November 16, 2008

As so many of you know Caitlin had one stroke in her sleep the night of October 26th. This stroke was in the left side of her brain impacting her motor functions of her right side and then also her speech. Four days after her stroke she was in acute rehabilitation and making gains on a daily basis. On November 8th Caitlin had a seizure which put her back in intensive care where she remains today. It was determined that not only did she have a seizure but she also had another stroke which was on the right side of her brain. Essentially, Caitlin had no ability to move either side of her body and no ability to communicate. She struggled with her breathing after asperating some fluid into her lungs. There still is no known cause for either stroke after just about every test and blood test the doctors could think of as they search for an answer to this puzzling situation. An EEG was administered and all her brain wave function was stable and fine.
On Friday, November 14th, we turned the corner. Caitlin was finally beginning to wake up. Each day we have seen babysteps. Friday Caitlin was beginning to turn her head to see people on either side of her. She was responding well to familiar voices. She also was able to squeeze and release with her left hand. On Saturday I was able to feed her ice chips under the careful supervision of the speech therapist. Her swallowing reflex was beginning to emerge. I also read from a poster her co-workers at Sierra Eye Associates had made for her. Each person she works with signed the poster with loving thoughts. She cried as I read the wonderful notes to her. Of course, I had to cry with her. Caitlin is loved by so many people. I know she was tearful because she would rather be at work doing all the tasks that people are missing her doing. Today she was able to point with a finger on the left hand when asked to do so. The beginnings of communication!!! Each day there is just one more sign that she is making babysteps toward recovery. What we thought were babysteps after the first stroke are now being looked at as huge, giant steps.
Right now we all want to spend time with Caitlin. But, the best method in stroke recovery is therapy and sleep with limited stimulation around the stroke victim. This is difficult for me in that I want her to know how loved and supported she is by so many, many people. I relay messages that I receive and read cards to her that she has gotten in the mail. Once she gets back up to the rehab unit in the hospital we will be able to hang these up in her room and surround her with all the loving thoughts people have sent. Please continue to send those thoughts her way until she is able to have visitors. Your positive thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated. We want to see that beautiful smile again!