Homecoming

Mom will return to California on Saturday 9/27. She is looking forward to her homecoming. In the midst of our post hurricane time, Mom saw a neurologist at TMH who gave her lots of good news about her recovery. She also had an MRI which showed no additional blockages or AVMs. Good News! She still struggles with her clumsy right hand, which makes writing and computer usage difficult, but she is persevering!

So, this concludes our Julia's Brain Blog. Thank you all for your support and love for us and especially for Mom! We could not have made it through without all of you!

Mark, Alissa, and Gaylen

All is safe

The Kimbell clan weathered the storm well. Lots of rain and wind but no damage to the house in Houston. Gaylen did say she managed to get some sleep on Friday night, though not a ton. Many of the houses on Gaylen's block did suffer damage -- fallen chimneys and blown roof tiles. They are with out power in Houston and have headed to the farm house which does have power. At last word, Gaylen thought power would return on Tuesday or Wednesday. Mom and Gaylen are looking to spend a few days at the time share in San Antonio the first part of the week. Mark was able to come home from Methodist on Saturday afternoon to get some rest and then has headed back up to Methodist on Sunday. All is well.

IKE

Well, the news is interesting. Ike appears to be headed to make landfall just south of us, and may pass directly over Ft. Bend County where I live. Mom is busy at home watching the weather reports, which are basically asking us to shelter in - or "hunker down". The storm is projected to hit overnight Friday and be passed through by Saturday evening. Any damage will come from wind, not from flooding.

Mom's neurology appointment scheduled for tomorrow is now rescheduled and work is canceled for me - they are sending us home at 3 pm. Nothing about this summer will seem typical - glad that my mommy's with me through this one, though!

Alissa was scheduled to come in this weekend, but Southwest has canceled her flight. That stinks, because mom and I were both looking forward to her arrival.

When she wants to shop.....

When Mom is worrying about wearing the "right" clothes to the doctors and therefore wants to take a trip to the mall in the middle of a 90 degree day, you know she is feeling better!

Mom has completed two sessions of physical therapy at our local PT office and is doing very well. We have started in earnest on her at home program, three times per day, and it's paying off. Mom was actually walking spryly to the stairs last night without walker, I think for the first time, not actually THINKING about the fact that she was walking. It was the first natural, unconscious walking she's done. I can safely say that Mom's favorite part of the day was her first real standing up shower in 6 weeks. She felt great.

The return to California is slated around 9/26 when Mark M. will fly out and bring Mom home. This will hopefully give mom plenty of time to do her rehab and physical therapy so that she can live without any hired help when she gets to her house. We're also slated to try and see a neurologist at Methodist this week and get Mom's MRI done. Her primary care physician is still concerned that she is experiencing dizziness without the Scolapine patch on.

Momentum is not your friend.....

Mom continues to improve every day. She had her first physical therapy appointment on Tuesday and returns Friday for more. She had hoped to be given a cane, but the therapist said she was not quite ready. However, she is moving around the house without her walker and has increased her time walking outside (yes, it's very, very hot!) to 40 minutes. Sometimes, though, she goes too quickly and has to catch herself - a quick reminder that momentum is not yet her friend! I guess that is why she doesn't get the cane yet.

We had a weekend full of shopping, a trip to the farm, and games. Mom is great to play scrabble with because she has such a great vocabulary and can catch Mark when he tries to play words that are not really words. This works out best for me. Last night, Ben and Luke taught her to play Yatzee! This is a good recovery game because you have to roll the dice, count, use strategy and write small numbers....

Her hand eye coordination continues to improve on her right side - though I know this part is progressing more slowly than Mom would like. We are looking at Mom returning to CA either the weekend of September 14 or September 26. Our goal is for Mom to be able to live independently when she does return so she doesn't have to hire help in on a full, or even part time, basis. We will keep you posted!

Gustav.....

Here comes Gustav!

I have always told Mom that weather is more interesting here in Houston, TX than in California, and that I would much rather have Hurricanes to deal with than earthquakes and fires. As you may have heard, a hurricane is coming our way. You can track Gustav for yourself at our local news channel-http://www.click2houston.com/index.html Looks like we'll know more after the weekend is over. Could be interesting.

