Sunday, June 27, 2010
2 Month Update
I wanted to give you all an update since it has been 2 months since the stroke. The MRA showed the evidence of where the stroke happened while the 2 hematomas are still present. There is no new bleeding which is a blessing and we are just going to have to wait it out on my body doing it's part of dissolving the the blood. The doctors can't see if there is anything behind the hematomas so I can' t tell you in regards to that, but we are watching for any new signs or symptoms that would cause us to believe that there is something to worry about there. I have been feeling really well and haven't had any major headaches, only some pressure at times. I am down to 2 days a week instead of 3 days a week of physical therapy for my right leg which feels heavy and turns inward slightly. YEAH!!! I was going twice a week to have my INR checked in the lab which is the thickness of my blood, but am now at once a month if I stay within the range of 2.0-3.0 and I am currently at 2.0. I am still taking Coumadin and will be for a minimum of 6 months. As for my vision we are still trying to work with insurance on paying for vision therapy as they say it is not in our policy. You never think to check on that when signing up for insurance. We are doing well and I am enjoying my summer with all of my boys(Nic, Cooper & Parker). God has really been amazing as I am reminded often and shouldn't be surprised. Thanks once again for your thoughts and prayers. There is still a journey ahead of me, but wow what amazing progress has already happened.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Pictures of the Journey
I am feeling better considering all that has taken place in the past 24 hours. I am now at St. Frances in the Neuro Critical Care Unit. I can not see but I am sitting up and that is huge progress.
They added a picc line! This is 36cm and it goes into my arm through my chest and into my heart. This way they can draw blood directly every hour and have my meds flow as well. No more pokes, but this was awful getting put in. The first attempt went up into my ear and so they had to do it all over again. We are finally in and what a blessing that is. They told me there were nerves wrapped around the vein so that was what was causing my arm to spasm. Very painful!
May 4
Amy, my sister, brought me a special present...the Sesame Street blanket from our childhood. I was so happy to see some little comfort from the good old days. She mended the rips and washed it and let me tell you in doesn't even come close to the blankets they provide you in the hospital no matter how much you pay for them. Thank you Sis so much for sharing the blankie since it is older than me. We could probably sell it on ebay and make some money.
Here I am all tucked in my Sesame Street blanket after my sister washed my hair for me. It felt great to have clean hair and rest peacefully in a cozy blanket.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The BIG Day!
Well, tomorrow morning is the BIG day since I got out of the hospital to see what is going on up in my brain. I have an MRA scheduled for 8:30 and we were told that this was to find out what may have caused the bleeding or to see if there is anything behind the bleeding. The MRA is similar to an MRI but it will be a brain scan of the vessels instead of all of the tissue. I am not sure when we will hear the results, but I will let you all know when I hear something. Wow it is amazing to think that God is already in that room waiting for me to walk in tomorrow. In my life when I go through troubles like the verse says I always seem to have a theme song. I have to say my theme song for this time in my life is "I Will Rise" and I can't help but listen to it. Thank you Tamara for putting it on this blog as it is so true. I have risen when God called my name and there will be no more sorrow and no more pain for I know the plans that He has for me. I encourage each one of you reading this to find a song that goes along with what you may be going through and then during those times when you are driving or riding in the car and that song comes on you are reminded or how amazing God is and what He taught you during your troubled time. Thank you Lord for my theme song during this moment and may I always remember your unfailing love and your huge hugs that you gave me when we were alone. I pray your blessings upon my scan tomorrow and that I may feel your healing hands. Amen.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Home!
Yesterday was day 15 in the hospital- and the last! We got home at 5 last night. Sarah barely got out of the hospital parking lot before crying. Very emotional, esp when Cooper was holding up signs he made when we pulled up at home. She still has problems walking and her vision is still bad. Praying for complete recovery soon. Thank you for everything!
Thank you Tamara for doing this blog while I was stuck in the hospital with a computer that wouldn't work.
Thank you Tamara for doing this blog while I was stuck in the hospital with a computer that wouldn't work.
Friday, May 7, 2010
God is soooo GOOD!
