Timothy Wilkinson Stroke Recovery Fund

Hi,

Our Dad, Timothy Wilkinson suffered a major stroke on December 22nd, 2022. After over a month in the ICU and several weeks in the hospital, he is finally in a rehabilitation facility and starting his recovery. We are encouraging visitors to come and see him as it helps with his recovery.

Where is Tim?

Lorien Mt. Airy

713 Midway Ave, Mt Airy, MD 21771

Visiting hours are until 8 pm.

What Happened?

On the morning of December 22nd we found Tim lying on the floor next to his bed. He couldn't move or speak clearly. We quickly realized he needed medical attention and called for help. He was taken to Carroll County General where they determined he had a stroke. It was quickly discovered that he required surgery to save his life. Minutes later the surgeon from Sinai hospital called me to discuss the procedure.

This was all happening so fast that it didn't seem real. This had to be some sort of nightmare. We were days away from Christmas. I just spent time with him the night before and now a surgeon is telling me that my dad has to have surgery or he will die and the surgery is not certain to save his life.

I went back into the room with him and explained to him what had to happen. He was having a major stroke and had to be transferred to Sinai for emergency surgery. He shook his head and said alright. I hugged him and told him that I was right behind him. That was the last time I would see him with his eyes open or hear him make a sound for weeks.

It had been raining since early that morning but suddenly it seems to just pour like the emotions flooding my head. The drive from Carroll County to Sinai seemed to take forever as the rain became more monsoon-like. It never stopped raining that day.

Timothy Jr., his eldest child Adriana, and Daniel met me at the hospital. We waited for hours in the IR waiting room reminiscing about memories of dad and his father. We made phone calls to inform loved ones and give status updates. The staff was nice and brought us snacks and drinks. After what seemed like days the surgeon came into the waiting area. I felt ill not knowing what to expect. The surgeon was wearing a mask and shield and it was impossible to see his facial expressions.

"Your father has been through a lot. We normally repeat the procedure a maximum of five times. We did it eight times with your father." We all sat there unable to fathom the idea that dad somehow wasn't going to make it. He is too strong, determined, and young... how could this be happening? The surgeon explained that they did everything possible and now it was up to our dad to pull through. He was being moved to the ICU and we could visit with him shortly. Tim was still suffering an active stroke at this time.

As we found our way to the ICU we caught a glimpse of dad as they were moving him. It crushed me, but I kept it together because I knew that he would want us to remain steadfast. Enter the ICU. More waiting and not knowing. A doctor came into the ICU waiting room and told us he needed to have us complete some paperwork and make some critical decisions. It seemed like hundreds of questions and consequences that were life or death. We choose what we thought would be best for dad. I signed all the papers. We hoped for the best. Several minutes later Daniel and I were allowed to see him.

It was dad. He was there but we couldn't ask him if he was in pain or if he needed anything. We just watched as machines pumped drugs and fluids into him. We watched as the ventilator forced him to breathe. We watched and wondered if he was still in there. He was alive though and we were thankful for that. Only time would tell what would come next.

The first couple of days were like one long day. Christmas was two days away but all I could think about was dad. Did he know what was going on? Is he in pain? Is he going to pull through? We didn't know. He couldn't tell us. Daniel and I visited him over the holidays and just waited for him to show signs of life. It was devastating.

During his stay in the ICU he had a craniectomy, a tracheostomy, and a PEG or feeding tube procedure. After all that he contracted MRSA pneumonia which prolonged his stay and complicated his recovery. Plugged full of tubes and sensors he fought to stay alive during the most difficult fight of his life. We saw bits and pieces of dad as he would shake his head yes or no or try to move his hand. We held on to hope and channeled dad's spirit of perseverance.

Updates

Tim was transferred to Lorien Mt. Airy in late February. He is alert, recognizes friends and family, and plays around with his grandchildren. His hair is growing back and he now has just a goatee. He is undergoing Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy.

He has started drinking and eating soft foods. He has started speaking a few words and is expanding what he can say and do daily.

Gratitude

There are so many people to thank but a few deserve to be called out here:

Dr. R. (ICU Sinai)

Rebecca (ICU Sinai)

Emily (ICU Sinai)

Kevin Hazard (CBG)

Lauren Perkins (CBG)

Thank you,

Michael, Timothy Jr., and Daniel (sons) and Ted (brother)