Mom is scheduled to start physical therapy on Tuesday. She continues to take a few steps here and there and took a big trip to Macy's yesterday to get some more "Texas Weather" clothes!

John Cash is in town on consulting business, and we're looking forward to having him over for dinner tonight. Mom has had fun thinking about the menu and even did the grocery shopping (with Ana's help, of course!) We continue to monitor her blood pressure (yes, mom is a proud owner of her very own cuff and machine), which has not yet fallen back down - so she requires blood pressure medicine two times/day. She has stopped taking the Ambien, though, and is sleeping, even napping, very well.

So besides barking dogs and a very whiny two year old (who is having a bit of trouble adjusting to her new school schedule), I think Mom is comfortable here for the moment. Getting stronger every day.

The Sugar Land Half Way House

Mom will have arrived a week ago tomorrow. It sure goes by quickly - sorry to have been slow in providing updates...So here goes:

Mom is doing GREAT!

She is moving around a lot better and is increasing the amount of walking she is doing (with the walker) each day. She is also taking more steps unassisted small distances. She is being diligent about completing her "homework" each day and is anxious to start physical therapy. She has been to the grocery store, the mall, Barnes and Noble (she is able to read again!), had a massage and a pedicure, and is enjoying real food again!

She continues to work on her fine motor skills - small tasks like eating with utensils and playing scrabble (those tiles are small), and is even beginning to get on the computer. She made our fruit salad for Sunday Brunch and is talking about planting flowers and herbs in my empty pots outside.

And we're having great late summer weather - and even have a hurricane approaching the gulf, so Mom might get a real taste of what it is like to go through a big storm.

All in all, it's good news.

FREEDOM!

We are here in the SFO President's Club waiting for our flight to Houston. The morning went smoothly, pack mom up, getting our family training from the OT, ST, and PT. The progress Mom has made over the last 10 days is impressive. She can maneuver stairs, walk long distances with her walked (a sweet ride,..), and get around her room independently. Her first car ride went smoothly and she even remarked that she did not feel dizzy while riding!

I have my assignments from all who have manged her recovery, and we're excited to have mom for 2-3 weeks - or longer if she wants to stay. The key will be to continue to keep her mind and body active in what I refer to as Mom's Sugar Land half way house!

The worst part so far is that our plane is delay 1.5 hours, so we're just sitting and waiting right now. So that is all for now. Pretty soon, we're going to turn over the blog to Mom to maintain!

We're Breaking Her Out!

Mom and I are busy preparing for her transfer to Sugar Land, TX on Wednesday. Our plan is to depart Herrick and head straight to SFO and get right on a 2:00 pm plane. It will be an exhausting day, but we figured it would be best to get the long, tiring transfer over in one day. Alissa and I will attend family training on Wednesday morning, and then she will be free to go!

Mom is already planning her routine, which is good, and Eliza is excited to know that Grandma's head is getting better. As you can imagine, the insurance companies are not jumping for joy at Mom's request to do her outpatient PT in Houston, but hopefully we will have an answer in a few days.

We'll keep you updated on her continued progress, but everyone should feel free to call Mom on her cell phone or at our house (281-240-6403).

A++

Just spent most of the day with mom. She is doing well. She has FINALLY gotten on board and has been doing her homework for the last few days. She is feeling less dizzy and is stronger. Herrick has confirmed that mom will be discharged on Wednesday (20th) and we are busy trying to coordinate and schedule her trip to Houston. She is going to stay with Gaylen until around Labor Day. This will give us a chance to get things set up for her at home. Tomorrow is a day of rest for her at Herrick and then will be back on the therapy routine Monday and Tuesday.

Two Steps Forward One Step Back

I went to see Mom Monday evening and she was feeling frustrated, tired and dizzy. She had a rough day at PT and continues to be annoyed by the constant dizziness. She was feeling so good after Gaylen's visit. Feeling like she had made really good progress toward the end of the week last week. She was starting to get a handle on her dizziness and I think was seeing the light at the end of her tunnel. Then Monday came and she felt like she had not made any progress and that the dizziness was worse again. A different kind of dizzy -- like a rolling boat but still dizzy! As we all know mom is not the most patient and she said last night she is waiting for the day that she wakes up and is not dizzy. We are all trying to remind her and encourage her to put in the hard work and stay focused on her end goal --it is those things that will help the dizziness go away. Please continue to encourage mom to do the things she knows she should be doing. Just like daughters don't listen to their mothers I am realizing that mothers don't really listen to their daughters either. I guess this is pay back. -alissa

