RSL in hospital

[RSLancastr]

Hello, Everyone.

I just wanted you to know that my hubby will be out of commission for a while. Robert suffered a stroke last night (8/4).

First and foremost, thank you Susan for starting this thread, and keeping my JREF family up to speed on my situation. What you have done for me since the stroke has been so far above and beyond the call of duty, it is incredible. that I have the love and support of such a strong woman continues to floor me. yes, I would do the same for you if our positions were reversed, but I doubt that I could do it with the same unstoppable dedication and compassion that you have shown throughout this ordeal.

I love you so much that it is overwhelming. Please always remember that.

Right now we are in a "wait and see" phase. He is in CCU at a local hospital, and I'm told he'll likely be there a week.

Well, it was a bit longer than that, wasn't it?

 

[RSLancastr]

My thoughts are with you both, Susan. Please let us know if there's anything we can do for you beyond thinking good thoughts.

Gravy, someone sent me a little stuffed bear while I was in CCU, and I cleverly named him CCU (he's a Critical Care bear). He stayed with me through the whole ordeal, usually sitting on my nightstand. I thought of you every time he talked to me.

*hcmom hugs Susan

this reminds me: thanks to everyone who supported Susan through this. she often told me of how much it meant to her to be able to vent and share here, and how much everyone's prayers, thoughts and hopes meant to her and my family. -RSL

 

[RSLancastr]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Why does this sort of thing always seem to hit the wrong people?

I've had the same thought myself, aggle!

Hoping for a quick recovery.

Well, in gelogic terms, it has been pretty quick so far.

Meanwhile, be a "bad patient"* on RSL's behalf, and make sure he gets the best possible attention! *technical term--actively advocating for their care, and not passively accepting mediocre treatment.

[/QUOTE]
She certainly nagged the staff on my behalf, Merc! And she usually did so out in the hallway so that it wouldn't upset me...

[As an aside, I am going to be spending the next year or so interviewing stroke patients and their relatives about aspects of their care]

I wish you had interviwed me, Prof! I certainly would have given you an earful (nce I could talk, that is.)

My thoughts to both of you, also. A truly fine man with a wonderful wife.

Emphasis on the "wonderful wife" part.

I'm so sorry to hear about Robert. Please tell him that he needs to recover because Ed knows what mischief Sylvia will get up to without him keeping an eye on her.

I've been home for four months now, and have yet to get a handle on this, other than knowing that she cranked out another four or five books...

He is an amazing man and if I had a quarter of his drive I'd be unstoppable.

Me too!

 

[RSLancastr]

I wonder if Sylvia saw this coming?

Well Scrut, as I mentioned in my TAM7 speech, when I was in the ambulance heading for the hospital that first night, I remember thinking "How long until Sylvia claims to have predicted this, or to have caused it, or that it was some "devine retribution" for my having put together the SSB site?"

So far, I haven't heard of her doing any of that. But give her time!

Oh, Susan! I'm sorry to hear this. Thanks for taking the time to let us know.

I don't know if I've told you, but I put the Skepdude calendar up on the wall of my hospital room, with my photo showing (of course). Once, one of my therapists was staring at the picture and finally said "The man in this picture bears a strong resemblance to you." After a pause, I said "that is because the man in that picture IS me." He continued insisting that it wasn't me (I suppose stunned by the possibility that I would be semi-nude in a pin-up calendar), and I kept insisting that it WAS me until he finally gave in. After he left the room, a string of nurses came in one by one, examining the picture, then looking at me and giggling. Not the female reaction I might hope for, but certainly better than it could have been. there was no retching, for example.

-A[/QUOTE]

I am so sorry to hear; RSL has way to much left to do (such as spending quality time with his better half, for example)...get well soon!

Thanks, Brick!

For what it's worth - my thoughts are with you both.

It's worth a lot, worm - thanks!

The world needs more RSL [/QUOTE]Well, the world now has less RSL - about 150 pounds less!

Yet more good wishes for Robert. I still expect him as a speaker at TAM 7.

