We spent just over 48 hours in Emergency…and here’s the story

Since January my mom has been in an ambulance three times. Twice to deal with a hernia issue that should not be a problem anymore. And then, this.

Last Tuesday, she dropped a cup. Just lost all power in her hand and arm, and it clattered to the floor and lost the handle. I’ve included these pictures from the American Stroke Foundation just for general information. Not all strokes look like this, just so you know!

You can also check out The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. HSF was dear to my father’s heart. He swam for them, biked for them and supported them whenever he could. The best part? They have RECIPES!!!!!!!!!

Since this was my first stroke experience and overnight stay in hospital, I learned a few things I’d like to put out in the world

• Get one of those charging cords that has the three different inputs.
• Make sure the plug-in part works!!! Not all hospital gift shops sell them, though.
• Don’t forget your CARE Notebook. This notebook is the best thing we have – all the phone numbers, appointment notes, business cards….
• Prepare an overnight bag. I’ll make another post about that, though.
• Don’t bring library books to read. We were in the middle of a good one, and it still hasn’t been found.
• Do include game books or things to do. I always take my yarn project bag.
• Have some cash for coffee, snacks, etc.
• Grab some snacks for yourself and some hard candy for the patient

The important thing that I forgot;

Not all strokes look like what the poster describes. Mom dropped a mug. She suddenly lost the use of her hand and her favourite cup clattered to the floor. Her shocked tone of voice told me there was something wrong. Her grip was weak, but she could talk fine. I called 911 anyways. By the time they arrived, you wouldn’t have known anything had happened. We went to the hospital anyways. And an MRI confirmed the stroke.

I hope this is helpful to someone!

Cheers,

Marcia