many, most of the pictures I have of Millie she is cuddling or caring for a little one. So very typical of Millie. I can't think of a more tender person than her - I think she got it all, the rest of us are rather sluggish (no pun intended) at times. We're all pretty fortunate, mighty blessed, to have Mojo in our lives; even when it's lacking in our personality! :-)

I love you bunches, Millie. And I know you can get to this page and read this message now!!!! aaaaah I am so excited to know you are now part of the digital age. Enjoy your special day, in spite of it being the Big 50! happy happy