Dave's Journey

There is No Finish Line

2009-01-16T11:34:00.003-05:00

Over two weeks have passed since my release from all restrictions by Doctor Ellegala. I played golf New Year's Eve with the senior blitz and shot 100. I was quite surprised to score so well, but of course the blitz rules that you pick up after double boggie. By the end of the game, I was quite fatigued but really enjoyed being out with the guys again.

Following a quiet New Year's Eve dinner at a local restaurant, Marie and I spent the first week of the year in Florida. We drove down on Sunday and stopped on Ormond Beach to break up the drive. Ormond Beach is a beautiful beach, north of Daytona that you can walk for miles on. I helped a little with the driving in order to get used to driving I-95 again. The following day we drove to West Palm Beach and checked into a Marriot time-share resort on Singer Island where we enjoyed beautiful weather for our whole stay. We played golf Tuesday at Abacoa Golf Club where I shot 100 again. On Wednesday, we walked the beach and laid around the pool, then explored Old West Palm Beach on our way to the Okeechobee Steakhouse where we enjoyed a marvelous dinner. On Thursday, we played golf at North West Palm Beach Country Club and got around in 97. I was pleasantly surprised again. Rather than come home all in one day, we made reservations at a new beachfront hotel in Jacksonville Beach right on the water. The weather turned colder there but we walked the beach and sat around the pool on Saturday and returned home Sunday.

Since arriving home, I have been limited to just walking because it is too cold for golf. Even on sunny days, it takes until 3:00 PM for the temperature to get above 50degrees. Every morning this week, I have bundled up and walked between two and three miles on the roads around the front nine of our golf course. I am trying each day to push it a little harder but still seem to be taking the same amount of time each day. The bottom line is that I really am feeling great. I am looking forward to warmer weather and starting to walk the front nine while I golf.

Marie and I have just joined the new YMCA that opened near us. We will be starting our workouts next week. I think Marie is interested in the workout classes, while I want to spend time on the machines to build my strength up to what is was before my hospitalization. There is no finish line when it comes to rehab.

See you on the golf course.

6 week Check up today

2008-12-29T17:45:00.001-05:00

It was not without a good deal of trepidation that Marie and I set out this morning for our trip back to MUSC for a CT scan and then a meeting with Dr Ellegala. After completing the CT scan and then reporting to the doctor's office for the usual rundown of medical questions, blood pressure, and temperature by the nurse, the good doctor finally appeared with a huge smile on his face. He reported that everything looked well with the clipped aneurysm and he felt that the second aneurysm was not serious enough to require immediate surgery, but could be dealt with using a less invasive procedure called coiling. Coiling requires only an over-night stay. This was really really good news.

As regards my overall health and fitness, the doctor positively beamed when I told him that I was walking every day and feeling great. He released me from all restrictions on physical activities and sent me home to continue recovering for the next three months. At that time, he will have his associate, Dr Turk, do the coil procedure and hopefully, I will be home the next day.

There is lots of life left to live and lots of golf left to play after the good news today. I will be teeing it up tomorrow for at least nine holes and hopefully playing in the senior blitz Wednesday.

See you on the course!

Christmas on the Pointe

2008-12-18T17:13:00.006-05:00

As we wind down to Christmas, it has been a very busy time around the Scott household. Last Friday, we celebrated our progressive dinner on our street. It was really great seeing all of the neighbors together sharing food and drink at different locations on our street. On Saturday night, we all went up to the golf club for the member's Christmas Dinner. As usual, Chef Charlie's team did a great job hosting the party and preparing the food. Sunday found us at Charleston Place downtown for their Christmas Brunch with our neighborhood dining club. I know it sounds as if all I am doing is eating, but in fact, I have been increasing the length of my walks everyday. I am now up to walking the complete circle around the front nine. The photo is from today, December 20, and it is the annual Santa drives around the neighborhood from the local fire department.

