Stand by Shawn: Heart and Stroke Battle #ShawnStrong

Hey y’all, thank you for the chance to tell our tragic story. I just am not sure where else to turn at this point. We are in urgent need of prayers and financial help to help get us through this unexpected tragic time. My husband and I are new to the Clyde area, having moved from Big Spring, and have been here just a few months. My husband Shawn (47 yrs young) had a stroke last week at work and has been in ICU, and finally a regular room on the neuro floor. His BP upon arriving was 250/137. Numerous tests have been run, including MRI on his brain, swallow test, CT scans, etc. The doctor then informed us on top of the stroke that Shawn’s heart is enlarged to where it’s taking up over half of his chest and is only working at 25-30%. He said that explains why Shawn has been having such a hard time swallowing food/drinks because his esophagus has basically had to reroute itself around his heart. (They did the swallow test, running a camera through his nose down into his throat/esophagus.) There is also some blockage, and the cardiologist is wanting to put in a couple of stents but has been unable to do so because of his blood pressure being too high. (He’s on at minimum 8 different BP, thinner pills as well as IV meds, but it’s STILL high.) There’s a lot of work needing to be done, but we can only take it one day at a time, and I keep things get better. I’ve had to walk out of the room so many times just to try and not let him see me break down. I do not want to stress or worry him in any way. I’ve been on medical work restriction following my neurosurgeon’s orders (I do get disability or have any income) after being involved in a serious accident and having major neck surgery/ACDF fusion, along with 8 screws and metal plates, 2 other procedures, and also 7 epidural steroid spinal injections. I’m physically unable to work until my neurosurgeon releases me, or I would. I’m trying to do everything I can to help him, and I’ve stayed here by his side 24/7 and slept in a chair beside his bed so he won’t be alone or in the waiting room a few feet away when ICU wouldn’t allow overnight visitors. I still feel so helpless right now and uncertain about how everything is going to work out. I’m trying the best I can to stay strong for him and as well as for myself. This past week has been so mentally, emotionally, and physically draining. I’ve cried and prayed so much, and I just feel weak. The doctor said that we’ve got a long road ahead of us, and unfortunately, he will not be able to go home anytime soon. He will be having to go to inpatient rehab and therapy for 2-3 weeks, and once he finally goes home, whenever that is, then in another two to three weeks, the cardiologist will bring him back into the hospital for the stent procedure. All my husband wants is to go back to work. He doesn’t realize he physically CAN’T , but I don’t want him having to worry about anything. Yet at the same time, I feel like my hands are tied to a certain extent. I’m finally deciding to make this post and put our story out there for others to see because I honestly don’t know what else to do at this point. We really need help with current/future bills (medical, household, and rent) Nothing is too big or too small. Every little bit helps. We’ve always tried to help anyone in need every chance we could, and so it is hard to be on this side actually needing the help. We can’t seem to catch a break. We could really use lots of prayers if you’re the praying kind, and any donation helps during an unexpected time like this. Thank you all. Have a blessed day. Love your family, because tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us, young or old. T.I.A.