Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009) UPDATE2010

Subject: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 08:27 AM

Greetings:

This appeared on Facebook yesterday (Sunday, Dec. 20). It is from Clarice Kjerulff, the long time partner of Jerry Epstein, one of the founders of the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club:

I did take Jerry to the emergency room. He may have had food poisoning, but it turns out he also had a stroke. Fortunately, a very mild one, and he seems almost normal. No problems with his limbs, speech is fine. His short term memory seems a little weak, hopefully that will right itself when he's feeling better. He is in Mt. Sinai, Manhattan for monitoring.

Jerry first felt ill Saturday night. As Clarice says, he is in Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. The latest that I heard is that he will likely stay there today, but will probably be released shortly.

Some of you may recall that Jerry did a tour of the UK earlier this year along with banjoist and singer Ralph Boddington. Jerry has also traveled throughout the world (Russia, China, Australia, etc.) meeting and sharing songs and fellowship with traditional musicians andmusic lovers wherever he has gone. He has also been the prime mover behind the resurrection of the Eisteddfod traditional music festival in the USA.

We all wish him a full and speedy recovery.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 08:29 AM

Likewise, wishing him a full and speedy recovery (and Clarice some rest after a loooooong night). Been following Clarice's posts at FB.

Linn

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 08:30 AM

Jerry, I'm sorry to hear about your travails. Feel better soon, ok?

Dan

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 08:44 AM

Heal.
And no more drama.
Mary

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 09:18 AM

Indeed - We have lost too many this year ! At least Jerry is not critical ! Get well soon sir !

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: GUEST,Jon Dudley
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 09:29 AM

Would anyone out there who has contact with both Jerry and Clarice please pass on our fondest love and wishes for a speedy recovery.
The Copper Family

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 09:59 AM

Our best thoughts for a full recovery. Take it easy but take it!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 10:15 AM

Jon,

I have forwarded your message to Jerry and Clarice.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Acorn4
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 10:59 AM

Remember seeing him at the Robin Hood Folk Club a few years back.

Wish him a speedy recovery and season's greetings!

Dave and Julia Taylor

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 11:11 AM

Greetings again,

I just telephoned Jerry within the past half our. He is awake, alert, and talkative. In his own words, "It could have been worse." He wants to thank the Copper Family and everyone else who wished him well via Mudcat. Everyone is welcome to e-mail Jerry directly by clicking here. Please keep in mind that it may be several days before he gets to read your message and even longer until he responds.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: GUEST,Philippa in Ireland
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 11:16 AM

I've emailed Jerry in the past and several times the emails have been returned undeliverable, so please convey my best wishes for recovery. I've met Jerry a couple of times and he helped me get transport to Pinewoods/Eistedfodd weekend when I visited NY in Oct

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 11:25 AM

all best wishes to you Jerry. Hope you're home for Chrsitmas
Derek Schofield

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: r.padgett
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 12:02 PM

Sorry to here of this

Met Jerry and Ralph at Whitby ff and at an earlier event on Yorkshire day during their tour

All the best and speedy recovery

Ray

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: jacqui.c
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 01:43 PM

I've also been following this on Facebook.

Best wishes Jerry for a full recovery. Just listen to what the doctors tell you!

Clarice, make sure you take care of yourself, won't you.

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 03:42 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about this. Get well soon Jerry!

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 05:50 PM

I greatly enjoyed Jerry at Herga when he was over here and wish him a speedy and full recovery.

Mick

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Mick Tems
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 06:19 PM

All the best from Llantrisant Folk Club, Jerry. I tell you what - I've been there!

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: SylviaN
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 08:15 PM

Clarice - love to you both!
xxx
Sylvia and Keith

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Art Thieme
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 11:00 PM

Jerry, Recover fully---and be quick about it! I'm so sorry to hear this news. All the best to you, good sir.

Mudcatters,
Those of you who have expressed an affection for the song I recorded as MASTER OF THE SHEEPFOLD -- Jerry Epstein is where I learned the song. I was on staff at Pinewoods Camp at Plymouth Massachusetts when I cornered Jerry and he sang it into my cassette recorder. He is a fine folksinger. --

Be well!!!!!!!!!!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 11:09 PM

Thanks for telling us that, Art. That's one of our favs. on your CD!

May I add my good wishes for a full recovery?

