Jennifer's Road to Recovery

My dear friend Jennifer Atchley  had a stroke early morning of Nov 3rd.  Her daughters Trinity and Kelcey were luckily home when this happened and were able to call for an ambulance.  She may not have made it if they weren't. She was rushed to ICU because the stroke caused a hematoma in the right side of her brain which put pressure on the left and caused paralysis on the left side of her body. Later that afternoon they did surgery to remove the hematoma and release pressure which should give her mobility back to the left side of her body in good time. She has been able to talk a little and remembers all that has happened. She knows why she’s in the hospital as well. The speech therapist has come in and tested her on her eating / swallowing and she did great. They are going to start her on a daily diet, not really any Whole Foods just yet but more soft. Applesauce, peaches and nectar juices. She’s only staying awake about 2 minutes at a time but when she is awake she has a lot to say.

On Nov 6 Jen was moved from ICU to the rehab/therapy unit. This was her first day of therapy and her pain level was too high to complete the therapy. She still does not have feeling of the left side of her body but the therapy will help.

I'm creating this because Jen spent almost four days in the Intensive Care Unit, underwent brian surgery, and will probably remain in recovery/ therapy unit for a bit. We are not sure what her insurance will cover just yet and how much disability will reimburse to keep her bills paid at this time.  Once she is out of the hospital
she is going to need a lot of in-home care during her recovery and we are unsure of how  long or how much she will need at this time. Her girls have been commuting from Cool, down to Sutter Medical in downtown Sacramento everyday to be with her (its about an hour).  The last thing the girls need to worry about in times like this are medical expenses and how to pay rent and bills and keep their jobs. 

Jen is the toughest cookie I know. She loves to take care of everyone and has a huge heart. Please continue to pray for a fast recovery and healing. Any dontaion will help tremendously. God Bless.
 

In the words of Jen "Live Hippy Happy"