Heather's Journey - Day 1

Heather has been in the hospital for 24 hours...and the journey continues. I will do my best to summarize the events and my thoughts for each day.


Day 1 - Feb 1, 2010


She was in great spirits heading into the hospital..In usual Heather fashion her sense of humor was strong about the entire situation and she appeared to have zero concern over the events to unfold. She is a strong woman..with a strong faith. I admire her so...
The surgery was scheduled for 3 hours with Dr. Zimmerman. The same Dr. that has performed her other two surgeries. I left her side at 10:00am and she was off with a smile. Her father joined me in the waiting area for a couple of hours and he was able to get my mind off of the things unfolding for Heather. I tried to do my best to keep all of you updated via my iTouch...I hope it made sense. This was the first time I have ever used this device. :) I am not quite as 'techy" as my wife..I guess I am just too old. :) I was finally called into a conference with Dr. Zimmerman around 3:00pm. His first words were..."It didn't go as well as I would have hoped". Not a good way to start the conversation. Apparently he had a difficult time dealing with the scarring from the previous surgery's. He wanted to insert 4 grids in her temporal and frontal lobes..but was only able to complete 3 of the 4. The Dura around the surface of the brain at her last surgical site would not separate from the brain itself..he told me he attempted to separate this for sometime..but gave up when it became clear he could cause permanent damage to the brain. He "hoped" he had not caused any damage in this process...but that was unclear since she was still recovering from surgery and not coherent yet. He left the meeting to go back to her and conduct some post op tests.
I must say the next 3 hours were painful as I pondered if her brain functions were damaged in anyway and if the lack of inserting all the grids would affect their ability to do the "true" surgery later in this journey. Finally i was able to see her around 5;30pm..which lifted a weight off my shoulders. She looked great. Minimal bruising..just a bit puffy..all her senses seemed to be working with the exception of speaking..however, I believe that was more due to the sore throat she has from the operation breathing tube than anything else.


Now that I have been with her all night..she is speaking fine..in pain..but it appears there was no damage done in surgery. Her pain meds are only lasting about an hour and her left ankle is hurting for some reason...other than that her vitals appear good. I am being told that by the end of today she would be moved from ICU and into a room on the neurological floor of the hospital.


I stand amazed at the incredible outpouring of love, concern and prayers for Heather and our family from each of you. Our faith is strong and I know the perfect will of Jesus will be glorified thru this journey...however, having the love of so many sure helps us draw continued strength.


On behalf of Heather, myself and Tory...may God Bless each of you.
In His Grip,
Christian Siebens @flyingchristian for @AliveinMe / @EpilepsyCures