[nfbwatlk] Update on Ann (fwd)

[Mike Freeman]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 21:22:44 -0700
From: Debbie Cook <deb.cook at earthlink.net>
To: Wcb-l at wcbinfo.org
Subject: [Wcb-l] Update on Ann

Well it has been a busy day but I do have good news to end it with. First, I
really must echo the comments of others regarding the efforts of Marlaina
and Bill last night. There were a lot of things that God worked together to
make this all work out for Ann, and there's no question that we wouldn't be
where we are tonight without the marvelous help that these two of our WCB
team gave.

The diagnosis is still not completely definitive but stroke has been ruled
out, and they are treating Ann for
encephalitis. Now, I didn't know much about this, so in case you don't, it's
usually caused by a virus or a bacteria and is generally a normal disease
gone crazy. The effect is that it ends up in the brain and causes swelling.
Of course swelling has many of the same effects as stroke, and so Ann lost
cognitive, physical and verbal functioning. But as they are able to reduce
the swelling, things are returning to normal at a pretty rapid rate.



As of this evening, she was still in ICU but anticipates transfer to the
regular ward soon. She is talking and now initiating. This morning she could
talk coherently, but still seemed a bit disconnected. Nothing like we
experienced last night of course. Her physical functioning appears to be
near normal. Her verbal functioning is good but she continues to have some
aphasia which means she can't find some words she wants to say. This is a
common problem for people who have had encephalitis and may or may not fully
recede. But, the good news is that she is on the road to recovery. Full
recovery may take weeks, but we don't anticipate that she'll be in the
hospital too many more days if all continues as it did today. And I'll keep
you posted about that.



Ann's sister is coming tomorrow from Texas and will be here through
Saturday. Marcina has been a little depressed but is also doing much better
as those around her are less tense.



So, we definitely continue to appreciate your prayers and good wishes. Ann
is very, very tired so we're not having people contact her at the hospital.
But I am carrying all of the good wishes and kind words I have received on
her behalf to her. And my thanks to Marlaina for being traffic cop for some
of this. Definitely makes it a bit easier.



I'll provide another update tomorrow evening. If something changes
unexpectedly I will advise Marlaina and she will keep you updated.



Deb




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