URGENT- Don Souden Has Had A Stroke

[GUT]

Oh My Goodness, Just what he doesn't need.

[Archaic]

Update: Not Good

Hi Monty.

I'm sorry to say Don is not doing well. I was told a couple days ago he has Shingles, which can be excruciatingly painful. (I have Chronic Shingles, so believe me I know.)

Don has the blistery rash and nerve pain on one side of his body, which is how it usually presents. I'm not sure if it's on the paralyzed side or not; I'll ask.

His brother, sister and I are very upset that Don is suffering so much. Because I've had chronic shingles since right after Linda (Celesta) passed away in the fall of 2012, I've asked repeatedly if Don got the Shingles vaccine. Me getting shingles was kind of a fluke; I'm not old enough to be eligible for the vaccine. Don however is very high risk due to his age, the stroke, diabetes, nerve damage, weak immune system, bed sores, etc.

Don assured me over 7 over that he'd gotten the shingles vaccine, as did his brother.
His doctor specifically told Don, his brother and his sister that he was given the Shingles vaccine at the same time he received 2 other vaccines. Because I kept saying "Are you sure?" they asked the doctor more than once and each time were told Yes, he got the vaccine.

But after Don was struck by Shingles a few days ago his doctor reviewed his medical records and discovered that Don was NOT given the Shingles vaccine. They somehow "forgot" to give it to him.

We're all mad as hell over this "mistake". Don is suffering horribly.

For those who don't know, Shingles is caused by the Chicken Pox virus. If you've ever had Chicken Pox as a kid or an adult, the zoster virus is already inside you. It's sitting dormant deep in your nerve pathways. It may stay dormant your whole life, but in times of great stress, a weakened immune system, or when your system is under attack by other serious illnesses like cancer the virus can suddenly reactivate. Shingles is infinitely worse than Chicken Pox. It presents as a painful blister-filled rash with intense nerve pain that feels like electric shocks.

It used to be older people with compromised immune systems that got Shingles, but now younger people and sometimes even kids are getting it. Usually it lasts a few weeks and doesn't recur, but some people like myself end up with the chronic form that hits over and over. I strongly advise everybody to get the Shingles vaccine even if you have to pay for it out of pocket.

Don is in a great deal of pain. He's on prescription pain pills as well as antiviral medications. Being bedridden as he is makes it even more awful because when you have active Shingles your skin can become super-sensitive so you can't bear anything to come in contact with it, even clothing or bedsheets. It burns like red-hot coals.

Don's sister said he's very depressed and she has asked that his friends please send him cards, postcards, anything to help cheer him up. He has no access to email, it must be sent by regular mail.

I have to say this. I think there's a tendency for people to believe that "others" are sending Don cards, but I have to tell you they're NOT.

Don told me it's been a long time since anybody but me sent him anything, even a postcard.

If you care about Don please send him a cheerful card or postcard now so he knows he hasn't been forgotten by his friends.

Here's his address:
Fairview of Fairfield
930 Mill Hill Terrace
ATTN: Donald Souden
Southport, CT
O6890
USA


I will post updates as I get them. Please keep Don in your prayers.

Thank you,
Bunny

[Monty]

How is Don doing?

Monty

[GUT]

Archaic

Hopoe you are holding up OK, you too have been in my thoughts and prayers.

[GUT]

Hop all is well with your dad Harry.

[Robert]

I hope your dad comes through OK, Harry.

[Harry D]

My father was admitted to hospital recently, so this is close to home. Sending good vibes to Don and his loved ones.

[Robert]

Thanks for that, Bunny. Here's hoping for the diabetes explanation, better than another stroke.

[Ally]

Sending positive thoughts to Don. I am so sorry to hear about this setback.

[Archaic]

Possible Good News

Hi guys. There's been some encouraging news, but it isn't for sure yet.

There's a chance that Don's collapse was caused by his Diabetes rather than a stroke, as the hospital discovered he had dangerously low blood sugar. (They monitor it frequently at Fairview, but apparently it can plunge.)

That's actually how Don ended up in the hospital & nursing facility in the first place over 2 years ago; his Diabetes was so out of control he almost died. Diabetes is bad, but a stroke is even worse, so I'm praying it was the diabetes and not another stroke.

Don has been able to speak, so that's a very hopeful sign. Language, both verbal and written, is such a huge part of Don's identity.

I asked Don's sister to tell him all his friends at Casebook are pulling for him. She asked me to thank everyone for their positive thoughts & prayers.

Bunny

[Bridewell]

Keep going, Don. We've not met but I'm rooting for you, as I'm sure is everybody who's ever posted on this forum.

[Cogidubnus]

C'mon Don...

Dave

[Hunter]

Thank you much, Bunny.

[GUT]

I just found out Don had another stroke and was rushed to the hospital.

Will post more news as soon as i receive it.

Please everybody, stop a moment and send positive thoughts / say a prayer for our friend Don. He's suffered so much.

Please especially pray that whatever the effect of the stroke on his body, that it doesn't diminish his mental abilities. His brilliant mind is just about all he has left.

Thank you
Bunny

My thoughts and prayers are with him. Come on Don Fight.

[Robert]

I don't know what to say. Come on Don!!!