Steve had a seizure/fit last Sunday at home. I called emergency and he was taken by ambulance to Stoke Mandeville our local A&E hospital. He stabilized quickly but was left confused and appeared to have no memory of recent events. Stoke Mandeville hospital kept him overnight and then transfer him back to University College Hospital in London once they had talked to Steve’s doctor there.
Since then Steve has no memory of the past year and vague memories of the previous year or so. He often thinks that what happen a couple of years ago happened yesterday. Neither can he retain short term memory. Everyday is a new day to him. We have to repeat where he is, why he’s in hospital, his time and treatment in Australia, our sale of Dignity, our return to England etc. every day. Often what we tell him in the morning is forgotten by the afternoon. After four days of repeating the same facts, I have written down the events of the last year so that Steve can read it over and over again.
Many checks have been performed to work out why Steve had his seizure and memory loss.
The results of the MRI showed no difference between the scan from before and after his seizure. This is good news as there are no noticeable damage to his brain and no sign that his lymphoma is increasing and causing the problem..
The neurologist did a whole load of tests. All physical reactions and reflexes were good. Steve was able to read fluently, respond articulately, name all pictures of objects and famous people shown and do numerical recalls extremely well. He has complete memory of his birth date, place of birth, our children’s birthdays, our anniversary date, all the things that he’s known for many years. He just does not have recent memories.
The neurologist is incline to think that the seizure and memory loss are caused by an infection. So specific test are being made for brain infections. We should get some results by Monday. Steve also had some EEG done on his brain mainly to check that he not having mini stroke. If Steve has a brain infection than the doctors are pretty confident that once treated, most of his memory will come back.
Steve is still very much himself although I think he is more cheerful, optimistic, mellower and funnier. He said it’s probably because he can’t remember his worries, although not remembering is a bit of a worry!
For me it’s been pretty distressing but I’m beginning to come to terms with this new complication. So for the moment I’m making the most this funnier and sweeter Steve while it lasts.
Aww Helen, I’ve always known you were made of a strong specialness. Just how special is shining through bright with all this crap being thrown at you, it seems from all angles. Our hearts ache for you. Our love grows for you.
OMG Helen – what a scary experience! We really hope they do find it is a treatable infection and that the treatment quickly results in a repair of the memory anomalies. Our hopes and prayers are with both of you on s/v Tahina. I couldn’t help thinking about the movie “50 First Dates” when you described the experiences you’ve been having recently with the memories. Please tell Steve we’re thinking of him – even if he’ll temporarily forget.
Helen, I don’t know you personally but I do know that you are one amazing woman. I pray for your continued strength and ability to find the positive and for Steve’s full recovery from this latest trial.
Hello Helen
We are so sorry to read about Steve’s latest health problem and really hope that they will be able to diagnose it and start treatment asap. What a huge scare and a worry for you on top of everything else. When the going gets tough, the tough get going – that’s you! Steve probably won’t remember who we are but please give him our very best wishes – we’re thinking of you both and hoping for better news in your next message.
Pat & David
Dear Helen, hoping you can put the worry in the hands of the doctors and save your thoughts for enjoying the funnier side of Steve that you mention. Know that we are thinking of you with much love. Please remind Steve of the many friends who are thinking of you both, sending love and positive energy to you all.
Bloody hell Helen, if this is a test, you’re passing with flying colours. So then, you enjoy what you can aye, it must be just lovely having your boy home with you. You should tape some of this ground hog day, I’m sure Steve will get a good laugh out of it when he comes right, and he will Helen. I;m sure of that. Like all your other fans around this incredible world of ours we are thinking of you, praying for you and sending our love across the seas to you. We love and respect greatly, both you and Steve. As we have said many times he’s an amazing human being and we need him on this planet
Dear Steve and Helen
Holding thumbs for a quick recovery we wish you both well.
Love
Di and Gerald
Ours thoughts are with you both. Stay strong and thanks for sharing it with us all who are following Steves fight. Love Colin and Judy
bloody prima donna! give him a slap and tell him to stop lounging about in his luxurious hospital bed!
its you having to do all the work for him.
“losing his memory ” is just another excuse not to give me back that £1 that I left in the bedroom at the house in Chesham!
Still thinking of you both & hoping Steve is getting some successful treatment. Remind him that we still have the bottle of wine he won in our Lymphoma lunch raffle! Stay strong Helen
Pat & David
have been reading your blogs for a while now and just wanted to say often thinking of you guys and sending you lots of love xx