David's Recovery
Donation protected
David’s story…
For more than 10 years David has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which he has always been able to manage through medications and activity. Over the past 3 years it became clear the progression of his Parkinson’s would eventually require him to seek alternative methods to medication, that being Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). David had gone through a series of appointments and it was determined he is an excellent candidate for this procedure that would undoubtedly help him gain control of his balance and mobility, basically allowing him to walk safely again and get on with life.
As David began his journey to have the DBS surgical procedure, it was discovered that a (known) cyst in his brain had started to grow, creating hydrocephalus and enlarged ventricles. That in itself was a dangerous situation but also there was no longer a pathway to perform DBS, therefore the first procedure was to remove the cyst.
On May 4, 2016 David underwent surgery to remove the cyst and was looking forward to a 4 or 5-day inpatient recovery where he was expected to be “good to go” in two weeks, and have the DBS procedure done two months after that.
During the initial surgery, David suffered 2 strokes and later developed a spinal fluid infection. David spent 3 weeks in the Neuro ICU and an additional week of recovery at the UofM Hospital in Minneapolis. From there he was transferred to the Virginia Convalescent Center for 9 days and then to Miller Dwan inpatient Rehabilitation on June 1. As of August 11th David has been continuing rehab at the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Golden Valley Minnesota and is making remarkable progress both physically and cognitively. The goal for his discharge is tentatively set for October 10, 2016.
Between the Parkinson’s and the strokes and overall injury to his brain, David suffered memory loss and both sides of his body were affected. During the first four weeks he was not able to lift his right extremities much less shift his weight. Today David is standing up straight as an arrow, walking and doing several flights of stairs with minimal assistance. He never complains and is doing “work as usual” as he calls it. The care he is receiving at Courage Kenny is wonderful and staff ask me from time to time if David always had “these one-liners!” He has, but not to this degree - he’s getting to be quite the comedian and puts a smile on everybody's face.
However, David has a long road ahead. Although he has never forgotten a name or a face, his main barrier is the loss of his short term memory, which will continue to improve over time. The dangers of short term memory loss could be countless, from forgetting a burner to forgetting to lock the wheels on a wheelchair before standing up. Because of this David's discharge requirements will be 24/7 supervision in order to ensure his safety while he continues his recovery at home. David’s prognosis for recovery has been placed between 8-12 months. This type of in-home care is not covered by insurance and is 100% out-of-pocket.
Setting up this page is a difficult and humbling thing to do, but in order to provide David the care he needs once home I felt I had to reach out however I could. David is my partner and soul mate and truly, more now than ever he is still the glue that keeps it together for me. Any donation is so greatly appreciated and all donations will be used strictly for David’s in-home supervision expenses and out-of-pocket medical. I, as David's significant other, will personally be handling all of the donations and expenses on David's behalf and any donations above these expected costs will be donated to the Parkinson’s and/or Stroke recovery charities of David’s choice.
We are blessed and so grateful for our family and numerous friends that have been there all along David's journey. The countless hours visiting, attending therapy, emails, texts, cards, photos, heavenly baked goods, our faithful and unwavering friends for all of your help at Anishinabi and here in our home. There are no words great enough to say just how much we appreciate you. The greatest gift from everyone has been the gift of your time to be there in every way that you have been. Your care and concern has been remarkable and is such a source of strength for all of us.
David’s attitude towards life in general is “it could be worse.” He continues to be as determined as ever and is working hard every day to reach his goals and get back to life at home. We look forward to enjoying the fall season, winter road trips, fabricating and modifying who knows what in the shop, and Anishinabi next spring! Thank you for helping him get there one step at a time and please continue keeping the faith with us!!
If you wish to give directly to David, you can send donations to:
David McGregor
PO Box 313
Mtn. Iron, MN 55768
Monetary donations are not the only contribution you can make. Your time and support mean so much to David and me. If you wish to contact David, please send a note, postcard, photos, etc to:
David McGregor
c/o Courage Kenny Rehab Institute
3915 Golden Valley Rd.,
MR 78440, # 114A
Golden Valley, MN 55422
Many blessings to all!
