Happy update!
Paul just called me and explained what transpired. He was taking Xarelto for his AFib and it caused his brain to bleed and the stroke. They gathered his family to get their approval to operate. A "U" shaped piece of skull was removed and the excess blood drained and the vessels repaired.
He was intubated and unconscious after surgery. His family was told he would remain intubated for quite some time. 12 days later he was showing marked improvement and they removed the intubator.
After speech therapy he is now his usual glib and chatty self.
He is using a walker and may go home this weekend. Through all this he has lost half his body weight and feels wonderful for it.
He will soon have a Watchman Procedure to implant a device on the AFib affected area of his heart so he will no longer need blood thinners.
I am giddy with joy over the progress of my friend.
He expressed deep appreciation for the support here.