And speak there I did, putting untold dozens to sleep in the process.

Such horrible news, thank you for letting us know.

As someone who had a stroke recently, (September 2005), I know how hard the recovery is. I am still not completely back to my old self. But, from what I have learned from talking with him, I am positive he will get through it all and soon we all will have him back to his old self.

Hey, Derek! I sure appreciated our phne conversation whilst I was incarcerated. I still have yet to test my programming skills, but hope to someday soon.

Please let him know how many people are pulling for him![/QUOTE]

How very awful, and I wish only the best for both of you and a speedy and full recovery for Robert. You guys seem like family to me by now.

Thanks, ExM, and thanks for CCU!

Sorry to hear that. Let him know that there are many of us who aren't ready for him to hang up the sharp stick with which he keeps poking the Sylvia Brownes of the world. My thoughts are with both of you.

thanks, 'thinker! Now, where is that stick...

That sucks... best wishes for a really really speedy recovery and/or experimental treatments that lead to super powers!

I don't remember being bitten by any radiactive spiders or anything, but I would be happy to simply have the power to walk right now... Soon!

You should believe have faith know as a fact that a lot of people care about RSL a lot, and we're thinking about him. Don't hesitate to ask for any assistance you need. He's a hero, and we have his back.

BA, thanks again for the entries about my strok in your blog. I am sure that they resulted in a lot of attention. Thanks also for the kind words in your introducing me at TAM7. you're an Astronomer and a gentleman.

He'll be back, no worries. Stronger than ever.

Evidence?

Although, let's not pray for him (just look at what happened to the last pope, when all those Catholics began praying!).

Well, there were many different groups praying and not-praying for me, and I am grateful to them all. There was even a prayer chain started over at Pam Blizzard's forum, where I am known to some as "the nice skeptic" and "the respectful skeptic"

Also - let's keep an eye on Sylvia's site, and what her fan(atics) say. Let's not forget what she put on her website after Randi grilled her on LKL...[/QUOTE]I have yet to hear of any comments (negative or otherwise) from the pr-Sylvia crowd on any of this. have you?

 

[RSLancastr]

give my love to RSL, wishing all the best for his speedy recovery. xxx

My love back atcha, Teek!

RSL is such a good guy. I'm so sad to hear this news.

When I first emailed RSL a while ago he wrote me a lengthy reply answering all my questions. I've been learning from him ever since.

Get well soon buddy. When you're fighting fit they'll be a whole lot of juicy articles to catch up on!

Yeah, now if I could just get to the site to post them!

Sorry to hear about, Susan. Hoping RSL will be doing handsprings again in no time.

Yeah, that's me all right...

Oh darn.

I think I can speak for all the folks at SFN in wishing Robert a speedy recovery...

Thanks, Kil. and thanks for keeping the gang at SFN updated on my status...

From the Hall family to yours-- our thoughts are with you and Robert for the best possible resolution.

My thanks to you and the whole Cosmic Clan!

My best wishes too. I haven't been here long, but I've learnt so much from Robert, I don't mean about you-know-who, I just mean generally.

Oh Stop, Caz. Sorry, I just had to say it.

Please let Robert know I am hoping the best for him as well. He is an inspiration and a voice of reason for us all.

Thhanks, Gray! My best to you and The Missus, and even to the goats.

Susan, I'll be keeping you both in my heart during the coming weeks.

I know Robert will get better, because he promised me a hug at the next TAM, and he's a man of his word!

I don't remember, did I make good on this? I remember seeing you there, but I don't remember a hug. But then, some days I don't remember my name...

My best wishes as well. I wish I had chatted more with Robert at TAM6 but tell him I'll make up for that at TAM7 so I expect to see him there!

Hey, Tamazon! If we didn't chat at TAM7, there's always TAM8, and Facebook!

Terrible news, Susan. Please keep us updated on his progress if you can find the time.

My sister is a stroke victim and she never recovered from her paralysis, but she was the victim of a very severe stroke that put her in a coma for over 3 months. I hope Robert's condition is nowhere near as severe.