Two Weeks at Home

2008-12-06T10:50:00.003-05:00

Hey Y'All,

I've been home for a little over two weeks now. I have gotten my blood pressure down to 140 over 80 and my family doctor has reduced the number of blood pressure pills I am taking to two. I am managing to stay up for most of the day and evening, but still require a short nap sometime during the late afternoon. It seems the same to me as before I had the head injury. Now that I am staying awake most of the day, feel free to stop by for a coffee or soda.

I can't believe how boring life is when you can't drive anywhere but I have some wonderful friends that have saved me and drive me anywhere I need to go. I am still trying to walk about a mile each day. I had lunch with Alan Abernethy, John Halley, and the Senior Blitz Guys on separate days this week. It was really nice seeing all my golf buddies on Wednesday.

See y'all soon,

Dave

Happy Thanksgiving! A lot to be thankful for...

2008-11-29T12:18:00.005-05:00

Well, here we are. I have been out of the hospital for a little over a week and am slowly getting better. I was prescribed with 16 salt pills a day, lots of blood pressure medicine and other stuff. There was only one problem. My blood pressure went up to 200+ over 100+. With the help of my family physician, we did blood scans and then cut the salt pills to 4 a day. Last Wednesday, he did more blood work and cut the salt pills completely. This morning, my BP was 151 over 89. That's the best BP yet. Last Wednesday they did another CT Scan as well - to make sure there was no water on the brain - it was clear! In case you ever wondered what a CT scan cost - it's about $1200.

In addition to working on my BP, Marie and I have been walking every day we can. It started out the second day I was home when we walked about 350 yards. It was pretty exhausting. Yesterday was the best walking day. Marie and I walked up the the clubhouse, had breakfast, then returned home. Easily, it is over a mile round trip, our best walk so far.

I am a little behind with thank you's, but here we go with some more. John Fender came over this week and cut my lawn and all the leaves that were sitting on top. Thanks John. My neighbors Michelle, Carl, and Jake brought snicker doodle cookies over a few days ago, and a great dinner. Marie and I enjoyed pork roast, Jake's famous cheesy potatoes and baked beans that were out of this world. Pat Arnold came over with terrific cherry cobbler and Darby Abernethy made me some of her world's famous brownies to help bring down my blood pressure (they worked). My friend Bob Beggs drove me to the barber and the library when Marie was busy with work. To top it all off, Marie and I celebrated a very special Southern Thanksgiving with our neighbors the Chitty's. Dinner included all of the Southern favorites like mac and cheese, collard greens, sweet potato casserole, cream corn, brown rice, stuffing and (of course) southern fried turkey. Again, we can't thank our neighbors enough for their generosity, best wishes, checking in on me, and for everyone's thoughts and prayers.

A Thank You Note from Dave

2008-11-23T15:03:00.007-05:00

Hey Y'all,

I have finally gotten involved in the Blog that Marie started weeks ago. After being home for three days and feeling a little better each day, I feel that it is time for me to thank a number of people that made it possible for me to even be here.

First and foremost, I must thank my good friend Maryann Crowe. We originally met in 1984 when she was instructing rookies joining the Canadian Ski Patrol. A few months later, I learned that I would be working with her and her husband on my rookie year at Osler Bluff Ski Resort. When I passed out November 4th, it was Maryann who kept me alive by alternatively kicking my back to keep me breathing and ready to do CPR if I stopped. I am firmly convinced that she got me to the hospital alive.

Although the incident happened in Myrtle Beach, it didn't take too long to get back to MUSC in Charleston where I was under the care of Dr Ellegala, a renowned brain surgeon who specializes in difficult brain aneurysms. He and his team both operated on me and cared for me the last two weeks. I thank these guys for getting me home again.

I have been thrilled by the visits from both my brother Alex, my sister Bette, Marie's sister Lin, and my best friend from public school through my whole life, Larry. It was a real treat to see them all.

With special thanks to Cindy, Terry, Janette (and Tony) and John I would like to thank all of the neighbors (and ex-neighbors like Suzanne) who helped Marie. From driving to the hospital to meals and snacks dropped off at our house, the emotional support (and education) has been just huge. I would like to thank Marie's Oracle family who have allowed her to be by my side and to care for me. You have all been just great.

