UPDATE #2: TUESDAY 7 SEP 10:00pm
The hospital’s COVID policy does not allow for visitors staying overnight so we’re back in Buckhannon getting a night of rest.
This afternoon was a long game of waiting by the bedside for brief minutes of consciousness between long periods of sleep. In her responsive moments she seems to understand who we are and respond to some yes/no questions. She is passing neuro exam with flying colors - squeezing fists, pushing and pulling with toes and fingers, and even giving two thumbs up on command. But we’re disappointed that she is still not breathing on her own.
Please continue praying that tomorrow she will improve enough to come off the vent. Getting the endotracheal tube out will allow her to speak and then we will have a much better idea of her level of cognition and memory.
UPDATE#1: TUESDAY 7SEP 11:30am
Writing from the NCCU (NeuroCriticalCare unit) in the UniversityHospital WVU.
Since I last wrote 11 hours ago—here’s what I know.
She’s had a total of three Head CT scans. Essentially, the reports are “no change” — which is quite good news. No progressive bleeding. There’s also no evidence of worsening swelling (edema) of the brain. So, the imaging data is encouraging.
That said, there are still a couple of big issues. Her mental status is still quite impaired. She ranges from “somnolent, but following commands”—opens eyes and moves extremities to commands—to “responds to pain only”. She is still on the ventilator and has failed a couple of attempts to allow her to take over and breathe entirely on her own. This seems to be normal experience in the ICU. But we really need her to wake up more and start breathing actively. She has been completely off sedation for the past 12 hours so that does not really explain her impaired mental status. Once she gets off the vent, it will be easier to evaluate where she is at cognitively.
Second major problem is the right eye. The ophthamologist was able to get her to cooperate enough to follow his finger to evaluate her eye movements. She has impaired ability to gaze medially, upwards and downwards — which in combination with the dilated pupil and droopy eyelid indicates involvement of the third cranial nerve. Not sure where. This nerve originates deep in the midbrain and snakes up through the brain to the eye. Is there a collection of blood impinging or irritating this nerve—or could it have been injured from the extreme deceleration forces? We don’t know. When she is extubated, the eye docs can better assess what vision she has in that eye as well.
So, prayers…
- The “no more bleeding” prayer. Check. Thank you, God.
- Still need prayer for getting off the vent; for preservation of cognitive function; and for the right eye.
All for now. Hope for another update later today.
—————————————————————————
While out on a bike ride this afternoon —our last day in West Virginia before heading to our Area Director meeting in Philadelphia—Jennifer had a terrible accident. She flew over the handlebars landing on her head on the pavement—but she was wearing a helmet and that undoubtedly saved her life. Thankfully a number of Good Samaritans stopped to help stabilize her. Thank God for Emergency Medical Services. Medical Ambulance and Fire Rescue vehicles were on the scene within 15 minutes. Due to some abnormal neurologic signs (dilated right pupil) an immediate decision was made to bring a Medivac helicopter to take her to the Regional Trauma Center at the University of West Virginia in Morgantown. That arrived another 10 mins later — transporting her 65 miles north in a matter of minutes.
It’s been a long six hours. She’s had 2 CT scans showing a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Her responsiveness was deteriorating after arrival in the ED so she was put on a ventilator and continues to have ventilatory support. She’s gotten hypertonic saline and mannitol to reduce brain swelling.
The dilated right pupil is very concerning. It’s a sign often indicating pressure on the brain from a hematoma putting pressure on the brain—which she doesn’t have. There is some evidence on the CT that there is bleeding involving the optic nerve. The outcomes here include permanent blindness, return to normal vision or something in between.
The care has been outstanding. The ED Trauma Team is a coordinated machine. Efficient, calm, professional, competent. And caring.
We are so thankful for the outpouring of love, concern and prayer.
It’s a battle. The outcomes are uncertain.
Pray for:
- getting off the ventilator
- healing of her brain—and no more bleeding
- healing of her right eye
- a complete return to normal cognitive function and memory
Thank you all.
Praying. Praying. Praying. Love you all.
ReplyDeleteTeam Ickes is Fiercely praying.
ReplyDeleteApels are praying and crying out to the Father!
ReplyDeletePraying! All our teams in Ireland behind you in prayer.
ReplyDeleteLoved ones in Vermont are praying. Susan, Louanf family, and Memorial Baptist Church
ReplyDeleteMixons adding prayers now.
ReplyDeletePraying praying for you loved ones.
