First update, Feb 20, 2011, Scottsdale, Arizona

My mother and I have created this blog to keep family and friends updated on Dad's progress. For those who may not know, on Wed, February 9, Michael was not feeling well and around midnight he fainted at the kitchen table. Fortunately Madge was there and she called 911. Michael was taken to Scottsdale Healthcare Hospital at Osborn. He recovered swiftly and felt great. He talked to my brother, Mark and me the next day and was due to return home on Saturday, Feb. 12. In the early morning of Feb 12, my aunt Shanti who also lives in Scottsdale, went to visit early in the morning and informed us that dad had suffered a major stroke to the right parietal lobe of the brain. He was placed in ICU and stayed there for the next four days as the doctors tried to stabilize his condition and find the cause of his stroke. Mark, his wife Penny and I flew to Arizona on the weekend. After 4 days in ICU, Michael was moved to room 622 to the neurological ward and is being closely monitored by the doctors.

After many tests, they discovered that his stroke was due to atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat. They also discovered that he had a clot in the right atrium of the heart and a slow bleed in the brain around the area of the stroke. His left side is paralyzed though he has slight movement in his left toes. Unfortunately, he did not pass the swallow test, which means he cannot drink or eat anything, so a stomach feeding tube has been inserted. His right side is strong and though his speech is slurred he can speak a few words. His mind is very clear and his wit is intact! Because he is right handed and he can write, he is able to communicate. Thus far, most of his requests have been for hot tea, water, for Hanna, his favorite nurse, to bring him a hot dinner and for Madge to break the rules and bring him a bowl of ice-cream. He also wanted to leave the hospital by Monday! Of course Madge told him that he will be in recovery for some time. The good news is that the hospital has started rehab several times a day. This morning Michael's condition was stable and his heart beat is regular.

We thank you all for your prayers, blessings and for keeping Michael in your thoughts. You are welcome to post comments which we will pass on to him.

Michelle