All the best,

kat

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: stallion
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 02:32 AM

Oh my, take care Jerry, speedy recovery. Are Jacqui & Ken ok? Seems like the people who stayed at my house this summer are getting ill or worse!
Pete

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Gweltas
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 03:04 AM

I had been so looking forward to meeting up with Jerry at the Solstice celebration in Brooklyn on Sunday night (20th) and was stunned to discover that he'd had a stroke !! Hopefully he will soon be back home and recovering well.
Sending all best wishes to him, XX.
My thanks to all who welcomed me to that event, which I really enjoyed. It was lovely to hear songs that were new to me and to meet such nice friendly people.
Anne XX

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 08:15 AM

Get better soon Jerry!! All good wishes for a speedy recovery.

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: sciencegeek
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 08:37 AM

All the best from me & Mike.... take care & don't drive Clarise too crazy.

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 08:52 AM

Speaking of strokes
http://oldjewstellingjokes.com/post/195605711/richard-levine-club-med-richard-levine-wanted#offset:24;0 [sorry; they've started putting in commercials before the main story begins]
(possibly NSFW)

Laughter might be the best medicine, but it comes with heartfelt wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. --Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 04:48 PM

Thinking of you Jerry. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Roy & Elaine

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: SussexCarole
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 05:08 PM

Best wishes from us both Jerry and wishing you a very speedy recovery.

Carole & Andrew

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 06:37 PM

Greetings:

Clarice put the following regarding Jerry on her Facebook page:

He would love to hear from people. His cell phone number is 917-497-4648, and his room phone is 212-241-9854. You should try his cell first, since I think they charge for phone use (but sometimes Jerry forgets to turn his phone on).

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 06:39 PM

I just received word that Jerry is due to be discharged from the hospital tomorrow, Wednesday, December 23.

--- Steve again

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: RTim
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 07:12 PM

Thinking of Jerry this holiday season - Hope all goes well in the future.
Singing is so therapeutic!

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: bbc
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 08:29 PM

Boy, that's good news, Steve! Thanks for keeping us informed.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: maeve
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 08:33 PM

Jerry- You are in my thoughts and prayers. May health and joy be yours.

maeve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Brian Peters
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 11:46 AM

My very best wishes to Jerry and Clarice.
Brian

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Art Thieme
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 12:00 PM

Jerry,

That's great. Be well. Stay well!!
I'm sorry we lost contact over the last few years.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: doc.tom
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 12:22 PM

Please pass on to Jerry our very best wishes. Glad you'll be home for Christmas. Great to meet you and hear you @ Broadstairs this year.
Tom & Barbara Brown

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 12:30 PM

Good news. Home for the holidays.

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 12:38 PM

now that you are home Jerry, have a restful and joyful holiday.
Derek

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: stallion
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 06:19 PM

great news

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 07:00 PM

Sorry to report that Jerry is still in the hospital for at least another day. He was moved to a different room, so don't try to reach him on the landline given above. Use the cell (mobile) phone instead.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: GUEST,Bob and Amba Coltman
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 06:09 PM

I've sent this to Collegium for Jerry but in case it goes astray I want to repeat it here:

===

Hi Jerry,

You know you have our love and best wishes for a quick and full recovery. They need to hear you singing again in China! (and all those other places).

Clarice, love from us and many, many vibes of support and good cheer.

Happy New Year to you both,

Bob and Amba

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 06:26 PM

Greetings:

Anne Price went to see Jerry at Mount Sinai Hospital today and says the doctors still do not know when he will be discharged. His new landline number is 212-241-9841. He would welcome phone calls.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Booklynrose
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 08:45 PM

Jerry's condition is more serious than was thought. There may be a weak wall in a blood vessel in the brain. He says so far he is ok except for some cognitive loss. Speech and movement are ok. He is at Mt. Sinai Hospital and would welcome visitors or calls. The hospital number is 212-241-6500.

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Art Thieme
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 03:05 PM

I spoke with Jerry on this Christmas morning. He seemed OK -- but was wondering where things were heading -- as would we all in similar situations,

Art

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 06:37 PM

Greetings:

I visited Jerry at Mount Sinai Hospital today, and he said to thank all the Mudcatters who wished him well. He has no idea how long he will remain in the hospital, so he would really appreciate visits or phone calls from people he knows. He is in a private room now (8th Floor West, Room 106), and he has a direct phone line you can use. The number is 212-241-9841.

Also, in case you haven't already heard, Jerry and Clarice plan to get married. Yes, you can wish them mazel tov!

