I was the first to arrive at hospital today - to a father with sorrow in his eyes and an expression of defeat. I fought back the tears. The nurse came in and did a brief assessment of his receptive processing. He then proceeded to speak over the top of dad referring to humans as being animals of visual learning and that dad would start to pre-empt what they will ask him to do repetitively. He then said to dad: "Desmond, open your mouth and punch me in the nose". After a confused look, dad's left arm went and collected the menu he was holding up. Just as the nurse proceeded to conclude success in what he had said, I witness dads left hand clentch it's fist and shake. I laughed and smiled at him.... (...as if to say "I'd like to punch a few people in the nose!") My dad is no monkey. These moments coupled with others of clear brain failure is what challenges us every day.
The stroke has left dad fully paralysed down right side of his body. He is currently unable to speak but can make sounds (ocassional words) and does acknowledge us and communicate by nodding and shaking his head and using his left arm/hand. His right eye has no vision but he is able to hear us. What is being processed to date is still unclear. We are, however, getting definite moments of our "dad" and confirmation he is conscious of what we saying on a number of occasions.
The determined bugger has already moved his right toes and lifted his leg. Despite the constant reminders of the magnitude of his stroke, we continue to hold great hope in the signs he continues to show us.
Dad laughed today!
Jo and mum wrote some commands on paper to see if dad could follow. As he showed signs of frustration/confusion, Jo then wrote: "Do you need us to SHUT UP". As she read these words, dad 'laughed'. His chest heaved and he smiled as he laughed. It was a high moment....
The stroke has left dad fully paralysed down right side of his body. He is currently unable to speak but can make sounds (ocassional words) and does acknowledge us and communicate by nodding and shaking his head and using his left arm/hand. His right eye has no vision but he is able to hear us. What is being processed to date is still unclear. We are, however, getting definite moments of our "dad" and confirmation he is conscious of what we saying on a number of occasions.
The determined bugger has already moved his right toes and lifted his leg. Despite the constant reminders of the magnitude of his stroke, we continue to hold great hope in the signs he continues to show us.
Dad laughed today!
Jo and mum wrote some commands on paper to see if dad could follow. As he showed signs of frustration/confusion, Jo then wrote: "Do you need us to SHUT UP". As she read these words, dad 'laughed'. His chest heaved and he smiled as he laughed. It was a high moment....
Pappa is receiving many 'supportive/interesting' words from his grandkids! Priceless.... This one is from 7yr old Ruby.