Janice
02-17-2005, 10:28 AM
Tedy hangs tough -- Pats star on mend after mild stroke
Tedy Bruschi, the Patriots heart and soul, is fighting back after suffering a mild stroke.
The popular linebacker, who complained of blurred vision and headaches, may be released from Massachusetts General Hospital as early as today.
``It has been determined that these symptoms were the results of a mild stroke,'' team spokesman Stacey James said last night. ``Tedy is in good condition and, as always, his spirits are high.''
Bruschi, 31, was said to show marked improvement from Wednesday, when he entered the hospital suffering blurred vision and a loss of feeling in his right side.
``He kind of snapped out of it (yesterday), but he was in rough shape on Wednesday,'' one source said.
Bruschi's football future remains in question. Sources say Bruschi, with the help of his doctors, will determine that over the coming weeks and months.
Bruschi was taking phone calls and e-mails from his hospital bed alongside his wife, Heidi. Bruschi also received visitors, including Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his wife, Myra, and at least one teammate, in the private suite tucked away in a corner of MGH's exclusive Phillips House.
``He is walking and talking normally and stressed that he would like to thank everyone for keeping him and his family in their thoughts and prayers. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, and the Bruschi family is very appreciative,'' James said.
Although Bruschi is ready to check out of the hospital, a source said his eyesight has not returned 100 percent.
It's still not known what triggered the episode that led to Bruschi being rushed via ambulance to the hospital from his North Attleboro home Wednesday morning. Heidi Bruschi called 911 and reported her husband was experiencing ``blurred vision'' and ``numbness on his right side,'' according to a transcript of the call released yesterday.
Bruschi played in his first Pro Bowl in Hawaii on Sunday with no apparent problems. He also played all 19 games for the Patriots during the season (including three playoff games), recording 128 tackles and three interceptions.
Bruschi has long been a favorite among coaches, fans and teammates for his fiery play on the field and his emotional nature off of it. Last summer, Bruschi turned down a chance to go to free agency when he signed a four-year, $8 million extension with the Patriots.
Bruschi realized he could have earned more on the open market, but his first priority was remaining a Patriot.
``How much is enough?'' Bruschi said in reference to the money he earns as a pro athlete. ``I couldn't stand the thought of having all those fans who come to the games wearing my jersey seeing me in another uniform.''
Tedy Bruschi, the Patriots heart and soul, is fighting back after suffering a mild stroke.
The popular linebacker, who complained of blurred vision and headaches, may be released from Massachusetts General Hospital as early as today.
``It has been determined that these symptoms were the results of a mild stroke,'' team spokesman Stacey James said last night. ``Tedy is in good condition and, as always, his spirits are high.''
Bruschi, 31, was said to show marked improvement from Wednesday, when he entered the hospital suffering blurred vision and a loss of feeling in his right side.
``He kind of snapped out of it (yesterday), but he was in rough shape on Wednesday,'' one source said.
Bruschi's football future remains in question. Sources say Bruschi, with the help of his doctors, will determine that over the coming weeks and months.
Bruschi was taking phone calls and e-mails from his hospital bed alongside his wife, Heidi. Bruschi also received visitors, including Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his wife, Myra, and at least one teammate, in the private suite tucked away in a corner of MGH's exclusive Phillips House.
``He is walking and talking normally and stressed that he would like to thank everyone for keeping him and his family in their thoughts and prayers. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, and the Bruschi family is very appreciative,'' James said.
Although Bruschi is ready to check out of the hospital, a source said his eyesight has not returned 100 percent.
It's still not known what triggered the episode that led to Bruschi being rushed via ambulance to the hospital from his North Attleboro home Wednesday morning. Heidi Bruschi called 911 and reported her husband was experiencing ``blurred vision'' and ``numbness on his right side,'' according to a transcript of the call released yesterday.
Bruschi played in his first Pro Bowl in Hawaii on Sunday with no apparent problems. He also played all 19 games for the Patriots during the season (including three playoff games), recording 128 tackles and three interceptions.
Bruschi has long been a favorite among coaches, fans and teammates for his fiery play on the field and his emotional nature off of it. Last summer, Bruschi turned down a chance to go to free agency when he signed a four-year, $8 million extension with the Patriots.
Bruschi realized he could have earned more on the open market, but his first priority was remaining a Patriot.
``How much is enough?'' Bruschi said in reference to the money he earns as a pro athlete. ``I couldn't stand the thought of having all those fans who come to the games wearing my jersey seeing me in another uniform.''