Hello Dear Friends and Family,
Today has been a long day. We started the day on the fourth floor. Mike had trouble maintaining his blood pressure, and when it got to low he was moved to the ICU. When they did an assessment in the ICU they found he was not exhibiting the responses and reflexes he should, specifically did not have a corneal reflex.
This can be a very serious problem, as the corneal reflex is controlled by the brainstem, which controls such basic functions as breathing. So the doctors did many tests today including a CT and an MRI with contrast. The scans showed different results than we have seen in the past. There are visible changes in the brain, showing areas near the brainstem, the temporal lobe, back of the midbrain, and the occipital lobes that seem to have restricted water distribution. They are not sure what is causing them, but they seem to be changes that have been made over time since our last scans. They are also not sure the status of these areas where the brain has changed, but they know there is increased risk for stroke when they are present.
There are several theories on what may be causing these changes. They will be starting treatment for auto-immune disorders; if this is what he has, he should respond within a few days. It can also be due to a drug interaction or bacterial/viral meningitis, so we are changing our antibiotics and anti-fungals. We are also getting a Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap) tomorrow to evaluate the spinal fluid and hopefully figure out what is wrong. Some of the results of the LP will be back tomorrow. Some may take several weeks.
Mike had a very tiring day with the multiple tests and dialysis to remove the contrast from the MRI. He is on much higher ventilator support and a higher percentage of oxygen in the air he receives. We’re praying for a quiet night of rest for him.
I know you can tell it has been a stressful and frustrating day to return to the ICU and receive news like this. But please believe me when I tell you that we continue to see the blessings of God throughout this journey. Yesterday, Michael was cared for by a dear brother in Christ who accompanied Michael in his mission trip to Nicaragua, and by a family friend whose own family was recently the recipient of a caring ministry and is now giving care to us. Tomorrow, we will have the support of Brenda’s lifelong friend, a beloved family friend whose son grew up with Michael, and Michael’s loving Uncle . Every day we feel the love of Christ through the miracles he performs, not just through Michael’s medical team, but also through the loving hands and hearts of our friends and family.
If you want to help, please know the first service we ask for is your prayer. If you would like to give time or food, please check our Care Calendar, it is a comfort to have you with us:
We cannot thank you enough for the blessings you bring us. We thank God for you.
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