Lisa
For more than 10 years David has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which he has always been able to manage through medications and activity. Over the past 3 years it became clear the progression of his Parkinson’s would eventually require him to seek alternative methods to medication, that being Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). David had gone through a series of appointments and it was determined he is an excellent candidate for this procedure that would undoubtedly help him gain control of his balance and mobility, basically allowing him to walk safely again and get on with life.
As David began his journey to have the DBS surgical procedure, it was discovered that a (known) cyst in his brain had started to grow, creating hydrocephalus and enlarged ventricles. That in itself was a dangerous situation but also there was no longer a pathway to perform DBS, therefore the first procedure was to remove the cyst.
On May 4, 2016 David underwent surgery to remove the cyst and was looking forward to a 4 or 5-day inpatient recovery where he was expected to be “good to go” in two weeks, and have the DBS procedure done two months after that.
During the initial surgery, David suffered 2 strokes and later developed a spinal fluid infection. David spent 3 weeks in the Neuro ICU and an additional week of recovery at the UofM Hospital in Minneapolis. From there he was transferred to the Virginia Convalescent Center for 9 days and then to Miller Dwan inpatient Rehabilitation on June 1. As of August 11th David has been continuing rehab at the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Golden Valley Minnesota and is making remarkable progress both physically and cognitively. The goal for his discharge is tentatively set for October 10, 2016.
Between the Parkinson’s and the strokes and overall injury to his brain, David suffered memory loss and both sides of his body were affected. During the first four weeks he was not able to lift his right extremities much less shift his weight. Today David is standing up straight as an arrow, walking and doing several flights of stairs with minimal assistance. He never complains and is doing “work as usual” as he calls it. The care he is receiving at Courage Kenny is wonderful and staff ask me from time to time if David always had “these one-liners!” He has, but not to this degree - he’s getting to be quite the comedian and puts a smile on everybody's face.
However, David has a long road ahead. Although he has never forgotten a name or a face, his main barrier is the loss of his short term memory, which will continue to improve over time. The dangers of short term memory loss could be countless, from forgetting a burner to forgetting to lock the wheels on a wheelchair before standing up. Because of this David's discharge requirements will be 24/7 supervision in order to ensure his safety while he continues his recovery at home. David’s prognosis for recovery has been placed between 8-12 months. This type of in-home care is not covered by insurance and is 100% out-of-pocket.
Setting up this page is a difficult and humbling thing to do, but in order to provide David the care he needs once home I felt I had to reach out however I could. David is my partner and soul mate and truly, more now than ever he is still the glue that keeps it together for me. Any donation is so greatly appreciated and all donations will be used strictly for David’s in-home supervision expenses and out-of-pocket medical. I, as David's significant other, will personally be handling all of the donations and expenses on David's behalf and any donations above these expected costs will be donated to the Parkinson’s and/or Stroke recovery charities of David’s choice.
We are blessed and so grateful for our family and numerous friends that have been there all along David's journey. The countless hours visiting, attending therapy, emails, texts, cards, photos, heavenly baked goods, our faithful and unwavering friends for all of your help at Anishinabi and here in our home. There are no words great enough to say just how much we appreciate you. The greatest gift from everyone has been the gift of your time to be there in every way that you have been. Your care and concern has been remarkable and is such a source of strength for all of us.
David’s attitude towards life in general is “it could be worse.” He continues to be as determined as ever and is working hard every day to reach his goals and get back to life at home. We look forward to enjoying the fall season, winter road trips, fabricating and modifying who knows what in the shop, and Anishinabi next spring! Thank you for helping him get there one step at a time and please continue keeping the faith with us!!
If you wish to give directly to David, you can send donations to:
David McGregor
PO Box 313
Mtn. Iron, MN 55768
Monetary donations are not the only contribution you can make. Your time and support mean so much to David and me. If you wish to contact David, please send a note, postcard, photos, etc to:
David McGregor
c/o Courage Kenny Rehab Institute
3915 Golden Valley Rd.,
MR 78440, # 114A
Golden Valley, MN 55422
Many blessings to all!
Lisa
Organizer
Lisa Williams
Organizer
Mountain Iron, MN