17 Days Ago

Most of you who follow or read my blog are friends with me on Facebook so this is no new news to you.  I just thought I would go in a bit more detail to let you know what's been going on with Chad and where we are now.  We both appreciate all the prayers that have been said.  I think Chad is probably on every prayer list in Eastern Arkansas!  But it's with good reason.  He continues to need prayer so please don't stop yet!

Okay, where to start?  This may be a little long but I will try my best to give the short version.  I wish I had been blogging about this all along but I just haven't had the time.

Wednesday, Feb 16th (the day it all began) - Chad and I were driving down the road.  He started swerving and I asked him what was wrong.  He stated "I don't know, something doesn't feel right".  I told him to pull over and I would drive.  When he tried to get out of the car he about fell down.  He complained of numbness in his left leg and arm.  As I started heading to the ER the left side of his face started drooping.  I completely thought he was having a stroke.  After arriving at the ER all the numbness went away and here came the migraine.  He has a history of migraines but he says this was the WORST headache he's ever had.  He was given pain medicine and sent home.  The headache never fully went away until the next morning. 

Fast forward through three ER visits, multiple doctor consults, many different medicines, and many tests/labs run (and 17 days later) he is finally admitted to the hospital.  The migraines had been coming every day.  He had stopped eating or drinking last Tuesday and became very dehydrated.  He was extremely confused.  He laid in bed all day, every day, in pain.  All he did was sleep.  He had been diagnosed with hemiplegic migraines.  Or so we thought...

So here we are.  17 days later.  Chad's in the hospital.  He's had more blood drawn than I've ever seen on one person (and remember I'm a nurse!).  He's had 2 CTs, 2 MRIs and a spinal tap.  They have finally concluded they aren't sure yet what's going on, but SOMETHING'S GOING ON!  You think? 

Viral encephalitis is at the top of their list.  They have called in an infectious disesases specialist to help out with diagnosing the virus.  Tomorrow he will be treated to an MRA, another CT (of his chest this time) and an EEG.  Fun times for Chad.  I'm sure he can't wait.  However, since he had the spinal tap last night he hasn't had a migraine.  And his appetite is back.  But he's still confused.  Sometimes he can't remember where he works and sometimes he can.  He has a hard time following commands or explaining what's wrong.  I think that's the hardest part of everything, seeing him so confused.  Every once in a while we get a glimpse of the "old Chad" and I smile.  I miss him.  I'm ready for him to be well and get over this (but I'm sure not as much as he).  The doctors have all been great (as well as the nurses).  They are committed to finding out what exactly is causing this craziness and are being very aggressive (hence all the crazy labs and tests).  They have mentioned sending him to Mayo Clinic if they can't find out what's going on soon.  I'm hoping it doesn't come down to that but if it does we will deal with it then. 

One day at a time right now.  That's my motto.  So as you can see, Chad still needs lots of prayers.  Please pray for his recovery and for the doctors to find out what's causing his illness.

I will keep you updated on his progress on this blog so check back!

Good night.