Last but not least, I would like to thank all of you who have taken the trouble to send cards and blog comments. Your thoughts and prayers were appreciated.

Dave

Dave update since he's been home!

2008-11-22T20:40:00.004-05:00

Early Wednesday morning sister Lin left to go back to the snow in Rochester. Later that afternoon they let us bust out of the hospital - Dave was taken off the Nimitop (aka Namitodine) and his blood pressure was allowed to settle down from the highs they had been keeping it at for the brain perfusion. (BTW - Instead of taking up Spanish I have decided to take up Neuroscience Nursing.) Dave's BP was 145/70 and the walking papers were signed (OK - wheelchair papers - they never let you walk out of a hospital).

Thursday was a sluggish day - brother Al left in the morning and Dave was tired and listless all day. After dropping Al off at the massive Charleston International Airport, we stopped in to see Rick the Barber to see if he could give Dave the rest of the Mohawk haircut - we'll see what he can do next Tuesday. Friday was even more sluggish. Dave would get up at 5 AM and not be able to finish his first coffee or the newspaper until hours later.

We continue the massive salt therapy - 16 tablets a day, along with Fludrocortisone. Yesterday we decided to test Dave's BP, un-packed the blood pressure cuff, and Dave blew by the numbers at 201/98. Me - a calm, normal 126/75. (Yeah right!) Today - Dave's BP was 192/104 and we called the doctors. Both MUSC and Dave's family doctor were consulted. Salt therapy was suggested to be cut in half, and we started blood pressure medicine to get the numbers down.

Hopefully we'll see an improvement after the BP pills have had a chance to work, and after the salt has been cut back. Hopefully - we'll both be able to have a good night's sleep one of these nights soon!

Home at Last!

2008-11-20T07:53:00.003-05:00

Last night was awesome. We finally got home about 5 o'clock and Dave sunk into his recliner! Brother Al made some great salmon-- brain food I hear. Next step is the 6 week checkup - no driving til then. Fortunately I have lots to work on from home. The doctors continue the high salt therapy - 12 tablets a day. Dave's blood pressure has settled back down to the 140's over 70 - way down from the 210/80 it has been at for the first 14 days.

The comments have been fun to read and I can't wait to get Dave in front of the computer to see his "blog!"

Coming Home today - Wednesday November 19

2008-11-19T06:43:00.003-05:00

Day 15. Dave has made it through the 14 day period after the bleed. He had his last salt tablets yesterday, and his last IV was taken out. Brother Al flew in yesterday, and sister Lin flew home this morning. Yesterday was a very busy day at the hospital, Bob and Jim visited, and Tony checked in as well. Lots of activity as the 7th floor Neuro unit moved up to the brand new 9th floor.

More later!

William David Scott

2008-11-18T05:54:00.002-05:00

In case you are downtown and in case you stop in to MUSC, stop at any security desk and ask for William Scott - yes - he's a William. In person he answers to Dave, Bob, Robert, but don't call him Bill!

Canadian Flag

2008-11-18T05:40:00.003-05:00

As Kim and Mark were leaving with the packed moving truck to their new home up in North Carolina, Kathy and Pat - our walking neighbors - stopped by and told them what happened to Dave. When I arrived home Thursday night there was a package on the back porch.

Kim and Mark left a Canadian flag with a note "I had this new flag and thought Dave would fly it with pride. I think some of my crazy Canadian firemen friends gave it to me."

When you are on #5 teebox, look across the street and if you see the Canadian flag flying from our front porch that will mean Dave is home!

Salt anyone?

2008-11-17T22:01:00.003-05:00

Day 13 - in the "Presidential Suite." This morning - the central line came out. Now - just one tether to the wheeling IV post - an IV on the right wrist. Dave still isn't used to the concept he CAN get up and about - albeit very carefully. Thoughts of walking out of the hospital as soon as they got him out of ICU have left his mind - I hope! Today is the first day we spent over 7 hours together without anyone kicking me out - like in ICU. And it was wonderful being able to do a little work today! 2 conference calls - and one of them with me talking very quietly in Dave's bathroom on my cellphone. Ahh...the little things!

