Sobering Day

Tuesday, May 31  Dr. Stark was back from out of town and made his rounds.  He painted a pretty bleak picture as he talked to Mom, Nancy and Charlie.  He explained the many issues that Lyle has going against him, reminding us that Lyle’s time with us is limited.  He said to have hope, but keep it tempered with reality.  

Later in the morning John, Betty, Doris, Nancy, Mom, Carrie and Charlie were in the waiting when Dr. Stark made another appearance to talk with us all about Lyle’s condition.  He talked about the stroke, blood clots, brain damage, etc.  He explained that Lyle appeared to be fairly comfortable, was obeying commands (to wiggle fingers, toes and open and close eyes), but that it is simply painful being trapped in a body that won’t move.  He explained that it was a matter of time before the next thing happened.  It was a very sobering conversation.


Doris and Nancy left for home a little after lunch time.  Lyle breathed on his own all day without the help of the machine.

Breathing On His Own Again

Monday, May 30 Lyle’s temperature lowered a little and his breathing improved.  We were asked to let him rest as much as possible and limit our number of people visiting him at one time.  Mom stayed with Lyle most of the day, while the rest took turns coming and going.  Lyle has had many visitors.

An Exhausting Day for Lyle

Sunday, May 29 Lyle was tired and not able to breath on his own.  The ventilator tubes would not be taken out.  Lyle’s temperature was also elevated.  The doctor that was filling in for Dr. Stark checked over Lyle and said they would add nutrients (amino lipids, lipids, etc.) to his system.  Lyle also has cold sores around his mouth, which they say is normal when the immune system is so weak, and they will put an ointment on for them.  From what the doctor said, any major decisions will be held off until Dr. Stark returns on Tue. if at all possible.  Lyle’s breathing deteriorated a little as the day went on.  Fred and Margie returned home and Lyle’s daughter, Carrie arrived in the evening.

Breathing on His Own for the First Time

Saturday, May 28 Lyle received a lot of visitors and stimulation.  Lyle responses showed that he recognized his visitors and wanted someone nearby.  Lyle showed as much enthusiasm as possible when he was asked if he wanted a foot massage.  The ventilator was turned to 0, meaning that Lyle was doing all the breathing on his own.  The hope was to take out the ventilator tubes the next day if Lyle showed that he could breath on his own.  The reality was that we needed to be in unity as a family as to how the medical team should proceed if Lyle didn’t respond well, whether they should make every effort to resuscitate him or let him go.

Opening His Eyes

On Friday, May 27 Lyle was responding more and more to instructions to squeeze hands, move feet.  He opened his eyes big and wide for a short while when Mom was talking with him and walked her fingers up his right arm (this is the side that is paralyzed), and opened his eyes.  His responses showed that he understood what was being said.    He responded with a frown on his brow and pulling away when the nurse told him she was going to pull out an IV.  It was encouraging to see his responses increase.  

The First Few Days

On Tuesday, May 24... John called the ambulance and they took him into the hospital and he was in a coma through Thursday evening.  Mom (Helen), Fred & Margie, Betty Doris and Nancy arrived are the family members that showed up on Thursday.  The stimulation from having everyone together must have been a good thing as Lyle showed the most movement since going into the coma.