Miracles for Mike: Recovering from a Stroke

#MiraclesforMike

On Thursday, December 20th I received the news that no one ever wants to get; my father, Mike Buel, had a massive stroke. Thankfully my mother and sister both knew the signs and called 911 immediately. He was rushed to Mary Washington Hospital where it was confirmed that he had a massive stroke caused by a complete blockage of his right internal carotid artery.

After receiving the life saving "clot buster medication" (tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)), he was transferred to VCU Medical Center where he received treatment and was kept for observation after he had an adverse reaction to the tPA . Studies have shown that bleeding into the brain can  occur in about 1 out of 18 patients receiving tPA (specifically, 5.8%) and Mike WAS one of those 5.8%. Doctors monitored his brain bleeding and swelling closely, conducting neurological checks every hour. It was also noticed while at VCU that  when he had the stroke and fell to the hard, tile floor in their home he had injured his knee. A history of gout and arthritis made his knee swell painfully; another unfortunate result of the stroke. 

Mike was monitored and treated at VCU until December 28th when he was finally released and transferred to Encompass Home Health, an acute care facility in Fredericksburg. Since then he has been receiving physical, occupational, and speech therapies while continuing his recovery from the brain swelling and knee injury. Unfortunately, because of his knee injury, his therapy progress has been limited and his insurance company has determined that he will need to be transferred to a nursing home to continue his care. 

Since this all happened so fast, Mike will not have Disability coverage, Medicaid/Medicare, or the insurance coverage he needs before he needs to be discharged from his current facility. Additionally, he is the sole provider between my parents. My Mom is also undergoing medical treatments and will be having surgery for skin cancer on January 21st. This means she too will be unable to work as the recovery will be long and arduous. 

The funds raised by this effort will be used to help my parents pay their  mortgage, vehicle payment, medical equipment needed (wheelchair, hospital bed, etc.) and other necessary bills and to help them stay afloat while they both face their own recovery journeys. Our family has been generous with attempting to pitch in, but the bills are piling up fast. 

Please consider helping my family as they face many challenges and struggles in the months and possibly years to come. Don't let the stress of finances add to their list of trials and tribulations.

It is truly a miracle that my father, Mike, survived this massive stroke and the adverse effects of the tPA. Your thoughts, positive energy, and prayers are greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time and God bless.

                                                                                       
Dad sending his love!