Saturday, April 4, 2009

New Morning

Well, we all tried to get in earlier than normal today to meet with the doc before he left for the weekend. No luck. Dr. Anyanwu was gone before we got here, but Dr. Chase will be on all weekend and we're big fans of her.

Leigh and Chuck did get to have a conversation with Dr. Hecht this morning. He came in and turned off the medication that keeps her sedated so he could test her responses to physical stimulus. After pinching and poking her hands, feet, arms and legs she flinched and moved both left and right sides of the body, which is very encouraging. While she was unsedated, she opened her eyes and Chuck, Leigh and I got to speak to her a bit before she went back to sleep.

The levels are looking good right now. I know levels is sort of a vague term, but we're an uneducated bunch. They do feel like they're making progress with her vasospasms as well as the brain swelling. Apparently, the medication used when treating the brainswelling encourages vasospasms, and when you treat vasospasms medically it encourages brainswelling. Vasospasms cause strokes, and brainswelling causes seizures. Doesn't it seem like it would probably work that way? They've had a hard time balancing the medications for these two problems and finding the sweet spot in between. Today they feel like they've gotten things where they want to be.

Also, her temperature is down to 98.6 today. Chuck says that's the first time he's seen it there since we first got here.

Later today they'll do another doppler measuring the TCD levels and that will tell us a lot about the vasospasms. Until then, we're just hanging in hopeful for another good day.

2 comments:

  1. I'm hopeful with you! (by the way, i cry every time you post).

    love you guys.

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  2. With tears coming down my face as I read this, I was reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. It's one of my favorites and I lean on it regularly.

    We are all praying for not just Lynne and her recovery, but Chuck, You, Brad, Joe, Andy, and John as well. Leigh, I can't imagine how tough it is to be you right now. But, what a woman you have become. How proud your Mom must be! Your strength is incredible to read about, and how blessed you both are to have each other. Thank you for allowing non-family to keep up with your family and be in constant prayer for you. Much love your way.

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