What I've learned about my dad is that he has a chronic condition - vascular disease of the brain. Basically, blood vessels in his brain are abnormally small. Unknown to us or him, he has had this condition all of his life. As he has gotten older, the blood vessels in his brain have been rupturing causing many undetected strokes deep within his brain.
What I've learned is due to his condition he has been having small strokes for a very long time now - like years. Since the strokes were so small and deep within his brain it was hard to detect them - even with an MRI. The strokes have been happening all over his brain but primarily in his frontal lobe.
In time, the strokes have gotten bigger and more noticeable. What I've also learned after looking at my dad's films is that he has had numerous strokes throughout the years (like over 20 or so) - all different sizes, impact, etc. Sometime within the last 30 days my dad had two very large and severe strokes - one on each side of his brain.
What I've learned is that more tests are needed to see if there are more bleeds or blockages in his brain. Treatment will be determined based on these tests. Once stable, dad will go to rehab to try and retrain his brain; currently he cannot walk, talk, or do normal daily functions without assistance. His doctors have warned us that rehab and recovery will be more difficult since he has had two severe strokes - one on each side of his brain. I'm unsure if my dad will ever live outside of an assisted living facility... I'm hopeful his recovery will be better than what the doctors are preparing us for.
What I've learned is that my family is amazing. My mom is so incredibly strong and tough. I'm not sure how she does all she does - she is my superhero. Even through this tough time my family is standing strong together, supporting each other everyday. I'm so thankful for Tim who is sacrificing time with me and Liam so I can help my mom and sister through all the changes we will have to make to adjust to my father's new lifestyle.
What I've learned is you have to live each day to its fullest. It can't just be a saying - you must live this way. One day you may wake up and your whole world will be turned upside down so live each day like it's your last. Make sure you tell your loved ones just how loved they are and make sure you laugh - sometimes laughter is the only thing that will help you through the really tough times. My family means the world to me and I love them more than I can explain. Together we will get through this time.