Day 13 was exciting. CT scan this morning that showed even less swelling. Just found out they are moving her to a regular room tomorrow! Room 5048. The hundreds of prayers are working. Maybe be home in 3-4 days! Not a minute too soon. I guess Cooper is having a hard time at night without us. Thank you to everyone who h...as given time or money or food and must importantly prayers during this time. We are so blessed.
Day 14-right at midnight they moved her to a normal room. Then they said she could be coming home tomorrow! Not sure, but the levels were good. She might have to get some shots in the belly first, but she will take it. There was an issue with a nurse this evening (very rude) and Sarah's mom (she wasn't have'n it) but i...t's fine. Just sooo blessed by God and everyone around us. Thank you again for everything!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
May 4th
Day 12 running down and probably the best one yet. The CT from yesterday showed less swelling. She slept pretty much all night (with help from Mr. Morphine and Ms. Loratab). She also had a good nap around noon.The nerve was a little better today too. Had some nice visitors and visited for awhile. As of now, she can not read still. Please check out this blog and send some encouraging words. She is a little frustrated with her sight and how long everything is taking, so some nice words might help. Thanks!
THE JOURNEY, so far.
April 24th - Scary day yesterday. Sarah was having terrible headaches. Long story short... she had brain hemorrhage. Everything looks OK now after many tests, no aneurysm. Long few weeks recovery ahead. We are at St. Frances for awhile. Prayers are welcome.
April 25th - Today's CT scan showed the stroke was still bleeding. This has made her worse today. Extremely tough to see her this way today. Actually acting like a stroke victim was hard to see. Talking and moving VERY slow. Still hopeful for fast healing and complete recovery. They are going to do another CT scan tomorrow morning. Looks like a long road ahead of us
April 26th - First of all, thank you to everyone for all the wonderful comments and outpouring that has been shown. Just seeing all the posts, blogs and comments has been a blessing to us. Sarah had the angiogram this morning, which is a CT scan with dye to see contrast. A specialist found a clot yesterday evening. He couldn't get all the way to the clot to see if he could remove it carefully. It did show that the bleeding didn't get worse from yesterday. Also, showed a little blood flow around the clot which is good. Best case scenario he thinks that with a weak blood thinner for a couple weeks, she might get out of Neuro Critical Care and to a regular ICU room. Then maybe a few more weeks she can come home. That is if the blood dissipate and bleeding has stopped. She will be on stronger thinner for 6 months after that and have to get a MRI in a few months when the blood is gone to see if they can find a cause to all of this. That is best case probably. She is still in an extremely dangerous situation as more problems can arise at any time. Her vision is very bad right now. Hopefully in 6 months and with therapy it will all return. Thank you again everyone. God Bless, Nic.
April 28th - Sarah had a great day yesterday. She was up and bubbly and got to see and hold Parker for the first time in 6 days. Might have worn her out. Today she is a little sore and not feeling quite as well. Considering the situation she is still doing great. Thank you again for everything.
April 29th - Wednesday night was rough for Sarah. She had a terrible headache, so they did a CT scan and a MRI. They both came back pretty good, and after sleeping most of the day, she had a good evening tonight.
April 30th - Sarah's feeling pretty good today. They tried to put a pic line in today. It took like 5 times to get it in. When they did, her arm started to spasm. They said she must have a cluster of nerves wrapped around the vein or something. Very painful. Then they did the x-ray to check but it went up by her ear instead of going to the heart, so they had to do it again. This evening she was feeling well.
May 1st - Sarah had some headaches overnight again last night. She thinks pressure builds when she lays down. Today has been great though. Got to see the boys again and has felt great. Taking nap now. If she feels like this, she would love to have people up to see her. If you want to call before coming up, I'll let you know how she's doing. Thank you everyone!
May 2nd - Once again, Sarah had a night full of headaches and nausea. She got up and around and didn't eat much. Took a morning nap and felt better. She actually ate some chicken for lunch then took an afternoon nap. After that she felt great, which was good because she had lots of wonderful visitors she was happy to see. She even asked for Chipolte burrito bowl!!
