Jessie's Blog

:(

My Papaw, my only living grandfather, had a mini-stroke this morning and is in the hospital. My mom said that his right side is a little weak but will probably be better. She also said that he was barking out orders to my aunt and the hospital staff, which is really like him. He's almost 85 and had a mini-stroke a few years ago but it wasn't this bad. It really just slurred his speech and slowed him down for a few days. I think that if this slows him down any it might come close to killin him. He's so independent that he won't want to do anything and just wither away.

UPDATE (7/12) After doing some tests, the doctor came in and told him, my grandmother, and all the kids that his carotid artery (the one that leads from the heart to the brain) was about 80% blocked, limiting the oxygen supply to the brain. Options are that they could leave it alone and he could have these mini-strokes for the rest of his life or even a massive stroke that could kill him, or both OR have a procedure to clean out the artery which could trigger a massive stroke. He's thinking it over, and the kids (my mom, 2 aunts and uncle) are getting together with him and Mamaw this evening to talk it over.

UPDATE (7/13) He decided the go with the procedure. I dunno yet when they're going to do it. (Miss Steph -- he might be moved over to the VA in S'port.)

UPDATE (7/14) Angiogram today and this is where the danger of him having a massive stroke lies. The surgeons will look @ the tests and decide when/where of surgery. He's blocked 85% on one side and 100% blocked on the other.