SETBACK FOR HOWE
Legend’s health deteriorates
The condition of Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe has deteriorated significantly according to his family, who are concerned by the level of pain that Howe must endure.
“We had a week to 10 days of encouraging progress after Dad’s stroke,” said Gordie’s son, Red Wings pro scout Mark Howe. “The last 10 days have been difficult. His health is trending in the opposite direction.
“Right now it’s a lot for dad to handle.”
Howe, 86, is enduring severe back pain from an old injury. Accompanied by his dementia, which is in its latter stages, as well as the major stroke, the Floral, Sask., native previously suffered on Oct. 26, it has left the longtime NHL star unable to leave his bed.
“In the last 10 days a couple of old issues have crept back,” Mark Howe said. “Severe back pain has returned. He’s been bedridden for the most part.”
The back ailment is leading to complications with Howe’s dementia. He also suffered another minor stroke last week, which the Howe family estimated was their father’s seventh or eighth stroke.
“His pain has been making his blood pressure fluctuate into dangerous levels,” Mark Howe said. “They have to keep him sedated to keep things under control.
“He has a number of health issues working against him. We’re hoping that alleviating the pain will take care of the blood pressure. He had that issue even before the stroke.”
Prior to the flare-up of the back pain, Howe had been up and walking a bit with the aid of physical therapy workers. But that has come to an abrupt halt.
“He’s in so much pain he can’t tolerate it,” Mark Howe said.
“Anybody in the stage of dementia he is, you have issues with anxiety. All these issues make the dementia worse.
“It’s not a good situation, obviously. We don’t like watching him suffer. We’re doing what we have to do.”
Howe remains at his daughter Cathy’s home in Lubbock, Texas, The three Howe sons are taking turns staying with their father in Texas. Mark Howe arrived there Saturday night to spell off Marty Howe. He said Murray Howe will take over in a week’s time.
All of them recognize the situation is not a promising one at the present time.
“It’s a continuing fight,” Mark Howe said. “We’re just trying to give dad the best chance to continue his road to recovery.”