Update from EP

Krusher’s sister just called and said Krusher is out of surgery….it will be another 3 or 4 hours before they can see him. Doctors removed the malformation of blood vessels and said it was a little deeper than they originally thought but they were able to get all of it. She will call again after they’ve had a chance to see Krusher. I’ll keep you posted.

(later same day)

I just talked to Krusher’s sister Stacee. All preliminary signs look like Krusher has gone through the surgery very well with good results :) He is still very groggy but recognized his family and is moving his right foot and able to squeeze his right hand. He’s nodding his head when asked questions but still has a breathing tube so he’s not been able to talk yet. The breathing tube should be removed within 24 hours. The surgery took much longer than expected because Krusher experienced another stroke during the operation. Stacee says doctors were able to quickly handle that and Krusher is on blood pressure meds to slowly reduce the risk of high blood pressure while in recovery. Stacee sounded very encouraged and says everything looks positive.

Update from EP

I visited Krusher today and he loved the Get Well Krusher DVD and the card from the sales team. He kept saying "all this love, man". No doubt at all that he feels the care and support from his station family.

He leaves for [hospital] Sunday...surgery is early Monday morning. His sister says he's expected to be in ICU for a couple of days after the surgery and then moved to a regular room for the remainder of the week. After that he's back here to begin his rehab at [rehab center].

A lot of you have been asking how you can help the family. His sister says that gift cards to fast food places where they can quickly pick up food for Krusher would be a big help....anything that serves fish or chicken.

Something I just learned today is that after the first stroke, surgery was not a safe option. The second stroke caused the problem blood vessels and clot to move to the surface where doctors can now reach it. His sister says doctors tell the family that once the vessels and clot are removed, the threat of future strokes is virtually gone.

The family will call with an update after the surgery.

Update from EP

I just got off the phone with Krusher. He’s been sleeping since yesterday afternoon...but he’s home at his place in [city] and says he’s up for anyone who wants to visit him before Sunday. Sunday he leaves for [hospital] and they have moved his surgery up to 5:30am Monday morning. Krusher says the medicine makes him sleep a lot but that he misses shooting football :). Several members of his family are making the trip to [hospital] with him Sunday and will be with him with as he recuperates there.

Update from EP

Maybe it's the medicine...maybe he's just happy...but I just got off the phone with Krusher and he's giggling up a storm : )

Surgery at [hospital] is next Wednesday. He's still at [original hospital] in room
XXX and can have visitors. He says he dozes off about every 30 minutes because of the meds and he's hungry all the time because of the steroids.

Doctors say his vitals are excellent. I can share that his attitude is very, very upbeat.

Update from EP

I heard from Krusher's mom Sunday morning. He's had another stroke and is at [the hospital]. Krusher is returning to [different hospital] Monday or Tuesday and doctors will re-evaluate the need for surgery then. Surgery has always been an option but his mom says Krusher wanted to try beating this on his own. Not surprising, is it?

(later same day)

I just got off the phone with Krusher. He's been on steroids since Saturday and that is helping to restore movement on his right side....still some numbness in his fingertips. Krusher thinks the second stroke happened Monday or Tuesday because he said he was exhausted early in the week and the numbness set in and spread. The tests Thursday confirmed it.

He hopes to be released Monday. He's in room XXX at [hospital] ICU. Visitation is supposed to be immediate family only but Krusher says just walk in like you know where you're going ...although visits have to be short...ten minutes or so.

Krusher says he's sleeping most of the day and night but ready to "get it all handled." A trip - and likely surgery - to [hospital] is the next step.

He doesn't have his phone with him...that's why a lot of you couldn't reach him. We should know more early next week.

Update from EP

It looks very promising :) I just got a brief text from Krusher, who traveled to [hospital] today:

“Update. No surgery needed. I can resume normal activities soon. Will update you more in a few.”

Update from EP

I just got off the phone with Krusher’s sister. The dye test this morning showed Krusher’s defective blood vessels are almost in the middle of his brain stem and the best doctors to treat Krusher are the neurologists at [hospital] so that is where they are planning for Krusher to go next week. Krusher *may* be released late this weekend but will be home resting for a couple of weeks and his mom is taking time off to stay with him around the clock once he’s home. Krusher’s sister says doctors are being very cautious because the blood vessels are close to the part of the brain stem that controls motor functions and speech. The family had hoped doctors here could treat the blood vessels – either by radiation or by cutting off the blood supply to those vessels – but they are optimistic that local doctors say the surgeon at [hospital] is one of the best and has had a lot of experience with people with conditions like Krusher’s. Krusher was too groggy from the procedure to talk but his sister says he should be able to take calls by early evening.

Update from EP

Krusher says doctors have told him he has had a minor stroke. Apparently a blood vessel burst on his brain. That had caused him some numbness in his face and headaches off and on since this past weekend. He went to the doctor today and eventually landed at [hospital] where they have admitted him.

He’s not able to have visitors now because he’s in ICU. Krusher says that’s likely just because that’s where the neurologists are. He expects to be moved to another room later today or first thing tomorrow. He is surrounded by his family and says he doesn’t need anything.