Posted by PS on October 13, 2003 at 12:15:08:
Regarding my British friend Katie, this is just in from Gary, Katie's husband.
(To understand the last paragraph you should know that they have 2 Bengal cats, one of which they bought from me a couple years ago as a kitten.)
* * * * * * *
Sorry for not answering sooner. Things have been hectic around here.
Katie is now in Tampa General under the care of Dr. Michael Hoffman, who
is one of the country's leading authorities on front lobal damage. He
is a Prof at USF and heads up the cerebrovascular program there. She
still has zero movement on the left hand side of her body. She is
talking and still has a good proportion of her memory and her sense of
humor is much dryer (she does not realize this, it is the changes in the
brain that have done it). Katie has some personality changes which are
not at all bad. She also has loss of some social skills. Your prayers
are really appreciated Steve. I am convinced that her toughness, inner
spiritual, coupled with the prayers and healing energies offered up on
her behalf, have all been significant factors in her recovery thus far.
When one considers that within 2 weeks of her life, she had two back
surgeries, congestive heart failure, another small heart attack and a
stroke, she is doing remarkably well.
Steve the stroke was brought on by malpractice/negligence. There was no
need for it. The air embolism occurred when the nurse removed the
central line, while she was in a sitting position (not correct
practice). Consequently, we are going to make sure that she has all the
necessary help, mechanical and transport aides and care she will need to
be comfortable for the rest of her life. I can tell you that when the
case is settled, this will include more of her precious cats. Jai and
Jhinga are very upset at her absence, and they both yowl and hunt for
her. They have taken to sleeping with me. In my more emotional moments,
the both curl up and sleep on my body. They are truly marvelous animals.
Love and Peace to you both,
Gary