Dave stayed awake the longest today and was the most coherent in 12 days. He still has great long term memory - the other day he and Bob got into a discussion about the Canadian election process.

Salt Wasting - Nurse Sharon finally explained why Dave is taking copious amounts of salt pills - every 4 hours - it's due to "salt wasting." Apparently, when there is a brain injury - the body reacts by getting rid of salt as fast as it can. This causes the confusion and listlessness Dave has had on and off for the past two weeks.

Moving Day - Sunday November 16

2008-11-16T20:05:00.003-05:00

Well - Dave was promoted! (Or as Bill says -- "demoted" to a lower floor!) Picked Sister Lin up at the airport this morning and we headed to the hospital. Dave was sitting in his chair and the doctor informed me he was leaving ICU today! Tim visited an hour today after church. He and Dave had quite the conversation about many different topics. By 4 PM, Dave was moved to a corner suite - room 726. This room actually has 3 large recliners, and one person is even allowed to sleep there! What a concept! It has a shower, a closet, a nightstand, and a sink. Very posh. There's even a picture on the wall. Of course, this is making Dave even more anxious about getting out of the hospital ASAP. He still has the central line IV left - it's the last connection. He's still a little fuzzy, gets very tired after a short time, and has a serious neck ache. All normal they tell me! Lin and I were invited to Bill and Cindy's for dinner and we had a wonderful meal (as usual). It was nice for me to be back home last night - having stayed in the hotel downtown since last Thursday.

Days 10 and 11

2008-11-15T23:00:00.002-05:00

Friday was a day of firsts for Dave. His first walk down the hall. His first peek at himself in a mirror. His first shave by himself. The things we take for granted.

Bob Richards came by at 11 and they had an educational discussion on the Canadian Election Process. Seems to be no sign of long term memory loss at all! Dave's voice is finally sounding more and more like himself. Bob Beggs, representing the Wednesday blitz 4some, came by and remarked how good Dave looked and how he'd be golfing in no time! Friday evening Dave was exhausted and confused - which I am led to believe is normal. We had a nice chat about the King of England.

Saturday was a sleep day. Had a chance to talk to the Doctor and ask a lot of questions. The vision does not seem to be impaired at all. Good improvement. Both the blood on the brain and the water on the brain will resolve itself (hopefully) and be re-absorbed into the body.

The Chitty's came by the hotel after the Citadel game and whisked me away to Athens Restaurant before my 9 o'clock visit. What a wonderful break not to mention the best Greek Salad I've ever had!

Dave is very anxious to get out of ICU. We may be on the floor by Monday!

Sincere Thanks to every single person for your thoughts and prayers.

Thursday November 13, Day 9

2008-11-14T09:52:00.003-05:00

Very busy day today. First time I was able to spend any significant amount of time with Dave's doctor.

The good news is that Dave is in a teaching hospital, the bad news is that Dave is in a teaching hospital. MUSC has the best care in the south for neurosurgery. Dr. Ellegala is a renowned surgeon, specializing in care for the type and location of Dave's aneurysm - in the Circle of Willis. Dr. Chelela works with Dr. Ellegala and there is a team of students, residents, doctors, and the Attending Physician. Dr. Chelela explained the protocol for Dave's treatment - a 21 day plan called Triple HHH where they keep the sodium elevated (Dave hates those salt pills!), blood pressure elevated (today 224/83) and high fluid intake. He is still being closely monitored in ICU for signs of vasospasm which can cause a stroke if it is not cau
ght in time.

Thank you to my Oracle family for delivering a beautiful gift basket this morning! I am looking forward to sharing those delights with Dave.

Thank you to Tony and Janette who continue to be a great source of knowledge about what Dave is going through. Thanks to Cindy and Suzanne and Terry for being such an incredible support network to me during my panic attacks. Dave's sister from Toronto left yesterday - Dave was glad to have her here and so was I.