Group Grope

Mom had a big day of group activities. The OT had her in the kitchen with another lady making Greek Salad. Imagine this, Julia in the kitchen with a dull knife. Her right hand slicing and left hand steadying. Outcome perfectly sliced onions. Gaylen was super impressed. After lunch, Mom and I went to group speech therapy. The group consisted of a few other stroke patients and a young man with a brain injury from a motorcycle accident. Lots of discussion about every ones accidents and how they "arrived" at Herrick. In PT today, mom took several steps unassisted -- no walker, no cane! Gaylen and I continue to bug mom about sitting up in her chair during meals and as much as possible during the day. She would much rather lay down but it is time for her to be sitting up. Monday will involve more group therapy. She will be participating in a group Neuro-therapy sessions on Monday afternoon and now everyday after lunch is group speech therapy -- And if you know mom she is not excited about these "group" activities.

Nothing is Taboo

Today was game day, and we wore Mom out. Her morning was jam-packed with OT, PT, ST, more OT, more ST, and last PT. Over this 4 hour period, Mom completed an entire crossword puzzle, walked up stairs, did her hand eye coordination exercises, and then we all got to play TABOO! Oh, we had fun! How can you get someone to say the word Piano without using the words grande, ivory, keys, music or play.

Truly, mom made inspirational progress over the last two days. She is beginning to feel the beneficial effects of finding the right combination of medicine, a bleed that is shrinking and absorbing into her brain, and a real desire to get out of Herrick! Her dizziness is getting better each day. She has a target release date now (August 20) and has clear goals to achieve.

And that's where we need your help.

I think we are at the point where mom can use more visitors-both because she is up for the company, but also because her children need the help, too. Not more than one or two per day - because she still does get tired. BUT....The rule is that if you come, you have to play a game. Whatever game you choose is fine. If it involves cognitive thinking and fine motor skills, even better. They key here is to make Mom's brain work in lots of different ways. In this case it truly is a matter of practice makes perfect. We have a supply of cards, puzzles, and soduko on hand if you don't bring your own. The key here is to keep the brain active and relearning things that are not easy for mom to currently do (she won't be happy that I am giving away her secrets).

So if you want to visit with Mom, please contact angandalissa@gmail.com or kimbellg@gmail.com with your prefered day and time, and we'll schedule you as we can. We share a google calendar and can coordinate accordingly. Visits should not last longer than 45 minutes to an hour, but should ALWAYS include some brain teasing activity. Even if she says she doesn't want to. The best times to visit are at lunch time or after 2 pm. She always appreciates a relief from the food at Herrick, so meals are appreciated, though be aware that Mom is not eating much. (However effective this diet might be for Mom, I don't recommend it to anyone!)

I am so amazed at my Mom. Alissa and I watched her today in awe as she pushed herself, and we realized exactly where we got our sense of humor, as Mom cracked jokes through all her various therapies. And I can honestly say that this is when it really stinks to live in Texas, because I want nothing more right now than to watch the progress she makes each day, step by step, regaining the skills we all take for granted. And she will. The long term prognosis is very good. If you can survive this stroke, it really is the best stroke to have (no really, someone told us that today!).

Thanks to all for your continued postings and good thoughts. I know Mom feels loved and supported by all of you, and her children know that she has a strong support network and are grateful that we have been able to tap into it!

Gaylen

Finding New Paths...

I arrived this morning to find Mom doing much better. I have observed her entire therapy team in action and it is quite something! The key now is for mom to rewire her brain, and the faster she does it, the better. All the things that Mom struggles to do are the things that we need to make her do. The brain will rewire, but it needs a constant workout! We are foucsed on relearning the very movements we all take for granted, like adjusting your eyes when your head moves, or a looking at an object without moving your head. However, her reading is improving and her writing is coming along, too. She even did a word search and a crossword puzzle. Mom went onto this blog this morning and got caught up on everyone's nice posts. Yes, and she got to the blog herself! I told her next time, she was going to have to post something.