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Art Thieme
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 09:11 PM

So-----wouldn't ya know, first hing I asked him (sorry Clarice ;-) today was, "How is Robin?"

That was His girlfriend when I last saw Jerry! Typical Art tact.

Clarice, Congratulations!!!!!!!! Jerry too!

Art
(sheepishly)

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: KathWestra
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 11:12 AM

Note the phone number for Jerry's private room as posted by Steve Suffet above (Steve wrote: "He is in a private room now [8th Floor West, Room 106], and he has a direct phone line you can use. The number is 212-241-9841."), and that calls from friends are welcome--and encouraged.

Clarice posted on Facebook this morning that Jerry has seemed somewhat improved. Keeping fingers crossed and prayers said for a good outcome here.

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 12:32 PM

Hi Jerry, Sorry you didn't get home for the festive season but glad you making progress. so gload to hear you and Clarice are getting married, that's brilliant, Our love to both, Moira and Malc x

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 02:02 PM

Click here to hear Jerry singing Barbara Allen.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 07:08 PM

Wednesday, December 30, is Jerry Epstein's 68th birthday. He remains in Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and would appreciate phone calls and visits. However, he is scheduled for diagnostic tests in the morning, so please wait until the afternoon. The direct phone number to his room is still 212-241-9841.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 02:27 AM

All best wishes to Jerry for his birthday and hoping for some good news soon!

Kitty Vernon

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 12:46 PM

I wish Dr J a speedy recovery. Out now but will give him a ring when I get home.

Clarice, delighted to hear you are allowing Jerry to become an honorary Dane.

Dan

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 08:06 PM

Greetings again!

This just showed up on Clarice's Facebbok page:

Good news -- Jerry may be released as early as tomorrow. Now to figure what his long term care will be. He is not a candidate for a residential rehab, since he has no physical impairments. I'm told that the social worker is setting stuff up for occupational & vision therapy, + visiting nurses, at our house. Will find out more tomorrow.

What a great birthday present!

For those following this thread in the UK, Ireland, etc., it is still December 30, Jerry's 68th birthday, here in the USA.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 06:48 AM

Great news. Hope you had a great birthday - and the start of a new year on the road to recovery.
best wishes
Derek Schofield

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 02:15 AM

Not so good news. Jerry Epstein was discharged from Mount Sinai Hospital as planned on Thursday, December 31. However, he started feeling sick soon after arriving home, and he went (or was taken) to Elmhurst Hospital near his home in Queens. The last I heard is that he will be admitted. I have no idea what his current condition is.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: GUEST,Art Thieme no cookie
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 03:08 AM

Jerry, Don't hurry to get home. A stroke is not a thing the damn hospital ought to be cheap about. Remember, as Leadbelly said, "Relax Your Mind."

Art

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Gweltas
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 03:18 AM

Please give my good wishes to Jerry for a speedy recovery. I'm sorry to hear that he has needed to be re-admitted to hospital. He's had a rough do, poor guy, missing out on Christmas at home, spending his birthday in hospital also and now missing out on the New Year celebrations, too !
I am now back in Cornwall, UK, since yesterday and pretty knackered with jet lag. Thanks again to all the kind folk in Freddy's Back Room in Brooklyn, who made me so welcome on Dec 20th. God bless you all and to all Mudcatters, and especially to Jerry and Clarice, a very Happy New Year.
Anne XX

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: stallion
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 04:58 AM

take care Jerry, I know the pull of home is strong but not until you are something like fit enough, happy new year and a belated happy birthday
Peter

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 09:33 AM

Here is the latest news from Clarice. This showed up on her Facebook page a little before 8:30 AM today, January 1:

Jerry was back in the emergency room, via ambulance. He had chills, fever & nausea. When the EMS came, his blood pressure was 220/110, and that was after taking medication. I was pretty darned scared. By the time we got to Elmhurst, a few blocks away, the fever had broken and his blood pressure went way down.

[EMS is Emergency Medical Services, the New York City paramedics.]

And then she added this about an hour later:

Thanks, folks, Not sure where the fever came from, at least it's gone. I suppose the nausea could have been a reaction to the Lipitor -- he had his 1st dose shortly before he felt ill. Will talk to our regular MD today.

