Welcome to BeautifulInsideOut.com
The Hoff Family Website
The Hoff Family Website
Your Subtitle text
Update on Kim's Dad...
The Whole Enchilada....
In Oct. 2008, Dad had a pretty severe stroke and was blessed to recover from it with a few lingering side effects. He had trouble with balance, his right hand was not as strong on the piano and he had trouble with word recall at times. This led to an endarterectomy on his left internal carotid artery on July 10th. The surgery was to fully close off the internal artery because it was completely blocked but only 3/4 of the way up the artery giving him TIA or stroke like symptoms as the blood would coagulate and then travel up the external artery. The "Stump Syndrome" was rare yet not a risky surgery. The surgery went beautifully and he went home then next day, about 24 hours later. All was good until about 7 AM on Sunday when he got out of bed and had the stoke he is now recovering from. We are blessed to have him with us as this was a very severe attack.
The Update... as of August 13, 2009
Dad has had many visitors up in Palo Alto and has received many cards and letters from so many of you. We are all so grateful for your prayers and encouraging words to help him through this trying time. Prayers are being answered and Dad is working really hard at getting back to a normal daily routine!
Dad has gained great stability and expresses his boredom by walking. He has worn tracks in the floor around the hallways of his hospital ward and can just about out-walk all of us on our outings around the hospital grounds. He enjoys walking out to the patio area and showing us the flowers, vegetables, birds and used his right arm to point to an airplane passing overhead on my last visit. This new (but limited) use of his right arm is exciting for all of us and he is very proud of his own progress. He will probably even reach out to shake your hand if you come to visit!
Although he continues to be a great entertainer with his fantastic facial expressions he does tire easily and we generally keep our visits to about 2 hours in length. Grammy Pat gets to stay longer, of course, because they are alright just sitting quietly together and watching T.V. He doesn't feel like he has to be a great host with her and just enjoys her company! She has been a real trooper going up to see him for extended visits, staying in the hotel on the hospital campus. We are so thankful for her and she is great therapy for him! We understand that Dad and Pat will be able to stay together in an apartment setting for a few days there at the hospital. This is to allow them both to have a trial-run at what it will be like to have him home again.
We don't have a timeline for his return home. We are told that he could be discharged in anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. Dad continues to improve in his ability to comprehend what is said to him and what he is able to express to us. He relies heavily on physical cues from us, at this point, to determine what we are saying to him. His speech therapist loves him and is so impressed with his determination. "Ken literally sweats during our therapy sessions, because he is working so hard at each task! He is a good guy, very smart, and is willing to work hard to get well." - B. Chamberlain
We all knew that the Kennedy Stubborn Streak would come in handy some day! It is comforting to hear of his progress and it is such sheer joy to see his face light-up when we walk into the room! He is still the Ken we all know and the Daddy that I love!
Please keep the happy thoughts and prayers coming. Healing takes time and progress may seem slow at times, but we serve a great big God that has a very good plan and we trust in His love and care for Dad!
Hugs and blessings to you. Thank you for checking in on Dad's progress.
In Oct. 2008, Dad had a pretty severe stroke and was blessed to recover from it with a few lingering side effects. He had trouble with balance, his right hand was not as strong on the piano and he had trouble with word recall at times. This led to an endarterectomy on his left internal carotid artery on July 10th. The surgery was to fully close off the internal artery because it was completely blocked but only 3/4 of the way up the artery giving him TIA or stroke like symptoms as the blood would coagulate and then travel up the external artery. The "Stump Syndrome" was rare yet not a risky surgery. The surgery went beautifully and he went home then next day, about 24 hours later. All was good until about 7 AM on Sunday when he got out of bed and had the stoke he is now recovering from. We are blessed to have him with us as this was a very severe attack.
The Update... as of August 13, 2009
Dad has had many visitors up in Palo Alto and has received many cards and letters from so many of you. We are all so grateful for your prayers and encouraging words to help him through this trying time. Prayers are being answered and Dad is working really hard at getting back to a normal daily routine!
Dad has gained great stability and expresses his boredom by walking. He has worn tracks in the floor around the hallways of his hospital ward and can just about out-walk all of us on our outings around the hospital grounds. He enjoys walking out to the patio area and showing us the flowers, vegetables, birds and used his right arm to point to an airplane passing overhead on my last visit. This new (but limited) use of his right arm is exciting for all of us and he is very proud of his own progress. He will probably even reach out to shake your hand if you come to visit!
Although he continues to be a great entertainer with his fantastic facial expressions he does tire easily and we generally keep our visits to about 2 hours in length. Grammy Pat gets to stay longer, of course, because they are alright just sitting quietly together and watching T.V. He doesn't feel like he has to be a great host with her and just enjoys her company! She has been a real trooper going up to see him for extended visits, staying in the hotel on the hospital campus. We are so thankful for her and she is great therapy for him! We understand that Dad and Pat will be able to stay together in an apartment setting for a few days there at the hospital. This is to allow them both to have a trial-run at what it will be like to have him home again.
We don't have a timeline for his return home. We are told that he could be discharged in anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. Dad continues to improve in his ability to comprehend what is said to him and what he is able to express to us. He relies heavily on physical cues from us, at this point, to determine what we are saying to him. His speech therapist loves him and is so impressed with his determination. "Ken literally sweats during our therapy sessions, because he is working so hard at each task! He is a good guy, very smart, and is willing to work hard to get well." - B. Chamberlain
We all knew that the Kennedy Stubborn Streak would come in handy some day! It is comforting to hear of his progress and it is such sheer joy to see his face light-up when we walk into the room! He is still the Ken we all know and the Daddy that I love!
Please keep the happy thoughts and prayers coming. Healing takes time and progress may seem slow at times, but we serve a great big God that has a very good plan and we trust in His love and care for Dad!
Hugs and blessings to you. Thank you for checking in on Dad's progress.
Our Papa Ken and Grammy Pat!
Jazz Night at the Silver Dollar. We love to hear our Papas' play. Can't wait to get Dad back at the piano!