It appears that she will be at Herrick at least through the 20th. But she needs to be able to not use her wheel chair for basic getting around the house before they will send her home. She still tires easily because everything takes work-forming words and sentences, holding on a conversation etc. But this too, will improve with time.

I am off to deliver thai food for lunch. Gaylen

ButterCup-ButterCup-ButterCup

Can you keep saying that for a minute without messing up? That was just one exercise Mom had to do today. Herrick had her doing lots of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The OT therapist had her on the computer today. It was slow going she said, but she did manage to get onto the blog and read some of the posts and entries herself. The good wishes really keep her spirits up. The speech therapist gave Mom homework and I made her practice her tongue twisters as I painted her toes.

Here are just a few:
Friendly Frank flips fine flapjacks.
Twelve Twins twirled twelve twigs --- we both had trouble with this one
Six Slippery Snails slid slowly seaward -- I think this one was on an episode of the Brady Bunch.

The doctors are trying a new medication for her dizziness. The patches are not working. The dizziness continues to get in her way and makes it challenging to do everything. This morning, Gaylen and I were trying to imagine what it must be like to be dizzy ALL the time and we decided it is no wonder mom is so tired and only wants to be laying down.

$2.50 Beers

We all had a restful day. Mom laid low and is resting up for her big day tomorrow. Angella and I went to see Mama Mia and then came over to visit with mom. Mom actually ate the dinner Herrick served her.....a pretty decent grilled chicken sandwich. In this whole process, Angella and I have rediscovered Raleigh's on Telegraph. They have $2.50 pints after 5:00 everyday. It is a nice walk from Herrick.

Mom is scheduled to meet with her various therapist tomorrow and will surely be exhausted after her 4-6 hours. All the therapists will meet on Tuesday to map out a plan for her stay at Herrick. xo -alissa

A Shower At Last

Mom had a big day. Herrick kept her busy with both physical and speech therapy. They had her up and walking and are working with her on managing stairs. She said it was busy and tiring..and she reports she did everything they asked. Her dizziness is still a big issue and it makes it hard for her to do most things. Mark and I left mom after a meal of Chinese take out. We bought her a new portable DVD player to help with the boredom. Before bed, mom finally got a shower! She is feeling clean and refreshed and ready for a good night sleep. Mom gets to rest tomorrow and then she is back to more hard work on Monday.

Herrick Here She Comes....

I just learned from Angella, that Mom will be moving to the Herrick Rehab Center TODAY where she will go for continued physical therapy. Sounds like she will be kept very busy. Thanks to everyone's support and encouragement. This is a great milestone day for Mom!

Craving Chinese Food

I am visiting Julia this afternoon and she is craving Chinese Food. Is she in the Olympic spirit or what? She is still dizzy and tired, but doing very well. She slept 5 hours last night with the help of a sleeping pill. She is trying not to rest during the day, so she can sleep through the night (with the help another of a sleeping pill).

We were visited by a representative from the Herrick Rehab center. They are hoping to move Julia to the Herrick Campus on Friday afternoon. From what was described, Julia will be very busy with Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Physical Therapy for 4-6 hours a day. Herrick has 4 Neuro-therapists on staff, described as psychotherapists with a speciality in brain injury. Julia is excited about having access to the Berkeley Y for swimming during PT. Alissa and I will need to go to Horton street and pack her a suitcase for her time at Herrick. We won't forget the bathing suit.

Julia is ready to be "well", which means like she was before. Because, you know, she's only 63.

xx Angella

No Tubes

My mom has been moved from the ICU which is great news. We left her with a dinner from Whole Foods and CNN! The physical therapists are getting her up out of bed and are working with her to improve her mobility on her right side. She is less dizzy which is a good sign, though she still struggles with finding the words she wants to use Mom is pleased to be free of her IV's and the constant monitoring. We assume/hope, that she will be out of Alta Bates in the next 2-4 days and will most likely be moved to a rehab center. We are hoping to have more information about her timeline and recovery process in the next day or two. Angella and I are hopeful she will get a good night sleep tonight. xo alissa

Hump Day

Mom was up in a chair today and they are trying to find her a bed outside of the ICU. It looks like she will move this afternoon. She is still dizzy and struggles with her balance -- all caused from the location of her blood clot. Her words are not coming to her as quickly as she would like and she continues to be tired. Both the physical therapist and the speech therapist have been in. Today, mom could only recall 8 animals in a minute that is down from 15 the other day. The physical therapist was pleased with her walking and is hoping to take her for a spin around the floor tomorrow.