I don't think i was ever in a "true coma", but I understand that I was in a deep sleep for a couple of months. How bad is your sister's paralysis?

Stroke recovery can be tricky. Sometimes, just when the patient seems they will not improve, they suddenly plateau at a new level, then stay there for a while, then jump to a higher plateau, so don't get discouraged if he doesn't progress as fast as you'd like. You really must be patient.

We still are trying to be!

Please give Robert my regards and best wishes for a full recovery.

Thanks, Mr. Skinny! Hey, maybe I should now be known as "Mr. Skinnier-than-he-was" or something. 11 months of hospital food will do that, I found.

I just heard about it. Very sad news indeed.

I wish for a speedy recovery, it is hard to find words to talk about something this serious "get well soon" seems too flimsy.

Robert is a person that makes a difference and a lot of people love him dearly. I hope he knows how many that thinks about him now and hope for the best.

I do now!!! I figured that there would be some get well wishes for me here, but I am flabbergasted at the volume, and at the wonderful thoughts I've read here. They certainly make me want to meet this Lancaster - he sounds like quite a guy!

Seriously, my family was surprised and stunned bythe outpouring of love and affection from the Forum denizens. They knew even less than I did about the number opf folks who would be so concerned for my health. Thanks again to you all... ::sniff::

 

[RSLancastr]

Well, that's enough multi-quoting for one sitting. I'll tackle more later. I am determined to make it through the whole thread. Later, -rsl

 

[e-sabbath]

Good to see you back, RSL. We miss you in the chat room.

 

[RSLancastr]

Good to see you back, RSL. We miss you in the chat room.

thanks, e! I've stopped in a few times to find it empty. after reading your post, i just stopped in. talked with Loon, conspiraider, chickenpotpie, paperskater and others.

 

[amb]

Robert, I know you have enormous influence, and your campaign against Sylvia has had some effect. What about that fraudster John Edwards? He recently was in my home city doing shows to sell out crowds. I tried to organize a protest at the venue with local sceptics which come to nothing. I would look very foolish on my own holding up a plaque telling people to not waste their money and emotions on a fraudster.
That tour was so successful for him that I think in November he is doing further shows here.
The point of this post is to back you all the way in health and endeavours.

 

[arthwollipot]

thanks, e! I've stopped in a few times to find it empty. after reading your post, i just stopped in. talked with Loon, conspiraider, chickenpotpie, paperskater and others.

I'm in the chatroom most nights - unfortunately that translates to early morning your time, and most of the cool people aren't online then.

 

[RSLancastr]

I'm in the chatroom most nights - unfortunately that translates to early morning your time, and most of the cool people aren't online then.

Well, I was just there, and at least one cool person was there - you!

 

[RSLancastr]

Robert, I know you have enormous influence, and your campaign against Sylvia has had some effect. What about that fraudster John Edwards? He recently was in my home city doing shows to sell out crowds. I tried to organize a protest at the venue with local sceptics which come to nothing. I would look very foolish on my own holding up a plaque telling people to not waste their money and emotions on a fraudster.
That tour was so successful for him that I think in November he is doing further shows here.
The point of this post is to back you all the way in health and endeavours.

Hey, amb!

I assume you mean John Edward (no "s") the "psychic medium", not Edwards, the politician. I already have plans for a www.StopJohnEdward.com, but don't know when I will get around to writing articles for it.

Best of luck,

-rsl

 

[amb]

I thought you might. Yes I got the surname wrong.

 

[RSLancastr]

Okay, I just went into chat, and was the only person there, cool or otherwise.

 

[ExMinister]

I'm sure this has been asked a thousand times before, but... how do we out-of-the-loop kids get to the chat room?

 

[arthwollipot]

I'm sure this has been asked a thousand times before, but... how do we out-of-the-loop kids get to the chat room?

PMed link.

I seem to remember a while ago the mods were trying to avoid having the link in public sections of the forum to avoid spambots. I don't know if that's still the case, but in case it is...

