Most of you know where I work. Every once in a while, a story like this comes along and it's too good not to share.
We have a patient, I'll call her Nicky, who's been with us for over three years. She is only 33. At about the age of 28, she had a severe stroke following a simple heart murmur repair and subsequent blood clot. Since the stroke, she has been unable to really move or eat or speak. We've always known she knew what was going on, but could in no way respond.
Yesterday, her dad took her to the dentist for a procedure. Prior to the procedure, they gave her an injection of Ativan and some light gas to relax her. The dentist did his thing and when he finished, Nicky said...
"You did a good job"! Just out of the blue--after not speaking for 5 years!!
The consensus is that the combination of the Ativan and the gas relaxed her vocal chords enough for her to speak.
Well, we all got chills and cried, her family showed up in droves and she talked to her grandmother on the phone!!! It truly was a Happy Halloween!!!
Replies
16
SoWal Insider
Wow, DD what a great story! What a wonderful surprise for her family and caregivers. Thanks for sharing this. You're a love!
Beach Fanatic
thanks for sharing this. Will her future meds help her in this area do you think?
Edited
SoWal Insider
Awesome DD! Thanks for sharing this. 
SoWal ExpertAuthor
thanks for sharing this. Will her future meds help her in this area do you think?
Don't know. I think they're gonna experiment with the Ativan.
Beach Lover
Awesome DD.. thanks for sharing such a great and inspiring story..... Gave me the willies....
Beach Fanatic
That is a crazy good story. Thanks for sharing! 
SoWal Insider
Most of you know where I work. Every once in a while, a story like this comes along and it's too good not to share.
We have a patient, I'll call her Nicky, who's been with us for over three years. She is only 33. At about the age of 28, she had a severe stroke following a simple heart murmur repair and subsequent blood clot. Since the stroke, she has been unable to really move or eat or speak. We've always known she knew what was going on, but could in no way respond.
Yesterday, her dad took her to the dentist for a procedure. Prior to the procedure, they gave her an injection of Ativan and some light gas to relax her. The dentist did his thing and when he finished, Nicky said...
"You did a good job"! Just out of the blue--after not speaking for 5 years!!
The consensus is that the combination of the Ativan and the gas relaxed her vocal chords enough for her to speak.
Well, we all got chills and cried, her family showed up in droves and she talked to her grandmother on the phone!!! It truly was a Happy Halloween!!!
That made me cry, too.....thank you for sharing this, DD!! Groovy Halloween~~~~~~~~
Beach Lover
What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing DD! It just goes to prove anything is possible.
SoWal Insider
What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing DD! Please be sure and keep us updated on her progress. Just goes to show....you never know.....
Beach Fanatic
How wonderful!
DD, your story was so wonderful to hear and inspirational! I have been sick for the past week and it's been difficult working. Today, I spent hours in the ER, with a bacterial lung infection! Suddenly, my issues don't seem that significant. Feeling as badly as I do, your story was extremely uplifting and I very much appreciated it! My prayers are with her and her family! Please, keep us posted!
Diane
DD, your story was so wonderful to hear and inspirational! I have been sick for the past week and it's been difficult working. Today, I spent hours in the ER, with a bacterial lung infection! Suddenly, my issues don't seem that significant. Feeling as badly as I do, your story was extremely uplifting and I very much appreciated it! My prayers are with her and her family! Please, keep us posted!
Diane
Beach Fanatic
Most of you know where I work. Every once in a while, a story like this comes along and it's too good not to share.
We have a patient, I'll call her Nicky, who's been with us for over three years. She is only 33. At about the age of 28, she had a severe stroke following a simple heart murmur repair and subsequent blood clot. Since the stroke, she has been unable to really move or eat or speak. We've always known she knew what was going on, but could in no way respond.
Yesterday, her dad took her to the dentist for a procedure. Prior to the procedure, they gave her an injection of Ativan and some light gas to relax her. The dentist did his thing and when he finished, Nicky said...
"You did a good job"! Just out of the blue--after not speaking for 5 years!!
The consensus is that the combination of the Ativan and the gas relaxed her vocal chords enough for her to speak.
Well, we all got chills and cried, her family showed up in droves and she talked to her grandmother on the phone!!! It truly was a Happy Halloween!!!
I have done that work and love the stories that have such beautiful plot twists. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Today is what we must embrace!
FunnChef - AlisonCooks.com
I wonder how she felt, finally being able to speak!! Thanks for sharing this with us
SoWal ExpertAuthor
I wonder how she felt, finally being able to speak!! Thanks for sharing this with us
She was beaming!
Beach Lover
She was beaming!
That is Awesome and uplifting.. Please keep us informed as to her improvements....
Beach Fanatic
Thanks for the beautiful story, DD. Wish we had more time to share neat moments like this. I can imagine hearing you tell the story.
Beach Fanatic
Stories like this so inspire, thank you for sharing it.
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