A loose stitch, a stroke and Poof.......

For me 2001 brings back many life changing memories. Not only was it the year of 9/11 but it was a year of more personal tragedies. My dad had to go a series of tests to try to figure out a more defined diagnosis. He ended up being a pin cushion and a guinea pig - he had a series of test that basically served no purpose. It was all very frustrating. It was concluded that perhaps he might have Parkinson's but still no conclusive diagnosis. In August of 2001, Mom had surgery to prevent a stroke (carodid surgery) and ended up having one before leaving the hospital. Apparently a flap of skin moved causing a blot clot to come loose and causing a stroke. I mentioned that I believed she had a a stroke but no one seemed concerned and she was released. In hindsight, we should have pushed that she stay and have further testing. The day after her release it was definitely obvious that she had indeed had a stroke. She could not see anything to the left side of her. She was unaware of a variety of things and she was repeating herself. Back to the hospital where (surprise) it was determined she had had a stroke. Mom stayed in the hospital for weeks enduring tests, more surgery and rehab. She was released a day or two after 9/11. Mom ended up make a decent recovery but she was never the same. She was never again the strong and independent woman. She and my dad needed help.