[Oe List ...] [Dialogue] Daughter Eva's stroke recovery/surgery update

[Debra Harris]

Hi Ellie, In Texas,  Medicaid often offers free transportation to MD appts, PT or even for lab work etc. If she receives a disability pass from from her PCP she can have access to Metrolify and reduced eg $2 a ride for taxis or Uber/Lyft. I know each State is different and each form of Medicaid can vary (State by State & also depending on the Medicaid provider eg United Health vs Amerigroup etc). She may also qualify for a case manager or ombudsman via her Medicaid provider.  An appt with the hospital MSW Social Worker is really important, even if it can be done pre surgery to prepare for further PT OT etc on the other side of discharge. MSW assistance can like gold in making phone calls on her behalf, cutting through red tape or other delays- as possible etc. Also anMD or home health agency order for MSW assistance once she returns home is also something to request, they can help with temporary financial assistance, rent payment etc at times.  (I’m a former home health nurse yet it’s been a number of years since I’ve been in the field so some of my info is likely outdated. Setting up a care network with friends and coworkers can also be s boon. Often many of us are waiting for specific way to help. Does she have a faith community- they also can be a huge resource if so... 
Blessings and healing energy to Eva!! Our brains are amazing at being able to rewire and make new synapses (pliability!). There are “Brain Gym” type exercises that are really helpful, however repetition and perseverance are also the mainstay in reconnecting and rehabilitating the mind-body (spirit) abilities. Encouragement and being around things she loves (even if she can ‘volunteer’ where she was working before may help- if it is possible. 
Sincerely,Debra Harris 


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone


On Friday, February 14, 2020, 5:41 PM, Dharmalingam Vinasithamby via Dialogue <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:

 Dear Ellie,
Good to hear this news about Eva's progress. I hope the surgery on the 19th goes well and gives a boost to her continued healing. Wish you courage as you work on helping her pull through.
Dharma
    On Saturday, 15 February 2020, 04:48:42 am GMT+8, Ellie Stock via Dialogue <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:  
 
 Dear Friends,
So, here's the latest update on our daughter Eva, as she continues to recover from her 12/30/19 stroke that paralyzed her left side--some good news, and I hope it holds... (For some this is new, for others a recap.).
The cause of her stroke was a 99% blockage of her right carotid artery.  Surgery (endarterectomy) was scheduled to unblock that artery in order to prevent future strokes.  After 3 postponements of her surgery due to insurance issues, Eva found out that Medicaid approved her application, so she is now covered by Medicaid from January 1 (not the first two days--Dec 30,31--ambulance, ICU and 30+tests)--how much that covers, I don't know.
Her surgery is now scheduled for Wednesday, February 19.  We are hoping there is not another change... Post-surgery, she will be in ICU for a day or two and then come home for a 4-6 weeks recovery time.
In the meantime she continues to make good progress with therapy exercises at home, regaining her strength and mobility.  Walking is good, and balance is much improved.  Arm, hand and finger use is getting better, but she still does not have feeling in her arm, hand and fingers which makes it difficult to pick up, grasp, and hold objects; feel and locate objects if she is not seeing them; and discern where objects are touching her without looking.  The healing brain is still remaking those connections.  Her speech continues to improve, but she says it feels like she has marbles in her mouth when she talks.  She is not yet able to drive, so someone must take her to do shopping or errands or go to medical/therapy appointments.  She still needs time during the day to rest and heal.
She remains in good spirits; but, after all the delays, she says she is "so done with this".  She is not looking forward to the surgery, but she just wants to be completely well and mobile and return to her work as a childcare teacher.  Hopefully, the surgery will enable this to happen sooner than later.
Thank you for your continuing love, thoughts, prayers, lit candles, emails, calls, and cards.  We are overwhelmed and deeply grateful for your kind expressions of support.  You have helped carry Eva and all of us through these last weeks.
Some, who did not receive Eva's last name and contact info in a previous email, have asked for that, so that is below.
Many of you have also shared health or challenging situations that you are experiencing personally or with your family, so our prayers are with you as well.
I will be heading to Pittsburgh February 18 before the surgery.  My next update will be post surgery.
Happy Valentine's Day!  
Grace and peace,blessings and love ~
Ellie :)elliestock at aol.com 
Eva Neszpaul446 Union AvenuePittsburgh, PA  15205evajworks at aol.com 
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