Sunday, September 20, 2009

The latest...

The doctors are still working to pinpoint a diagnosis for Sara's condition. All of Sara's tests came back with good news yesterday. There were no clots in her extremities and no hole in her heart. The doctors are having a difficult time diagnosing Sara's condition because all of her tests appear to be normal. The symptoms were pointing to eclampsia, but they are not considering Sara's blood pressure to be excessive. The majority of the team of doctors working the case think she has "post-partum angiopathy." PRES, RPLS, and post-partum angiopathy are all very similar in that there is swelling/seeping of the blood vessels in the brain.

The radiologists seem to think that they have spotted a clot, which would point towards a stroke. This afternoon they are going to do an MRA. This is a test of the arteries going into the brain to look for a clot (done in the MRI machine). There were no clots in the veins, but they want to rule out clots completely.

After a long discussion with the lead doctor on the case, we discussed lots of "risk vs. reward" considerations with the tests. He said all of the tests they have done are "minimally invasive" and carry a small amount of risk (i.e. the rewards outweigh the risk). Once the tests begin to get risky, we have to decide on whether the risk is work it. For example, the neurologists think that she might have some excessive cranial pressure, so they want to drill into her skull and place a pressure transducer on her brain. This is extremely invasive and carries a large amount of risk. (I just got off the phone with the Neurosurgeon at Wilford Hall and he does not think that there is any benefit to placing the transducer in her brain).

The problem that Sara has is that none of her labs and blood work show a glaring problem. If some of her counts or numbers were completely out of bounds, it would be a simple problem to diagnose. All her tests have been right where they should be for a healthy person. I got a little frustrated with the doctors yesterday and I asked, "How long are you going to continue to run tests before starting treatment?" He told me he is reaching his "comfort level" and is ready to start treating the most likely case. The problem is that the treatment options for stroke vs. PRES are completely different and treating the wrong one could have devastating results.

The plan right now is to stop the sedatives tomorrow and wake her up. Everybody wants to see if she is able to respond and move all of her extremities. In her current sedated state, no harm is being done. The neurologists explained that her brain is currently on standby. The concern is that if she starts to have another seizure, there could be more damage to her brain. If she seizes, they will put her "back under" and let the brain rest for 48 hours and try to wake her up again.

I will update tomorrow regarding Sara's wake-up. Pray that there are no seizures and that there has been no permanent brain damage.

72 comments:

D M Dunn said...

Praying and praying and praying. Thank you, Brady, for the updates.

Jennifer said...

We're praying... Thanks for your updates, and for being so strong. We have faith...

Skye and Sydney said...

You are in our prayers as always. I am so glad you have so much support there with you. We will cling to the good news.

SARAstrong Psalms 28:7

The Briggs

Diana said...

Praying for a full recovery soon!!!!!!!

MPeacock said...

We continue to pray for all three of you as well as extended family.
Mary Waldrup Peacock

Unknown said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Unknown said...

We are praying! I shared with my
5th grade sunday school class this morning concerning your family. They are praying in their child-like faith as we all should that GOG is the GREAT Physican!
Love you all, June Cowart

jenn rodriguez said...

Micheal & I continue to pray for you guys...our hearts go out to you and your families...

Anonymous said...

Sweet Sara and Brady, you and your families are in my prayers too. Thanks for the updates. Hope y'all get some sleep and relief soon.

Montgomery said...

Jeff and I in Virginia visiting the family. We lifted you in prayer during our Sunday service at Jeff's home church. We love you.

stacy said...

I had a very similar after birth experience. I had an air bubble in my brain from the epidural, which just took time to heal. I also had eclampsia, in which the doctors would not diagnose because my blood pressure was not high enough. I also have a VERY low normal blood pressure. The ICU dr. finally diagnosed the eclampsia, gave me the meds in ICU for a day and I was home the next day. We are praying for a complete recovery.

Mom to 5 bugs said...

We are praying!!!! Thanks for taking time to update us all. Will share your news with the chaplains here.

Unknown said...

Praying for Healing!!! Our God is Jehovah Rapha--- God Who Heals!!!

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Ps. 62:5-7

Much Love! Sarah Cowart

Molly said...

Thinking of you all the time. Thank you for keeping us updated. There is lots of love out here for you and your family.

Molly said...

Thinking of you and your family all the time. Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated. We are thinking and praying for all of you.

carrie said...

Hi Brady...I am cousins with Jason Carter and I just wanted you to know that we are lifting you and your family up in prayer....so is our Sunday School class, small group bible study and church staff. We are praying for ultimate healing for Sara and for strength and comfort for you. Oh..and your baby girl is BEAUTIFUL!

Stephanie Anne said...

Brady,
I have known the Haselbarth's since they moved to our neighborhood when Angie was a little one.
Everyone here has all of you in our prayers and we certainly appreciate all the updating you are capable of giving.
I know if must be so difficult for you right now but you are being so strong and that is exactly what Sara needs right now.
God Bless you and your family.
Stephanie Roberson

Unknown said...

