From Alex Pournelle, Dr. Pournelle’s son:
“Jerry had a small stroke. He is recovering well at a local hospital. Prognosis is good, though they’re running more tests and he’s expected to stay at least another day or two.
“He felt well enough to call Mom [Mrs. Pournelle] from the hospital.
“Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. More updates when we have them.”
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UPDATE – 19 December 2014
“Update: Jerry continues to make much progress. Even in the last day the differences are marked. He has moved yet again to a long-term acute rehab assignment for speech/throat and physical therapy, where he will stay at least through the holidays.
“In a twist of fate far too strange to put into fiction, Jerry ended up in the exact same room as did Harlan Ellison a month earlier, after his own stroke. Harlan related this in a call today to get an update on Jerry. Harlan, by the way, sounds completely recovered on the phone—another good sign.
“We expect Jerry to start updates on the website presently, but they will be short at first. He’s re-learning to type, now just with one finger ‘and a claw’, so patience is appreciated.
“He called after the transfer, to say it was 17 minutes by car from the one facility to the next. Not the sign of someone out of touch with his surroundings or the passage of time.
“His cognition appears little affected. He keeps answering the many ‘do you know where you are?’ questions straight, but he’s sorely tempted to start embroidering the truth…”
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Well…. that news sucks! As Betty Davis said: “growing old isn’t for sissies”
Having witnessed my own mother’s struggles with a significant stroke at 86, I have some understanding of what you and your family are presently going through. From the nature of therapies being applied, it sounds like this was a bit more than a small stroke. I hope you make a quick and full recovery.
Jerry, keep getting better! And *definitely* start lying — creatively — when they ask you if you know where you are and what time it is. (Very Big, VERY Evil Grin)
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. I’m glad to hear Dr. Pournelle is doing well. I’ve been a fan of his fiction for years, and am delighted to have discovered the View from Chaos Manor.
Prayers for a complete recovery. While being bored in the hospital, you might want to read “My Stroke of Insight” — the best argument I’ve seen for attention to physical therapy!
I am delighted to hear of your progress! My mother-in-law suffered one a few months back and was affected in her speech. We all wondered what “Brown went trees,” meant. However we found her writing remained with her so she could communicate. She spent time in rehab and now you would not know she ever had the stroke. I hold you and your family in prayer.
Dear Dr Pournelle,
Get well soon. Through out my entire programming career, which now stretches back 35 years, Chaos Manor has been at my side. My wife found your detailed reports on your hearing aids hugely useful. Falkenberg and the Moties still entertain me. Take care and God Bless.
Simon Woodworth
Get well soon.
Godspeed to you, Dr. Pournelle. You have touched more people that you might imagine with your writings and thoughts. Thanks for Chaos Manor. I love to hang out at your place. Please come back soon!!
Glad to hear about your progress. My computer helped me to recover from my stroke 15 years ago. I started a log of my stroke and recovery as soon as I could type left handed. Playing Freecell did more to recover use of my right hand than any other exercise.
I will add my prayers for your recovery. Glad you are feeling good enough to add some spice to your answers.
Emroider the truth, indeed! It can be downright boring to be cooped up, he can give the doctors a run for their money! At least it will be entertaining for all concerned. All the very best!
Dear Jerry: Thank you for all you do and May God bless you and guide you to a rapid recovery!
I’d just like to add my voice to all the other well wishers.
I’m glad to hear you’re improving so just keep on getting better.
Glad to hear that you’re doing better. We’re looking forward to seeing you back at LASFS sooner rather than later.
Jerry,
Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a joyous Christmas season for you and yours, from a displaced LASFSian in North Carolina.
Cecil Rose
You are in the prayers of many. We’ve never met, but through your books, Byte, and blog, I found a kindred spirit. Best wishes and prayers for a speedy and full recovery, followed by as much more writing as you care to do!
My prayers and wishes for a complete recovery go out to you, Dr. Pournelle. Your books and other writings have brought me, and continue to bring me, much enjoyment and enlightenment.
I hope you get well soon; the world is better with you in it. I hope you’ll be back soon. =)
Best wishes and prayers for a speedy and full recovery. And prayers for your whole family too.
Keeping you and your family in our prayers Dr Pournelle!