We know there are lots of folks who want to come and visit. Mom wants to be out of ICU and feeling stronger before she visits with folks. Give us a few more days and we will try and open up the gates. She does enjoy hearing your good wishes, rest assured we are reading them to her all the time. xo -alissa

The answers are still a mystery.

Well both the Angiogram and the MRI came back negative. Meaning the bleed was NOT caused by a weakened blood vessel or artery and that she has no tumors that can be seen. They think perhaps it is related to high blood pressure or hyper tension. Mom is having a tough time waking up from the surgery. She is groggy and in a good amount of pain. This is the most uncomfortable I have seen her since this whole ordeal started. At this moment she is sleeping. Each time she wakes up she does ask me if she can walk out of here and I have to keep telling her no. I will stay until she is feeling better.

In another month or so they will do another MRI to see if they can see anything but at this point Dr. Tang does not feel it is a neurological issue. Keep sending your good thoughts and well wishes, mom does appreciate them. xo -alissa

Exploring the Why!?!

Mom did not sleep very well last night and the nurses are having trouble with her IV's in her left arm. They are exploring other solutions. The MRI did not give the doctors any information. Dr. Tang has ordered an Angiogram with the hopes that the results will give us some information as to why!?! They are looking for an Aneurysm. (abnormal bulge in the wall of an artery.) Mom will need to be sedated for this procedure and it is scheduled for early this afternoon. The procedure will take place at Alta Bates so there will be no ambulance ride for her today. The whole Angiogram process will take most of the afternoon. The earliest we will have any information will be this evening and it maybe tomorrow morning.

Field Trip #2

I arrived at Alta Bates just as they were moving mom from one ICU unit to another. She is now on the west side. (Mom is fine they are trying to consolidate beds or something.) She is in a quieter room in the corner. This corner room is small but has a fantastic view of the bay. Mom would like it if the window was clean. Though she did say beggars can't be choosers. She is already tired of the hospital food and sent us to Whole Foods for her dinner. Between the two field trips and a bit of physical therapy mom is exhausted. She enjoys hearing the posts on the blogs so keep them coming. More tomorrow when we hear from the Dr. about the MRI.
-alissa & angella

Field Trip -- 2 miles round trip

What a field trip...I don't think mom or I realized how much was involved in our jaunt outdoors. Mom is an expert about ambulance set up now that she as been a passenger in the ambulance twice. On the ride down to the MRI site she was commenting on the differences in this ambulance than the one that picked her up on Thursday morning.

For anyone who has had an MRI -- you know first hand how loud the process is. Mom was not sedated the doctors did want her any sleepier than she needs to be. Not only was it loud but it took all of her energy not to move. Mom was doing the math each time the technician told her how long each picture would last. She did great and the process according to mom lasted about 36 minutes. Mom was happy to be back at Alta Bates and we left her with her lunch of fried chicken and a side of chicken noodle soup. She is listening to her Sue Grafton book and taking a rest.

We should have information about the MRI tomorrow. -alissa

Good News Travels Slow

Dr. Tang came by for his visit this morning and he continues to be pleased with mom's progress. He said we are moving into phase two --- the slow process of answering the why!?! Mom will most likely come back to the ICU after her MRI today and based on the MRI results may move tomorrow. The plan for her is to leave around 10:30 for her MRI appointment. Chances are pretty slim that we will hear any results from the MRI today. He did caution us that the MRI could come back with little or inconclusive information.

In Dr. Tang's words "good news travels slow and bad news travels fast."

xo -alissa

This one comes from Houston, TX

All,
I have returned to Texas, but was excited to talk with Mom last night. She sounded the best yet - spunky. I personally think it was the chocolate pudding. My task is to meet up with some of our friends at The Methodist Hospital Neurological Institute to get a sense of what Mom's rehab will be like and get booked on a return flight later this week. Now, I am as much of a consumer of this blog as the rest of you, and I felt my own spirits lifted at reading everyone's posts. How wonderful to be surrounded by such a strong circle of support. Thanks to everyone.

