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.