May 3rd - A night with little headache pain!!! She slept 5 hours without waking up last night. Today was pretty good headache wise, but now she is having a lot of pain with a pinched nerve in her back. Had CT scan this morning, but it didn't show much change. Started Coumadin today. Doctors are thinking that if she improves, we could be out of here in a week! Vision my never improve or be normal in 6 months, just not sure.
April 25th - Today's CT scan showed the stroke was still bleeding. This has made her worse today. Extremely tough to see her this way today. Actually acting like a stroke victim was hard to see. Talking and moving VERY slow. Still hopeful for fast healing and complete recovery. They are going to do another CT scan tomorrow morning. Looks like a long road ahead of us
April 26th - First of all, thank you to everyone for all the wonderful comments and outpouring that has been shown. Just seeing all the posts, blogs and comments has been a blessing to us. Sarah had the angiogram this morning, which is a CT scan with dye to see contrast. A specialist found a clot yesterday evening. He couldn't get all the way to the clot to see if he could remove it carefully. It did show that the bleeding didn't get worse from yesterday. Also, showed a little blood flow around the clot which is good. Best case scenario he thinks that with a weak blood thinner for a couple weeks, she might get out of Neuro Critical Care and to a regular ICU room. Then maybe a few more weeks she can come home. That is if the blood dissipate and bleeding has stopped. She will be on stronger thinner for 6 months after that and have to get a MRI in a few months when the blood is gone to see if they can find a cause to all of this. That is best case probably. She is still in an extremely dangerous situation as more problems can arise at any time. Her vision is very bad right now. Hopefully in 6 months and with therapy it will all return. Thank you again everyone. God Bless, Nic.
April 28th - Sarah had a great day yesterday. She was up and bubbly and got to see and hold Parker for the first time in 6 days. Might have worn her out. Today she is a little sore and not feeling quite as well. Considering the situation she is still doing great. Thank you again for everything.
April 29th - Wednesday night was rough for Sarah. She had a terrible headache, so they did a CT scan and a MRI. They both came back pretty good, and after sleeping most of the day, she had a good evening tonight.
April 30th - Sarah's feeling pretty good today. They tried to put a pic line in today. It took like 5 times to get it in. When they did, her arm started to spasm. They said she must have a cluster of nerves wrapped around the vein or something. Very painful. Then they did the x-ray to check but it went up by her ear instead of going to the heart, so they had to do it again. This evening she was feeling well.
May 1st - Sarah had some headaches overnight again last night. She thinks pressure builds when she lays down. Today has been great though. Got to see the boys again and has felt great. Taking nap now. If she feels like this, she would love to have people up to see her. If you want to call before coming up, I'll let you know how she's doing. Thank you everyone!
May 2nd - Once again, Sarah had a night full of headaches and nausea. She got up and around and didn't eat much. Took a morning nap and felt better. She actually ate some chicken for lunch then took an afternoon nap. After that she felt great, which was good because she had lots of wonderful visitors she was happy to see. She even asked for Chipolte burrito bowl!!
May 3rd - A night with little headache pain!!! She slept 5 hours without waking up last night. Today was pretty good headache wise, but now she is having a lot of pain with a pinched nerve in her back. Had CT scan this morning, but it didn't show much change. Started Coumadin today. Doctors are thinking that if she improves, we could be out of here in a week! Vision my never improve or be normal in 6 months, just not sure.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Updates, Encouragement, and Prayers
On a VERY late night chatting with Nic on facebook, he asked me about putting together a blog that can be for him to post updates on Sarah and for everyone to send their encouraging and prayerful comments to her. He wants her to be able to read about what went on and the wonderful friends and family that supported them along the way. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity to help him out. It is my prayer that this blog will not only be a place for everyone to get updates on Sarah's condition, but it be a witness to others of God's amazing power and love. I have posted below the note that Nic typed up when he couldn't sleep on April 27th, 2010. Grab some tissues...
I have seen posts, texts and emails and have heard of HUNDREDS of people that are praying for Sarah and our family. AMEN. If Sarah would want one thing to come from this situation, it would be for everyone (from her husband, to someone who just happens to stumble upon this letter) to come closer to God. She would not want prayers specifically for her, but that everyone would just pray more, and God be glorified during this time.
