Gerard Kapsner's Brain Injury
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Hello friends,
A few weeks ago, my husband Gerard was complaining about severe headaches and went to urgent care on August, 24th. He was sent to the emergency room for further examination and was given a CT scan. They determined that he was suffering from a subdural hematoma on the right side of his head and would need to be transported to Rochester Mayo Clinic immediately.
My kids and I drove up to Rochester and met Gerard in the Intensive Care Unit. We were introduced to a neurosurgeon who explained his current condition and prognosis.
We learned the following from CT scans and an MRI that they performed that night and the next few days:
- There were two areas of his brain that were bleeding into his skull causing pressure on his brain.
- The pressure of the blood was causing his severe headaches.
- They would stop the bleeding and determine any side effects of the brain injuries.
- They hoped the blood would liquify over time and absorb back into his body rather than having to perform surgery to drain the blood.
What happened over the next 11 days while he remained in the hospital:
- The doctors stopped the bleeding.
- The blood present in his brain had clotted, but was causing severe headaches, seizure activity, and weakness in his left arm and hand.
- He was given doses of medication throughout the day to handle his painful symptoms while waiting and hoping for the collection of blood to thin to a liquid.
By day 11, they thought it best to send Gerard home with his medications and manage his pain from home.
What’s next:
He has an appointment on Sept. 18th for another CT scan at Mayo to see any progress of the blood thinning to a liquid, whether it’s absorbing back into his brain, and if surgery will be needed. In the meantime, he is to remain at home resting and not working.
About Gerard:
Many of you know my husband as a hard working Christian man who has always felt a responsibility to take care of others, whether its his children or grandchildren, customers at Gordies, or even complete strangers in need. Although we try to remain positive, it’s been difficult for him to follow doctor’s orders to stay home, and rest for the next few weeks and possibly prepare for surgery.
Your help:
As we anticipate his next visit to Mayo, the bills are slowly arriving in our mailbox. And while he is not able to work, we are asking friends and family, who may be able to help, to please donate to our Go Fund Me page. We continue to appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much.
Estelle Kapsner
A few weeks ago, my husband Gerard was complaining about severe headaches and went to urgent care on August, 24th. He was sent to the emergency room for further examination and was given a CT scan. They determined that he was suffering from a subdural hematoma on the right side of his head and would need to be transported to Rochester Mayo Clinic immediately.
My kids and I drove up to Rochester and met Gerard in the Intensive Care Unit. We were introduced to a neurosurgeon who explained his current condition and prognosis.
We learned the following from CT scans and an MRI that they performed that night and the next few days:
- There were two areas of his brain that were bleeding into his skull causing pressure on his brain.
- The pressure of the blood was causing his severe headaches.
- They would stop the bleeding and determine any side effects of the brain injuries.
- They hoped the blood would liquify over time and absorb back into his body rather than having to perform surgery to drain the blood.
What happened over the next 11 days while he remained in the hospital:
- The doctors stopped the bleeding.
- The blood present in his brain had clotted, but was causing severe headaches, seizure activity, and weakness in his left arm and hand.
- He was given doses of medication throughout the day to handle his painful symptoms while waiting and hoping for the collection of blood to thin to a liquid.
By day 11, they thought it best to send Gerard home with his medications and manage his pain from home.
What’s next:
He has an appointment on Sept. 18th for another CT scan at Mayo to see any progress of the blood thinning to a liquid, whether it’s absorbing back into his brain, and if surgery will be needed. In the meantime, he is to remain at home resting and not working.
About Gerard:
Many of you know my husband as a hard working Christian man who has always felt a responsibility to take care of others, whether its his children or grandchildren, customers at Gordies, or even complete strangers in need. Although we try to remain positive, it’s been difficult for him to follow doctor’s orders to stay home, and rest for the next few weeks and possibly prepare for surgery.
Your help:
As we anticipate his next visit to Mayo, the bills are slowly arriving in our mailbox. And while he is not able to work, we are asking friends and family, who may be able to help, to please donate to our Go Fund Me page. We continue to appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much.
Estelle Kapsner
Organizer
Estelle Kapsner
Organizer
Winona, MN