ReplyDeletePraying for Jennifer and for you. I’m asking the Spirit to make the Presence of God known to her, even as she lies in the ICU bed. And I’m asking for support for you, as you keep vigil and follow her progress. Please, Lord, grant healing and rest to Your servants!
ReplyDeleteSo so sorry this happened! We are praying with and for you all.
ReplyDeletePraying diligently for you all. May you know and feel His presence with you!
ReplyDeleteLet us know if we can help make connections for you all there in Morgantown.
Praying for healing and peace
ReplyDeletePraying for you all, especially for Jennifer's recovery. Praying for those caring for her, also, that they would have great skills, knowledge and compassion. Praying that they understand the amazing person and family they are treating.
ReplyDeleteHeather and I are praying for Jennifer’s recovery and for you Scott, as well as the kids!
ReplyDeletePraying for you now, dear Jennifer and Scott. Lord, have mercy.
ReplyDeletePraying for Jennifer and hoping for the best. She is strong and can overcome anything.
ReplyDeleteWe are holding you guys up to the Father and for complete healing. Warren and Lindsey Cooper
ReplyDeletePraying for you all from Romania Scott.
ReplyDeletePraying in Berlin!
ReplyDeleteThis is the Letchford family praying in Berlin! We love you all and are praying and praying for Jennifer's full recovery
DeleteSo, so many of us love you and are praying for you all around the world!
ReplyDeleteLifting Jennifer up to our Father now.
ReplyDeletewill carry Jennifer before the Father, whose hands are mighty to save. waiting on Him and your news as she heals.
ReplyDeleteScott - Praying for her and the medical team. God has her in his arms.
ReplyDeletePraying for peace and total healing to our dear friends
ReplyDeleteIn kenya kijabe
Hi Scot. Praying for Jennifer that she will make a full recovery. May God remember you at this time. You and Jennifer have served him diligently even to the remote areas. May He remember you now and hear your prayer. I remember how she would text me while i was in Kijabe with great tips and she was very passionate about her work.
ReplyDeleteScot we are with you.
Specky Nguku
Praying from Ontario Canada... to the God of all comfort...
ReplyDeletePraying for sure!
ReplyDeletePraying all day for you dear friends and your family.That God would remember Mercy and in His arms you would feel secure.
ReplyDeleteIma & Jack
The Germers have been praying for Jennifer and the family. We are so sorry this happened.
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of all of us at New Growth Press, we are praying for Jennifer's recovery to be one that is complete and brings glory to God. May the peace of God guard your hearts as you watch and wait. We are standing with you before the Father on Jennifer's behalf.
ReplyDeletePraying!
ReplyDeleteContinuing to lift you up to our Great Physician Jennifer for supernatural healing! praying as well for you Scott and the family as you walk alongside her!
ReplyDeletePraying from Florida too.
ReplyDeletePraying from Durham NC
ReplyDeleteKneeling with you
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are with you.... Praying
ReplyDeletePraying for you and the whole family!
ReplyDeleteNothing is impossible with God. Praying for complete healing and recovery in her body so that you can continue the work God has prepared for you!
ReplyDeletePraying 🙏
ReplyDeleteKnaak's are praying for you every hour.
ReplyDeletePraying!
ReplyDeleteSending prayers for you all. It’s amazing how quickly Jennifer’s voice of courage, calm and fierce dependence on Gods provision and faithfulness came to mind. Sending care and praying for a full recovery. -Larissa Kratzer
ReplyDeletePraying for Jennifer - and you, Scott - from Texas. Lord, have mercy. Father, we know that nothing is impossible for You. Please fully heal our Jennifer - restore her completely. And comfort and strengthen Scott in the waiting.
ReplyDeletePraying from Nashville, alongside my mom too. ♥️
ReplyDeletePraying here Scott, for you & Jennifer, the docs & medical staff, and all the family as well.
ReplyDeleteHumbly before the Almighty for complete healing and to intervene in all situation
ReplyDeleteGod's mercy has been showed to us and it will continue being portrayed to Jennifer
May the Lord restore Dr.Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteIt is well with the righteous.
Elijah and Terry
Kijabe Kenya
Praying from South Carolina - Lord, have mercy on all. I am so sad to hear this and will be lifting you all up continually.
ReplyDeletePraying for Jennifer and Scott. May Jehovah Rapha come in His power and might and do a miracle of healing. Tabitha Muiruri
ReplyDeletePraying for Jennifer & for you Scott & your whole family. God is near & He is able.
ReplyDeleteOh oh oh, Jennifer has fought and battled and prayed for so many lives. I pray with you now as she battles for hers. We know God is good even while there is suffering and grief.