Solid Food

Just before 2pm, Julia's first meal was turkey, applesauce, chocolate pudding, graham crackers, cranberries juice, and tea. Solid food means the doctors aren't worried she will need surgery. Tomorrow sounds like a big day including a visit from Dr. Tang, an MRI, standing exercises with the occupational therapist, and possible relocation. We purchased Julia an iPod to help with the boredom. We are looking forward to posting more good news. - angella

Sleepy Sunday

Angella and I have arrived at the hospital and mom is sleepy today. Not much is going to happen today. Monday will be a day of decisions. Dr. Tang will be in to see mom on Monday and he will decide the next course of action. Most likely that will involve an MRI and then from there decisions about her drips and the action plan for getting mom out of the ICU. Lots will depend on the MRI. Hang tight! Continue to send your good wishes mom does enjoy hearing what her friends and family have to say. xo alissa

Good night and Sweet Dreams

Gaylen and I have just said goodnight to mom. Her spirits are good and she seems to be out of the initial woods. The plan is for her to rest tomorrow (Sunday) and then the neurologist will have a better sense of her plan for the next week. Mom is ready to get out of the ICU and get rid of the numerous IV's and cords.

Save some Rose for me.....

We have just read the most recent set of posts to Mom. She is very thankful and wishing she were at John and Brian's place in Geyserville!

Our challenge now is that she has some increased dizziness and some continued reliance on medicine to control her blood pressure. We may do another CAT Scan, but that will be up to the doctor.

This is the last really iffy day - her brain should reach the maximum level of swelling, so if we can get through this day, we believe that surgery will be completely ruled out. Keep those good thoughts coming our way.

False alarm

Things to have settled down for mom. While Jess and I wait for the dr, mom is sleeping. We believe that her chest pains and rise in blood pressure where caused by the change in medicine. They were trying to wean her off her drips.....I guess she's not quite ready for that. She likes her shot of morphine and is FINALLY having a good rest. xo -alissa

how it can change

Mom did sit up last night and even got out of bed for a half a second! She had a restless night sleep but she did say she did manage to get a few hours of sleep last night. Her blood pressure is stable. She is thirsty mostly because of the sodium drip they are giving her to keep the swelling down. Mom keeps a close eye on the clock so she doesn't miss an hour of chips and sips. Her potassium and magnesium are low and the nurses are working on getting those levels back up. We need to continue to watch her today and hope there is still no change.

As I type this mom is complaining of heart pain and a headache. They are monitoring her very closely. They are giving her and EKG as I type....more to come. keep sending your good thoughts.

Chips and Sips

Wood Chips? No ice chips. Mom finally got the wonderful taste of water - though it has to be carefully spaced out hourly so as not to counteract the effects of the medicine taking the water away from her brain.

How many animals can you name in one minute? If you're Julia, the answer today is 15.

She is doing remarkably well. (To give you a clue, she wanted to edit our blog post before we sent it out...) The nurse left a few minutes ago and was praising mom's progress, all positive signs for the moment. But as she said, if Mom were out of the woods completely, she would not still be in ICU. She has been put on beta blockers, but I'll rely on Jess to fill in what that all means. She is uncomfortable, tired and very thirsty, but at the moment, is sleeping soundly.

All of us appreciate the love and support you are giving Mom. She wants to have more strength than she knows she has right now, and your kind loving words bring her comfort. We read her your posts as they come.

Thanks too for your kind words for us. There is power in three, and we're sticking together and making it through with the magnificent support of our spouses and all of our friends. Thank you

CT scan update

The CT scan is unchanged this morning, which is excellent news. As long as the swelling doesn't worsen over the 24-48 hours she should be out of the woods in terms of needing surgery. She is much more alert today and thrilled to be able to have some ice chips. She will continue to be monitored very closely for any changes.

She is happy to hear your good wishes and will hopefully be ready for visitors sometime next week.

Day 2

Alissa and Gaylen arrived early this morning. Julia had a restless night, but saw some improvement in her vision. She is still relatively alert, talking, making lists of things she still needs to do, and is making a joke or too.

She is scheduled to have another CT Scan this morning to see if the clot is shrinking.

If the clot is not shrinking or her level of alertness dimishes in any way, she faces brain surgery to remove the clot.

That is all we know for now. More later!