Thursday night I headed downtown to the Marriott for a couple of nights - makes the 9 PM visit much easier. Dave reminded me to pay the Visa which is due on the 15th! Long term memory is completely intact.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 Day 8

2008-11-14T09:46:00.003-05:00

First day sitting up! First day standing! Major milestones for Dave. His neck was very stiff (small wonder!) and Nurse Ryan gave Dave a massage to loosen it up. He was so-so mentally today, his double vision was pretty bad. Dave has one point of reference in his room and that is the clock. He measures the double vision in inches - today the shadow was 4 inches to the right.

Met Dr. Chalela today, he said Dave looks great. That was at 11 AM. Visiting hours are from 11 to 12, 2 to 4, and from 9 to 11 PM. Dave's mental state deterioritated throughout the day. Terry A. took me back for the 9 o'clock visit - needless to say I didn't get much sleep that night! Worried about the mental confusion and if it was an indication of something more serious.

Day 7

2008-11-11T08:39:00.000-05:00

Dave just called this morning - he was watching the football game last night and his very best oldest friend Larry Wickens arrived for the last 1/2 hour of visitation from Ontario, Canada. Dave was overwhelmed to say the least.

Today is Day 7 of the "incident" and the most critical day to watch for signs of vasospasm - a constriction of a brain artery that can cause a stroke. Signs are confusion, double vision, neck ache, and elevated blood pressure. Dave has all those this morning. Yesterday the angio test came back clear so that was a bit of good news. Dave has a daily CT scan and a Doppler scan for the Doctors to look at the arteries.

He was listless and lethargic today. Moments of clear lucidity and moments of confusion. Perfectly normal I understand.

Craniotomy Day - Thursday

2008-11-06T18:00:00.000-05:00

Cindy came back to the hotel to pick me up in the morning so we could meet the surgeon at 10:30. The surgery was delayed to 1 PM so Dave had a whole night and morning to panic even more (I was right there panicing with him!). The doctor explained the 2 options, clipping and coiling and the risks of both. His recommendation was the clipping of the aneurysm because it was a permanent solution - and I was good with that!

Alan and Terry Abernethy showed up alongside Cindy for moral support, and whisked me away to lunch on the water at Fleet Landing. Janette and Will Cotton joined us and it was a welcome diversion - even managed to have a bite to eat and a few laughs.

Now the waiting began. John and Karen Halley joined us in the surgery waiting room. Shortly after 6 PM, Dr. Ellegala came out, smiled and said - it was a success! You should have heard the shouts of joy. Next step - waiting on floor 8 for ICU news. Again, about 8 PM, Dr. Ellegala came out to the waiting room, smiled again, and said "Dave knew his name and he gave me the thumbs up!" This meant he wasn't intubated, wasn't paralyzed, and he could speak!

Day 1 in Myrtle Beach

2008-11-04T17:34:00.005-05:00

Brain Aneurysm Day 1

Last Tuesday, Election Day, Dave and I headed to Myrtle Beach a day early to see our dear friends from Canada - Peter and Marianne Crowe. Marianne had been flown home in between her contract extension as a travelling nurse. The payroll conference I was registered for was scheduled to start Wednesday evening and run through Saturday morning. Tuesday at 2PM ET, Dave clutched his head and fell to the ground. Marianne - being the experienced ICU nurse extraordinaire, ran to his side, ready to perform CPR, with her hand on his pulse as Dave convulsed unconsciously on the ground. She kept him breathing until the ambulance and fire arrived within 4 minutes.

Because of where the aneurysm was - in the "Circle of Willis" or the command center for way too much stuff, the recommendation was to transfer to MUSC. Off we went - me driving the truck, and Dave in the ambulance.

My friend and neighbor Cindy Chitty met me at the hotel - that was a pleasant surprise to say the least! Strange coincidence - as we were wandering the halls trying to find which elevator to take, and then getting into Elevator D - Cindy says - that's Dave! My first thought was - that's impossible! But it was Dave and as they wheeled him into ICU we snuck in behind his stretcher. It was a short lived visit as they promptly escorted us out. 2 hours later we were allowed in - and Dave was being prepped for a 6:30 AM surgery. We were both in a bit of a panic, and this was the first time we heard this term "craniotomy." They let Dave make 3 calls to his sister, brother, and son. Very scary!