July 18, 2014
Morning: PT came and got him up in a chair. He is not yet able to stand on his own or support his right side. The chair was hard work but such a good step toward getting better. Occupational therapy (OT) also came and did an evaluation. This was frustrating for him as he became more aware of his deficits (e.g., opening a water bottle, putting on socks). He worked really hard with both therapies though and demonstrated some great movement and potential.
Afternoon: NPO (nothing by mouth) really made him mad! He had to have an ultrasound to examine the source of some pain he's having. Of course, he wants to eat and couldn't. We're awaiting the results of the ultrasound. Since Wednesday he's described his right lung as feeling heavy. I think it's so interesting that he has no feeling across his body and yet has such an awareness of an internal organ most of us never think about. He took a good nap earlier and I was able to sleep a little as well. Benadryl has helped the rash that has developed as a result of either the medication or the 500-thread count sheets…haha.
Evening: He's tired from the activity of eating dinner. I talk to my patients all the time about eating being exercise. It's weird to have that concept hit so close to home now, seeing it with Matt instead of with a patient I'm working with. We've talked about how surreal this entire couple of days has been. Its indescribable really. Looking left still continues to leave him dizzy. There is also a black area on his left visual field and double vision continues.
Praise the Lord this happened Wednesday morning. Matt and Lyla were scheduled to drive to Dallas on Thursday and then have a daddy-daughter adventure on a train to see his parents in Illinois today (Friday). It shakes me to the core to imagine what could have happened.
He has had quite a few visitors today and has seemed to enjoy them. It leaves him tired afterward, but lifts his spirits to know how many care. Thank you all for blessing us.
A summary that seems to fit well from orgclinic.com:
"Smaller hemorrhages have a better prognosis and a large number of patients recover pretty fast. These are also hard to recognize in the absence of a CT or MR scan. Most common symptoms of a smaller pontine hemorrhage include hemiplegic deficits and hemiparesis. This makes it hard to differentiate it from lacunar infections. A pontine hemorrhage that only affects the lateral tegument is characterized by ataxia, abnormalities of the ocular movement and sensory deficits. In some patients auditory hallucinations might also occur. A small number of patients with pontine hemorrhage can also report symptoms like trigeminal neuropathy, isolated facial sensory, bilateral hemisensory or sixth nerve palsy. Recent studies have also revealed the fact that some of those recovering from small pontine hemorrhage can experience the phantom leg or arm phenomenon. However, pontine hemorrhage, unless it is very large, it is not fatal and it allows sufferers to recover in a short time."
Definition of cavernous malformation from mayoclinic.com:
- Marissa
Morning: PT came and got him up in a chair. He is not yet able to stand on his own or support his right side. The chair was hard work but such a good step toward getting better. Occupational therapy (OT) also came and did an evaluation. This was frustrating for him as he became more aware of his deficits (e.g., opening a water bottle, putting on socks). He worked really hard with both therapies though and demonstrated some great movement and potential.
Afternoon: NPO (nothing by mouth) really made him mad! He had to have an ultrasound to examine the source of some pain he's having. Of course, he wants to eat and couldn't. We're awaiting the results of the ultrasound. Since Wednesday he's described his right lung as feeling heavy. I think it's so interesting that he has no feeling across his body and yet has such an awareness of an internal organ most of us never think about. He took a good nap earlier and I was able to sleep a little as well. Benadryl has helped the rash that has developed as a result of either the medication or the 500-thread count sheets…haha.
Evening: He's tired from the activity of eating dinner. I talk to my patients all the time about eating being exercise. It's weird to have that concept hit so close to home now, seeing it with Matt instead of with a patient I'm working with. We've talked about how surreal this entire couple of days has been. Its indescribable really. Looking left still continues to leave him dizzy. There is also a black area on his left visual field and double vision continues.
Praise the Lord this happened Wednesday morning. Matt and Lyla were scheduled to drive to Dallas on Thursday and then have a daddy-daughter adventure on a train to see his parents in Illinois today (Friday). It shakes me to the core to imagine what could have happened.
He has had quite a few visitors today and has seemed to enjoy them. It leaves him tired afterward, but lifts his spirits to know how many care. Thank you all for blessing us.
A summary that seems to fit well from orgclinic.com:
"Smaller hemorrhages have a better prognosis and a large number of patients recover pretty fast. These are also hard to recognize in the absence of a CT or MR scan. Most common symptoms of a smaller pontine hemorrhage include hemiplegic deficits and hemiparesis. This makes it hard to differentiate it from lacunar infections. A pontine hemorrhage that only affects the lateral tegument is characterized by ataxia, abnormalities of the ocular movement and sensory deficits. In some patients auditory hallucinations might also occur. A small number of patients with pontine hemorrhage can also report symptoms like trigeminal neuropathy, isolated facial sensory, bilateral hemisensory or sixth nerve palsy. Recent studies have also revealed the fact that some of those recovering from small pontine hemorrhage can experience the phantom leg or arm phenomenon. However, pontine hemorrhage, unless it is very large, it is not fatal and it allows sufferers to recover in a short time."
Definition of cavernous malformation from mayoclinic.com:
"Cavernous malformations are abnormally formed blood vessels that have the appearance of a small mulberry in the brain or spinal cord. These malformations may be hereditary or they may occur on their own.
These malformations may leak blood, leading to bleeding in the brain (hemorrhage). This can cause neurological symptoms, depending on the location of your cavernous malformation in your nervous system. Your symptoms may include weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, unsteadiness, vision loss or double vision, and difficulties speaking or swallowing. Seizures also can occur. Repeat hemorrhages may occur soon after your initial hemorrhage (within weeks) or later after your initial hemorrhage (many months or years later), or repeat hemorrhages may never occur."
Praying for a restful night. - Marissa
We are praying for you and your family! My husband, Rodney, teaches with Matt and sure thinks a lot of him. Please know we are battling with you guys in prayer!!
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