Our prayers go out to you and your entire family. Stay strong. We love you!!

Thanks for the updates. Hope to hear about a speedy recovery soon.

Congrats on your new BEAUTIFUL baby girl.

Chris and Corey Carney

Unknown said...

Thank you for keeping us updated, Brady. Hope you are finding the time to get some rest. I know it is very hard to do in these difficult times. Know that you, Sara, and Chloe are in our prayers. I leave for a four day trip tomorrow, but will try to check the blog when I can.

Love,
Jim and Charleen

allison said...

Praying for a full recovery! Danielle Cowart shared with me your blog so we could pray for you and Sarah. Your family has been in my prayers all weekend. allison winklepleck rapid city, sd

Lisa said...

We love you guys Brady and are praying fervently.

Love,
Lisa and Bryce

RachelRhoden said...

Praying for some good news and no seizuers today! Its going to be reversed, I believe it.Brady i know that waiting for the plan of treatment is the hardest part. Just hold on.-The Rhodens

Jessica Richardson said...

Brady, I am praying for you and your wonderful family.

Misty Mitchell Bonham said...

Continuing to pray for you and the whole family. I hope that all the tests go well today and that they are able to pinpoint the problem, so that the right treatment can be started!!

Lisa Katrina said...

Marilyn Wendland says to check Sara's email account for a " Word" of encouragement. She continues in constant prayer.

Kelly said...

You don't know me. A friend of mine posted your blog on facebook and asked for prayers. In between diaper changing, storybook reading and breakfast making this morning, I was compelled to read your entire blog. My goodness, what a trial your family has faced these past few months and is continuing to face. Your strength and faith are apparent.

We are also an Air Force family. Through reading your blog, I was struck over and over again with how well the AF has looked out for your family. I am so proud and thankful for that.

My prayer for your family is that someday very soon you can be back to "normal." That your biggest worries will be if the baby slept all night or who forgot to wash the flight suits. That Sara's day to day is just taking that sweet baby to the commissary at Randolph and being nervous about her fussing in the checkout line, not chemo and radiation. After this last year, I pray for you calm, peaceful days of good health and blue skies.

God be with you, peace be with you, prayers be with you...hang in there.

Brian and Chrissy said...

Brady, Your faith and love is strong enough to carry you both through. We are keeping the prayers coming for you and Sara. She is in such great hands...God's!
Brian and Chrissy

RachelRhoden said...

Still praying for you Sara-God's will for you Chloe& Brady. Much love from the Rhoden family.

ginny martyn said...

Just heard about all the issues. I will be praying for your family. I know this can't be easy.

Comfort and Peace,
jenny (kirklin) martin

natalieshaub said...

Dear Brady, Sara and little Chloe,
You have a whole bunch more prayer warriors on your side from First Baptist Church in Altus, Ok (thanks to a wife in your squadron).
We are praying for you today as Sara comes out of her coma.

Sarah | Coffee and Cabernet said...

Sara,
We are praying for you and for your family...sending prayers for a swift and complete recovery.

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
Romans 5:3-5

Sarah "Precourt" Dodson

Chris Spiker said...

You hang in there and don't forget to take care of yourself. Just know that we are sending good juju your way.

Megs said...

We are still praying Sara and Brady! Please let us know if there is anything we can do. -Stewart/Smith Family

Linda said...

Sara, Brady, and Family, We continue to pray for all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily as you fight this battle. I put you on our prayer list at Sunday School yesterday so the prayers are overflowing. Love you, Linda and Dave Harrison

Unknown said...

My thoughts and prayers are with the family!

Anne said...

I am the wife of one of Angie's high school friends. We are praying for Sara and the whole family. My mother is a minister and her church is praying as well.

Anne, Cory, Lucas & Abigail Burrough

Calah said...

Thank you for keeping us updated Brady. We are all praying hard for Sara and the family. Calah

The Buckwalters said...

Our dear friends...We love you...and we are praying fervently.

whippetmom said...

A friend passed your blog onto me. We're praying hard for your family!

Andrea said...

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

mdmd said...

We are thinking of you and sending prayers for good news today and each day going forward. Keep each other in love and hope.

love,
michelle precourt debbink

Avent said...

praying for y'all a lot. i love y'all.
avent

Brenda said...

Praying for all of you during this time. God can heal things that doctors don't even begin to understand.

Brenda & Fred McDowell

hyatt4 said...

Continuing the prayers...

Anonymous said...

Lots of prayers going up for you all. Stacy and wayne.

Hazel Nut said...