There are many examples where God has guided this whole situation. For example, after debating, Sarah and I decided to go back to the exact same ER that we just left an hour earlier from with a clear CT scan. When we arrived the second time, they did another CT scan and found the bleeding in the brain. There just happened to be a hospital a few miles away that have the best Neuro surgeons within hundreds of miles. We get a doctor on call that happens to get bothered by the fact that no one can find a reason for the bleeding after 2 days, and spends his extra time looking at Sarah’s charts and CT scans over and over. That doctor happened to run into THE best brain specialist around and was willing to ask the specialist for help. The specialist just happens to be free at the time, sat down, and looked at Sarah’s info. He finds a blood clot that no one else probably would have found. He is experienced enough to find it even though the clot is in a very rare spot. (This hospital sees about 4 people a year with a clot in this place. Vein not artery) . The specialist then tells us he has NEVER seen just one clot (usually many) in this spot in the brain. He goes on to say that none of his doctor friends around the country would believe him if he told them about this ONE clot in this spot. Yet, he still has confidence in his findings and abilities to carry on the treatment path for Sarah. Today a family friend, who happens to be a doctor and has been advising with all the doctors here at the hospital, went to eat lunch with his sister for the first time in 15 years at a neighborhood deli. The lead doctor on Sarah case happens to walk in the same deli at the same time and they discuss her case over lunch. These are just a few examples of how God has worked in Sarah’s situation. There are many more (incredible Christian nurses, as little damage as possible from the stroke, etc…)
I hope that everyone who has said that they were praying for us have done so and have been blessed by it. I hope that Sarah’s one wish has come true and people have grown closer to the Lord because of this situation. Please, if you do not know God and his power, come see us and talk to us. If there is anything that I have learned from this obstacle, it is no one knows how much time you have.
In God’s Love,
Nic
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." ~ Phillipians 4:13
Tamara McKee (Family Friend)
I have seen posts, texts and emails and have heard of HUNDREDS of people that are praying for Sarah and our family. AMEN. If Sarah would want one thing to come from this situation, it would be for everyone (from her husband, to someone who just happens to stumble upon this letter) to come closer to God. She would not want prayers specifically for her, but that everyone would just pray more, and God be glorified during this time.
There are many examples where God has guided this whole situation. For example, after debating, Sarah and I decided to go back to the exact same ER that we just left an hour earlier from with a clear CT scan. When we arrived the second time, they did another CT scan and found the bleeding in the brain. There just happened to be a hospital a few miles away that have the best Neuro surgeons within hundreds of miles. We get a doctor on call that happens to get bothered by the fact that no one can find a reason for the bleeding after 2 days, and spends his extra time looking at Sarah’s charts and CT scans over and over. That doctor happened to run into THE best brain specialist around and was willing to ask the specialist for help. The specialist just happens to be free at the time, sat down, and looked at Sarah’s info. He finds a blood clot that no one else probably would have found. He is experienced enough to find it even though the clot is in a very rare spot. (This hospital sees about 4 people a year with a clot in this place. Vein not artery) . The specialist then tells us he has NEVER seen just one clot (usually many) in this spot in the brain. He goes on to say that none of his doctor friends around the country would believe him if he told them about this ONE clot in this spot. Yet, he still has confidence in his findings and abilities to carry on the treatment path for Sarah. Today a family friend, who happens to be a doctor and has been advising with all the doctors here at the hospital, went to eat lunch with his sister for the first time in 15 years at a neighborhood deli. The lead doctor on Sarah case happens to walk in the same deli at the same time and they discuss her case over lunch. These are just a few examples of how God has worked in Sarah’s situation. There are many more (incredible Christian nurses, as little damage as possible from the stroke, etc…)
I hope that everyone who has said that they were praying for us have done so and have been blessed by it. I hope that Sarah’s one wish has come true and people have grown closer to the Lord because of this situation. Please, if you do not know God and his power, come see us and talk to us. If there is anything that I have learned from this obstacle, it is no one knows how much time you have.
In God’s Love,
Nic
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." ~ Phillipians 4:13
Tamara McKee (Family Friend)
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