I'm not sure if the hospital admitted Jerry, kept him in the ER for observation, or sent him home. Clarice hasn't said. I guess she and Jerry will know more after his regular physician sees him today.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 11:48 AM

Here is Clarice's latest Facebook update regarding Jerry:

They sent him home at about 6:00 AM, after taking blood & Xrays & checking his incision. He is OK and is sleeping. I got 2 hours sleep, I'm a nervous wreck. Cats are calm for now....

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: stallion
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 01:39 PM

thanks for the updates steve
pete

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: Suffet
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 08:32 PM

Greetings:

Marilyn and I just spoke with Clarice and Jerry on the phone. Jerry has been back home since New Year's Day and he has been getting both speech therapy and occupational therapy. He really sounded good -- much better than we had expected -- although the doctors are still adjusting his diet and his medications. Jerry still has a lot of rehab work ahead of him, but at least he seems to be on the right road.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 09:23 PM

Good news. Rehab is not fun but it works.
Be Well, Jerry

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009)
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 09:39 AM

Go, Jerry, Go! Thinking of you here...

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 09:41 AM

Thank you got the update. Heal, Jerry. You are needed.

maeve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009)
From: Suffet
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 09:47 AM

I won't publish Jerry's home phone number here, but anyone who knows Jerry and already has his number should might want to call him every once in a while.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009)
From: Ed Brown
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 10:05 AM

Glad to hear you are back home, Jerry. Stay well.

Ed

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009)
From: Suffet
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 09:03 PM

I don't know how that stray word got into my sentence. Let's try that again.

I won't publish Jerry's home phone number here, but anyone who knows Jerry and already has his number might want to call him every once in a while.

OK, that makes more sense.

You might also try following Clarice Kjerulff's status updates on Facebook. Her most recent one says, It's been one month since Jerry's first stroke. He is getting better, but it's a slow process.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009)
From: Suffet
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 10:29 PM

Clarice posted this on Facebook today:

Jerry has been dealing with serious depression off and on today and yesterday. If people feel like calling in the next few days, it always lifts Jerry's spirits to hear from people. The number is 718-429-3437. Late afternoons are generally best. Jerry is definitely not a morning person.

That pretty much says it all.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009)
From: Suffet
Date: 15 Feb 10 - 07:03 AM

UPDATE

I have seen Jerry three times since I forwarded Claice's Facebook message on January 24. The first time was at a New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club program committee meeting, the second was at a board of directors meeting, and the third time he was among the audience at a Johnson Girls concert. In all three instances Jerry appeared alert and attentive, and he actively participated in the two meetings. If you had not previously known him, you may not have realized that anything was amiss. In short, Jerry's progress has been substantial. However, as Clarice noted, it's a slow process.

People who know Jerry are still encouraged to call.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009)
From: Booklynrose
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 10:53 PM

I realized that once the crisis was over, no one updated this thread. Jerry said it was ok to post this. The stroke had impaired his eyesight, his reading (but not his writing), his memory, and some cognitive functions. He has been working hard at rehab. Now he can read, though not yet as fluently as before. His eyesight has improved enough so that he can drive again - very important to him. His singing and wisecracking were not affected by the stroke, so he always sounded like himself.
Jerry is well enough to direct the Eisteddfod, a Festival of Traditional Music that the Folk Music Society of NY (Pinewoods Club)took over from Howard Glasser. It will be November 5-7 at the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa, in Kerhonksen, N.Y. Come see Jerry & 20 other great musicians; get details at http://www.eisteddfod-ny.org
After the stroke Jerry and Clarice decided they would like to get married, and on September 5 in front of family and a lot of folkies, they exchanged rings in a Taoist ceremony led by Clarice's brother. We wish them many years of happiness.

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009)
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 11:38 PM

Thanks for the update.

Very best wishes to Jerry and Clarice.

~ Becky Nankivell in Tucson

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009)
From: Art Thieme
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 12:15 AM

Wonderful mews! Congratulations Jerry and Clarice!
I do wish I was there with you. All the best to all at Pinewoods. I have nothing but good memories of the times I spent making music with you all in New York.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009)
From: stallion
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 04:12 AM

Pass on our good wishes and love
Pete, Ron & Martin
2BS&S

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009)
From: Suffet
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 08:37 AM

People are welcome to send their best wishes to Jerry and Clarice directly by e-mail. Please click here to get started.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Jerry Epstein in hospital (Dec 2009)
From: Suffet
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 09:21 AM

Could Joe or a Joe Clone please change the name of this thread to Jerry Epstein Update or something like that? Thanks.

--- Steve