I am so sorry for family going through this. You are all in my prayers.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Sullivan Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. I too had a very rough pregnancy and delivery and was diagnosed with an extremely rare condition called HELLP Syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzyme Levels, and Low Platelet Count). It is a somewhat silent disease and many doctors overlook this disorder because for a while the symptoms are so mild. I went from a totally healthy pregnancy to on the verge of seizures in the matter of about an hour. I had developed placenta previa, inter urterine growth restriction etc... my son had not grown in weeks. He too was delivered at 4lbs and 7oz very early. I read back over your blogs and some of my symptoms and her's were very similar. I am totally not a doctor or anything close for that matter. Here is a link that was provided to me and I thought I would pass it on.
http://archneur.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/62/7/1150
I am praying for her recovery and will continue to do so.
God Bless, Amy Graham

Joyce Springle said...

I've received several emails from different groups of people all wanting to make sure that I know and am praying. Pat & I are praying. I am reasoning with the Lord that we really need Sara to fully recover. We love you.

Unknown said...

Lord God be merciful to my friend Sara. Heal her Lord, please heal her

Unknown said...

We are praying hard for you and are trusting the Lord will bring you both through this

Soli Deo Gloria said...

Praying and telling everyone we can think of to pray too. May God grant you peace as you cling to Him alone.

Unknown said...

I love you guys SOO much, I have known this whole wonderful family since elementary and I have thought about you guys all day everyday since I heard the news and pray pray pray pray is all I can think about, thanks for all the updates, i hope for the best

Amy N said...

I don't know Sara, but Angie and I went to school together. My heart just breaks for your family. My son is in the hospital now for skull surgery and will probably need neurosurgery in the next few months. I can't even begin to imagine the what your family is going through. I pray Sara comes home to you and Chloe soon!

Aaron Chapa D.C., A.C.N. said...

love you guys so much. The healing prayers are coming your way.

The Chapa Family

Miss Lori Akin said...

I am praying for you and your family. A friend posted your blog on facebook and I was very touched by your face through such fiery trials. May the Lord have mercy upon Sarah and grant her healing. May he bless you and Chloe is every way as well.

Miss Lori Akin said...

very touched by your "faith" not face....sorry!

angie a. said...

I don't think you know me but I sent the milk for Chloe and want you to know that I am praying for you all. Please let me know if I can send more milk for Chloe. We will keep praying for Sara.

Anonymous said...

We are friends with Angie & Josh & are continuing to lift Sara & family up in prayer!

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and grace to help in times of need."-Hebrews 4:16

Kate said...

I went to high school with Sara's sister- Angie... I have been following the blog since Feb and have been praying for you guys.
I pray that God will be with you all... bring you each peace and comfort. May you continue to have faith in him and know that he has a perfect plan. You guys story has touched me more than any other, thank you so much for sharing. Much love and many prayers.
Kate

Anonymous said...

Brady, know that you are being thought of and lifted up throughout the day. I love you guys,

Kevin Bvich

Nana said...

May your family be blessed. God can do the impossible only if you believe and have no doubt. My son and daughter-in-law gave birth to a 1 lb. 4 oz baby girl a year ago and the Lord brought them through a lot of rough night. Put this baby in God's hand and know that He will be a Healer and all that your family needs Him to be. God makes no mistakes, no matter how we look at our situation. My prayers are with and your family.

Laurie/Nana

Sierra's Mom said...

You don't know me but a friend posted your blog on her facebook this morning and I read your story and I have been praying for ya'll all day. Your blog has touched me in many ways and I haven't been able to stop thinking about ya'll all day. I pray that God will heal Sara and bring her home to her family. I was deeply touched by your families unwavering faith in God. Ya'll are in our prayers. May God Bless you and your family.

Mindy said...

We are praying for a quick recovery so you can enjoy being a family again! Sending lots of love and prayers!

Sunni Len said...

I am praying for u and your family. I know you don't know me but I am praying.

Falling Off the Wagon and Into the Saddle said...

You don't know us but we have known Sara since she was in Elementary and went to school with our Girls. All of you are in our prayers and we pray for His mercy. May He grant you peace and watch over the three of you. Thank you Brady, for the updates.
Les and Denise Bryan

P.Leon said...

I will be praying for your little one, mine had 2 open heart surgeries last year alone at 17 months and at 25 months old, I send all my blessings to your family and to the doctor's to find a solutions, take care

Unknown said...

Praying for you Brady....

Anonymous said...

I saw a twitter on Angie Smith account and came over to read your story. I am heartbroken for you but am so reassured to hear you love the Lord and have faith He is in control. I will be praying for you and your family. What a beautiful baby girl you and Sara have!

Anonymous said...

Your strength in this storm brings so much glory to God. Sending prayers for you and Chloe.

mandie said...

I don't know if this is something that will help you right now or not but i was reading your blog and on aug 19th sara wrote this blog and was talking about you and the trust she has in you as a great husband and being a great dad to your daughter i was reading it and was pushed to write you about it my family is praying for you both

mandie said...

I don't know if this is something that will help you right now or not but i was reading your blog and on aug 19th sara wrote this blog and was talking about you and the trust she has in you as a great husband and being a great dad to your daughter i was reading it and was pushed to write you about it my family is praying for you both