GALAPAGOS – I HAD A STROKE!
I made up a list of jobs to do which stretched to two A4 pages and started to tick them off. It is very hot and on Saturday morning I started at about 5.30am to sort out the Generator. It involved dismantling the stairs, which needed emptying and cleaning as I did so. There was a lot of powder from the fire extinguisher spread about which needed cleaning off. I spent a fair bit of time head down into the bilges, but did what I needed to do and got the Generator fired up and working well. Then I proceeded to sort out the aft shower pump which was not doing its job properly. I was in the engine room for this which was hot from ambient heat and the Generator running. Got it going though!
Jo, Eddie, Sozzie and I walked through the town in the daytime – the sun was out and it was a scorcher! Buckets of sweat … yugh! When we got back to the boat I carried on with my list of jobs in one of my head down moods – trying to get things done! I guess I was overdoing it.
In the evening Joanna and I escaped for a meal on our own, children being babysat by David and Sue on the boat. After our meal we were in a shop choosing some T shirts for family back home when I dropped one that was in a plastic bag. It was most odd as I couldn´t feel it. I bent down and tried again, but my arm was all limp and I had no sensation in it at all. I turned to Jo and said I think I´m having a stroke. She thought I was joking at first as apparently my face was all mishapen. I was slurring my words. I thought that this is it, here is where I die. All I could think about was a wish to cuddle my girls, Eddie and Sozzie and to tell them I love them before I went. I had a sense of loss. Felt like the world was going to go on and I was going to be left behind…
Jo hailed a taxi which took us to the local hospital, which was quite small with no significant facilities. They tested my blood pressure which was 160 over 80 – too high and gave me a tablet to lower it.
We stayed in a hotel that night so we could get away to the airport early to catch a plane to the nearest city where a major hospital was. Guayaquil is the City and Kennedy is the hospital name. A local doctor gave me a special letter which meant the airline was obliged to give us a seat if there was one free. Thankfully there was.
The Kennedy hospital was very good. I was seen immediately by a Consultant and had a Cat scan that night. Next day had an MRI scan and a Consultant Neurologist became involved. He is not convinced by the scans. He said the scar tissue and damage to my brain means I should be paralysed down my left side. He thinks the stroke I had on Saturday was like an aftershock to previous damage. At least we were able to confirm that it was not a heamorrage or a tumour. In fact my brain looks quite healthy, to me anyway!
Tomorrow we are supposed to be starting a cruise around the Galapagos on a charter boat with the other Rally members. They have been marvellous in looking after the children while we are away. Particuarly of mention are Mark and Christine on Blue Magic and Sheila on Miss Tippy. However, the Rally representatives out here, Tony and Christine Diment, were superb. Particulary when we woke them on Saturday night with the bad news. Of course, David and Sue Tranter, who have been with us since Panama were landed with a lot of extra babysitting and a huge thanks to them for manning the pumps.
Such an odd thing to have this stroke. I always thought they happen to old people (and perhaps that is right)! I have been told that I was probably overdoing it, over stressed. Well, this trip has been hard work, and the storm, fire and constant worries about my family (missing the girls so very much) and the boat have taken their toll. I have to take it easier in the future – somehow.
Right now we are in an airport hotel waiting for our flight tomorrow. We are not sure of plans at present. I will probably try and fly home next week to see a consultant and get a proper diagnosis and medical plan. Also to give the girls some long overdue hugs and kisses. Thanks for all the texts of support. Sorry if we worried you.
Jo here, don´t worry Dave is back to normal now, the nurses treated him like a prize specimen with lots of giggles and hand gestures, most of them only reached up to his waist!! We are desparate to get back to Galapagos now and need to make some plans….. In fact one of them wanted to take me in the shower and wash me. I politely declined!
A huge thanks to all people who have sent good wishes and texts of support. It is much appreciated. I send my love to one and all!
Hi Dave and Jo, so sorry to hear this. Myself and Harrison logged onto say a huge thank you for his letter and necklace! and see what was happening in March, and was really shocked. Your being really positive though which is great….Smile in the face of adversity.. We are thinking of you all. I’l pass you onto Harrison now as he would like to say hi to Eddie.
hi Eddie thanks for the letter and the neckles. I miss you so
much. We looked at the vidoes. They looked great. We did arts week I made a rocket. we had lots of snow in January I had a snow ball fight with my brothers. Lots of love from Harrison xxxxxxxxxxx
oi you take it easy take it from experiance think before you get stressed
hope you are all ok specaily you
all our love
bob nicky and peter
Hello, this is Natasha Emma’s friend, Emma said this, to call her and, I hope your alright.
Say hello to Sozzie and Eddie and Jo.
Thankyou.
Hi Dave, I have been following your voyage and reading all of your blogs (there is a book and film in there somewhere). You and Jo have had a rough time with problems recently and it’s easy to see all of the stress that a ‘workaholic’ like you puts yourself under, take it easy mate and get back to rude health ASAP! lots of love David