ReplyDeleteHalf Moon Bay friends are sending so many prayers for your family.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Penny
Frank McCraw from Trinity Pres - I'm so sorry to hear of Jennifer's accident. We will pray for healing and a sense of God's presence and comfort to you and her family. May God continue to bless you and your lives.
ReplyDeleteThinking and praying for Jennifer,you and the whole team.
ReplyDeleteLord, please heal your wonderful daughter Jennifer. We stand and testify to the blessing she and Scott have been to us and ask You to bring her to wholeness. Please help Scott to know You are tightly alongside him and are in charge. To You be the glory.
ReplyDeletePraying for Reston and many praying from Grace Church
ReplyDeletePlease know we are praying for you all, for His grace, strength, wisdom, healing, comfort and presence to surround you.
ReplyDeletePraying from Charlottesville, VA!
ReplyDeleteThe Mara family spent time in prayer tonight for all of you and will continue. We love you all and pray for a quick and miraculous recovery. We are praying that the Holy Spirit will be with the whole family, and especially with Jennifer.
ReplyDeletePraying for you, the family, and excellent care via her doctors. With love. Ruth Ann and Stu Batstone.
ReplyDeleteJoining hands with you all in prayer to our God our Healer
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you all! Stay strong and lean on your people. We are here. Love to all!
ReplyDeleteWe hate to hear this news. We are praying!!!
ReplyDeleteSusan and JJ Foster
We are praying for each of you, Jennifer, Scott, Luke, Abbey, Jack, Caleb Julia, Aylestocks and Myhres for courage, strength, peace and a miracle. We love you all,
ReplyDeleteBeth, Hythem and all the Shadids.
I'm so sad and praying for all of you. Might God be merciful.
ReplyDeleteSending prayers and good vibes for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThe VanDusens are praying for you all. May the God of all peace heal Jennifer, and guard your hearts and minds thru Jesus Christ our LORD.
ReplyDeleteWeeping and praying, brother. Trusting Christ with you.
ReplyDeletePraying for you all!
ReplyDeletepraying for Jennifer.
ReplyDeletePraying here in NJ.
ReplyDeletePraying!
ReplyDeleteCounting on God's goodness, love for Jennifer and your family, and mighty power as we pray...
ReplyDeleteSteve and Beth
Praying for Jennifer (and for the rest of your family) from Durham NC.. I hope it's OK that I've placed her on the Blacknall Presbyterian Church prayer chain...
ReplyDeletePraying for all these things. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy. With great affection. Wendy and Ger
ReplyDeleteWe thank GOD for all the care and treatment that Dr Jennifer is getting.
ReplyDeleteWe ask GOD to recreate all that has gone wrong in HIS daughter Jennifer's brain. And to bless all the care she's getting.Amen
Elwoods sending all our love and prayers.
ReplyDeleteCarruth family sending prayers.
ReplyDeletePaying for Jennifer’s complete recovery and for Scott and all the family.
ReplyDeleteOur fingers remain crossed and the one we believe is already doing wonders and we know that more shall be done in Jesus' name
ReplyDeleteDear Myhre family,
ReplyDeletePraying for Dr. Jennifer and for all of you.
The team in Burundi is praying with faith, hope, and love!
ReplyDeletePraying for all of you and for those caring for her! Erika and Dave Sheaffer
ReplyDeletePraying praying praying….that all the loving energy you have put out into the universe to heal others will now return and bathe Jennifer’s brain in healing love. Bob and Marian
ReplyDeletePraying from Cincinnati - Kristen and Phil
ReplyDeleteKnow that the Strand's from ND, MN, CO, and beyond are keeping Jennifer and your entire family in our prayers. So thankful for quick response to your emergency on Monday and a great team of medical pro's at WVU hospital. Our God is with you all. He is our hope and He is in control!
ReplyDeleteWe continue to thank you Jesus for the prayers You have answered. Mighty Man of War we trust You to fight this battle, give her for a full recovery! May she be able to come off the vent and breathe well on her own. May You preserve her. Surround her and her family with Your presence and love. We pray Pslam 91 over you Dr Jennifer. Amen.
ReplyDeleteLilian & Bob.
Sending love and prayers for Jennifer’s full recovery and return to good health!!! Love, Laurie & Dave
ReplyDeletePraying for healing and comfort for you all. For wisdom for you and the doctors.
ReplyDeleteWe continue to pray for Jennifer's recovery. Wondering how she's doing now.
ReplyDeleteMuch love, Jane
ReplyDelete