 

[RSL's better half]

Susan, Lynn and I send hugs to both of you.
Like Skepticality, I had a bleed in my brain and although the road to recovery can be a tough one, it can be done, I promise you. When things have settled down a bit, if Lynn or I can help by sharing experiences in any way, just let us know. I am aware that it was a really hard time for Lynn, so she will know some of what you're going through. If you want to talk to either of us, send us your number and we'll give you a call.
In the meantime, we're thinking of you and send you both our very best wishes.

Heya. Tim! Sorry to hear that you went through this too...

How long ago was this, and what effects from it are you still dealing with? By the way, I recently learned from on of your fellow countrymen that in Australia, Wombats are often referred to as "truck [rule 8]ers", due to the damage they cause to trucks when they get run over. It seems to me that you ought to call trucks "wombat [rule8]ers" instead, but that's just me.

all our best to you and Lynn,

-rsl

My best wishes to you both.

Damn, I just logged in for the first time today and I have to see this.

For the time he is away he will be missed.

Well, I am (mostly back, but I think that I am still missed.

Thankfully strokes are a lot more treatable now then even ten years ago. I had a cousin who had a stroke, following head trauma, just a few years ago and they were able to assist in draining it from an inoperable location with some new medication......I'd have to call my mom up to see if she can remember what it was.

thanks, Travis, but apparently, most of mine drained of its own accord.

I'm so sorry to hear this. Robert is my hero. Please let me know if there's anything I can do.

thanks, Loon! And thanks again for visiting me in The Big House. It meant a lot to me.

Hang in there, Robert. Recovery will be a day-to-day, ups-and downs kind of thing. But with your tenacity and good cheer, you WILL be back to full power.

I'm getting there. Sez - thanks!

Will be sending both good thoughts and prayers your and Roberts way.

As has been stated so many times before, don't hesitate to reach out if either of you need anything.

Rob

Thanks, Rob! I still have yet to hear any crap from the pro-browne camp...

I wish Robert and you the best in this trying time. I want him to keep up the good work as long as he's able!

I'm getting there, 'reasons!

RSL is required to make a full and speedy recovery as I still have many questions for him and he has been kind and thorough when answering my queries in the past.

Zero, ask away - I can't promise my brain will formulate decent answers, but I'll try! I don't have access to my old SSB email address, so send questions to [email protected].

This must be a direct result of all those hugs RSL was owed and did not get at TAM. You all know what a positive effect touching and feeling loved can have on one's physical well-being. I hope all you debtors are proud of yourselves now!

Thanks, Matt! Anti-strke hugging is always welcome, as is anti-hug stroking, I suppose.

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery. Where others talk, RSL gets off his bum and does - and does it well.

well Moby, now I can't even get off my bum without assistance! Some day soon, I'll be back to wrking on the site(s)...

Can't log on from work, so just saw this now.

Damn

Damndamndamndamndamndamndamndamndamndamn.

Be strong, Susan, it won't be easy for either you or Robert, but two people in love can do quite a lot to get each other through.

Thanks, Hutch! Yes, our love has gotten us through quite a bit!

Please keep us updated. How did you know to go to the hospital? In any case, it sounds like that is a positive sign. RSL is a JREF gem. It sounds like he is responsive and aware which is also great. Please let him know how much we miss him and care. We are looking forward to hearing about his experiences and recovery.

Hi, articulett! To this day, Susan does not know how she knew that I was having a stroke, but her quick thinking and action that night saved me from further brain damage, and quite possibly saved my life!

Have to echo what has been said before; Robert is the best of what the JREF is and who we are as skeptics. I was honored to share a meal with him at TAM5 after his appearance on Anderson Cooper. It is a memory I treasure.

Heya, Boo! I thought of you every time I took a ride in an ambulance or EMT vehicle, which happened around a dozen times in those eleven months.

Whatever you need, let us know.

Robert may not want my prayers, but he (AND YOU) are getting them anyway.

I appreciate any hopes, wishes AND prayers on my behalf, Kitty. thanks.