Saturday, September 19, 2009

ICU Update

I left the hospital at 7:00pm last night to go home and see our baby and get some sleep (I was getting delirious).

I got a call from the ICU at 2:30am giving me an update. Sara had another seizure last night that was difficult to break. After that seizure, Sara was intubated to protect her airway in the event of subsequent seizures. She was also placed on heavy sedatives and anti-seizure meds to keep her comfortable and to prevent more seizures. This required them to put her on a ventilator. I had been getting my much needed sleep until that call.

It was difficult to see Sara this morning on all of her "life-support" equipment. We still believe that this is just a temporary state as they decide on a final diagnosis/treatment plan.

The tests that still remain to be done include a full body scan for any DVT (deep vein thrombosis). After that, they are going to do another scan of her heart. There is concern (among the docs) that a clot could have passed through a hole in her heart and ended up near her brain. I don't think this is a factor based on her clear echocardiogram a few weeks ago.

The OBs are still trying to rule out eclampsia as the cause of the seizures. Sara typically has very low blood pressure (100/50). When she was admitted, her blood pressure was 150/90. The docs are currently collecting urine to do a 24-hour screen for protein and other electrolytes which will allow them to confirm or rule-out eclampsia.

The Neurologists are leaning towards Sara having Posterior Reversible Encephalopothy Syndrome (PRES). Another discussion talked about Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopothy Syndrome (RPLS). I'm not going to describe them here...you can google them if interested. Key words are REVERSIBLE. This is why I'm a little anxious about getting a diagnosis and treatment started. The anti-seizure and sedatives are keeping her blood pressure down which is needed to prevent future seizures.

I just had a discussion with one of her doctors about continuing to run different tests vs. getting treatement started. He assured me that they are treating her as they continue to search for an exact diagnosis. I was glad to hear that.

Most of the test results should be back by the end of today and hopefully we can get the correct treatment started soon.

Thank you to everyone for being so supportive during our latest trial. The outpouring of love and support is amazing.

Continue to pray for a correct/timely diagnosis for Sara's condition and healing for her mind and body.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks again for your amazing updates, Brady. I will continue to be praying throughout the day. Again, We love you guys!!!

Jennifer said...

We're praying and praying... We have faith in God - for you and for the girls.

The Buckwalters said...

Our prayers are with everyone. We love y'all!

Molly said...

Praying and thinking of all of you. What a challenge. Lots of love to you all.
Molly

MPeacock said...

Sara we are praying for your complete healing.
Mary Waldrup Peacock

The Befort Family said...

We are faithfully praying for all three of you. Thank you for keeping us updated. We love you Sullivans!!!

Lyssa said...

Brady, devestated to hear this news. My Dad went through RPLS after a bone marrow transplant 3 years ago. He said it was untreated high blood pressure combined with immuno-suppressant drugs. We're thinking about and praying for both Sara and the family. If it would help at all to talk to someone who went through RPLS, my Dad would be glad to help however he can. Praying for a full recovery.

Jess said...

Praying on the west coas! LOVE you guys so much and am anxiously awaiting more updates.

Melissa Hyde said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

butler babes said...

we are praying and BELIEVING!!

Much love, The Butler's

Jill Rutland said...

praying and believing in our Sovereign God. big hugs to you all.

Holly W. said...

You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.

Unknown said...

We love you all, and will continue to keep the entire family in our prayers.

m.ann said...

Sara,
I love you and I pray for the diagnosis to come quickly-continue to fight. You are a strong woman with a loving husband, family, and friends-thinking of you often.

Woodview Love,
Meghan

Unknown said...

Brady,

I'm Lyssa's Dad.

I went through Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy in 2006, brought on by immunosuppresive drugs and untreated high blood pressure. I went through similar symptoms, seized and was in a coma for 4 days.....and RECOVERED. If this is indeed what Sara is going through and if it would help to hear an individual patient perspective I would be very pleased to help. Respond to my email and I will provide my phone numbers so that you can call at ANY time convenient to you...or I will send a detailed description via email.

By the way, I am a retired Naval TACAIR Aviator who flew in Korea and Japan....including Misawa. ;-)

GOD bless you and your family.

Allen

RachelRhoden said...

I am praying for you Sara. I know that they are going to get this figured out&I believe that this is reversable. Our great physician has his hands all over you.Brady keep your faith and just hold on. You guys are so strong and such an inspiration.

Unknown said...

praying, praying, praying, praying, and sending hugs your way. keep clinging to the ROCK brady.

the perry's

Mom to 5 bugs said...

The whole chapel is praying here! Miss you and knowing that God is in control!!!

Cami said...

You are in our prayers. -Farrers

Unknown said...

know that you are in our thoughts and prayers always! Wow, you are and amazing family!

Kelli Marchbanks said...

God bless you and your family. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers constantly.

Bella's Bowtique said...

I am a stranger to you, but will absolutely be praying for your family! I can not even being to comprehend how difficult this must be. Stay strong! God is good!!!!

Azini Photography said...

I am friends of Jenny Monroe and Ginger Ravella. My prayers are with you. I wanted to offer myself to you (I am a professional photographer) and I would love to take some pictures of your little from now up until age of one. This would of course be my way of helping you document for your little daughter. Please visit my website.. www.aziniphotography.blogspot.com
and feel free to call me at 210-257-9631. Please let me do this for you and your family.
Many Regards,
Erika Schlager

Nadia Robinson said...

I am a participator in the Komen Race for the cure and ran across your story. So touching, my heart goes out to you and your family. I pray that God will continue to strenghten you. Pray for baby Chole and that God will keep is loving hands upon her. Know that the grace of God will not take you where the grace of God can not sustained you. God is so Awesome, keep praying and trusting in him and he will continue to give you the strenght to carry on and her name is Chloe. That's just how Awesome he is. He knows how to put things together and do things at the right time.