02/10/2023
Mike was unresponsive when found by his mother in the hallway of his home during the middle of the night. He was rushed to the ER and diagnosed with a brain bleed and blood clots that had caused a stroke. He required two separate brain surgeries to remove the clotting, and Mike remained in a critical condition. Once stabilized Mike was transferred to OSF Transitional Care Hospital. The beginning of his treatment plan was focused on liberating him from the ventilator, removing the breathing tube, and caring for his wounds. Mike steadily made progress, and as his cognitive function improved, he became very engaged with his therapists — always willing to do what was asked of him. Once weaned from the vent and his wounds were nearly healed, Mike was transferred to the Acute Recovery Unit at OSF where he received occupational and physical therapy. Mike steadily recovered his fine motor skills and mobility. By the time he was ready to be discharged, he was back on his feet, walking and taking care of daily life tasks.
“I was basically dead for 15 minutes when they found me and began giving me CPR,” Mike shared before he was discharged to return home. “At the first hospital the surgeons virtually ‘tiptoed through my tulips’ to clear my brain of the blood clots and now here I am, going home! Father Freddy met my Life Flight and prayed over me, and then yesterday dropped by to wish me well. I wasn’t a believer before, but I am now as I have been told there are many reasons why I shouldn’t have survived. Thank you to everyone who cared for me – I am very grateful.”
