Saturday, January 31, 2009
Fasting
Our family is going to hold a fast for Daniel tomorrow. We would like to invite everyone to fast with us for Daniel's recovery. We know that the Lord is listening to all the prayers on Daniels behalf, and we know that fasting works. Every prayer helps!
Progress Today!
Daniel started moving this morning!! He's not doing it too often, but we've found that when the nurses or doctors start messing with him, like suctioning his mouth, he will squirm! He's even attempted to open his eyes a few times. He will stretch out as well, which is a good sign because we've seen him move all of his limbs. The best is definitely the suctioning though, because he makes this face like someone has put the most horrible tasting thing in the world into his mouth and he starts to squirm a lot. He got another big dose of the anti seizure medicine today and the fidgeting slowed down after that, but the neurologist decided that we can lower his dosage tomorrow. That should let him wake up and move some more. He is swallowing and coughing on his own as well. These are all great signs that he is fighting and could make a great recovery!
He is getting another EEG right now and will get another MRI starting at 7:00 pm. We'll have the results of that tomorrow.
My mom and sisters arrived this morning, so we are all here together.
He is getting another EEG right now and will get another MRI starting at 7:00 pm. We'll have the results of that tomorrow.
My mom and sisters arrived this morning, so we are all here together.
Concerns
All of Daniel's tests are looking really good and the doctors are positive. There is nothing conclusive about what caused his heart to arrest. Right now the doctors just want Daniel to wake up, and then we will know more.
For a short time yesterday Daniel was initiating his own breaths and overriding the ventilator. This was after they took him off of all the sedative. He later went back to letting the machine do all of the work. The doctors are planning on weaning him off of the ventilator soon.
The major concern was that when Daniel was off of his sedatives yesterday, not only did he not wake up, but he was not responsive to things like pain. He stayed still and did not fight back or seem uncomfortable with the breathing tube. The nurses have explained that even when someone is sedated their body should react to some of those things.
On Friday they determined that they should give Daniel a very high dose of his anti seizure medication to bring him up to therapeutic levels. This medication sedated him again. He is still taking high doses of this.
Late Friday night, the doctors decided to take Daniel for an MRV. This test is very much like an MRI, but they were focusing specifically on the area of his brain between the two lobes and the blood flow there. The results for this test were good as well. They said that they could not see anything of concern.
Right before they took Daniel for his MRV, the nurses said that he tried to open his eyes a little. They also had to take some of the sticky pads off of his check to do the MRV and he reacted to the pain of the pulled hair when they did that. He was not reacting to pain on his extremities though. Then they had to give him a paralytic to freeze his muscles for the MRV, and that stopped any possible motion again.
They told us that we would need to wait until Saturday Morning to see anything.
For a short time yesterday Daniel was initiating his own breaths and overriding the ventilator. This was after they took him off of all the sedative. He later went back to letting the machine do all of the work. The doctors are planning on weaning him off of the ventilator soon.
The major concern was that when Daniel was off of his sedatives yesterday, not only did he not wake up, but he was not responsive to things like pain. He stayed still and did not fight back or seem uncomfortable with the breathing tube. The nurses have explained that even when someone is sedated their body should react to some of those things.
On Friday they determined that they should give Daniel a very high dose of his anti seizure medication to bring him up to therapeutic levels. This medication sedated him again. He is still taking high doses of this.
Late Friday night, the doctors decided to take Daniel for an MRV. This test is very much like an MRI, but they were focusing specifically on the area of his brain between the two lobes and the blood flow there. The results for this test were good as well. They said that they could not see anything of concern.
Right before they took Daniel for his MRV, the nurses said that he tried to open his eyes a little. They also had to take some of the sticky pads off of his check to do the MRV and he reacted to the pain of the pulled hair when they did that. He was not reacting to pain on his extremities though. Then they had to give him a paralytic to freeze his muscles for the MRV, and that stopped any possible motion again.
They told us that we would need to wait until Saturday Morning to see anything.
Anna's Note
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Yesterday at 5:19pm
Some of you may know, there's been a traumatic happening in our family, and so no one is left wondering, here's the story. (Sorry to those of you i didn't tell face to face, but there's no way i would have been able to talk about it at school.)Wednesday night, my brother collapsed while playing basketball and went a long time without oxygen, probably ten minutes or more. Luckily he was taken to the hospital and almost immediately was treated. After numerous tests there doesn't seem to be any brain damage, which is a miracle sent straight from God himself. Thanks to all of those who have been praying and fasting for Daniel. But he is still in critical condition, because brain damage can still register up to 72 hours after oxygen depletion. He was breathing by himself for awhile but had to be sedated heavily for more tests. Right now we can only wait to see what happens next, what condition he's really in, and what direction the Lord leads Daniel's life. I want all of you to know that whatever happens, if Daniel's abilities are no longer needed on earth but beyond the veil, I am so thankful that i am sealed to him for eternity through priesthood power. Families are forever, and what a blessing that is. Daniel is the best brother anyone can have, and he has touched so many people's lives in marvelous ways. If his time isn't over, I will be more indebted to Heavenly Father than I already am. Through all the tears and endless waiting at this point, I truly feel peaceful, first of all because of the reassurance that there is reason to the madness, and because the Holy Spirit has been my constant companion to calm me.This morning I happened upon this scripture (not a coincidence).John 14: 16-17, 27"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.""Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."Thank you to all who've helped our family; it is so appreciated. Please continue to pray- it will be heard. (sorry i reached my tag limit :( )-Anna
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Yesterday at 5:19pm
Some of you may know, there's been a traumatic happening in our family, and so no one is left wondering, here's the story. (Sorry to those of you i didn't tell face to face, but there's no way i would have been able to talk about it at school.)Wednesday night, my brother collapsed while playing basketball and went a long time without oxygen, probably ten minutes or more. Luckily he was taken to the hospital and almost immediately was treated. After numerous tests there doesn't seem to be any brain damage, which is a miracle sent straight from God himself. Thanks to all of those who have been praying and fasting for Daniel. But he is still in critical condition, because brain damage can still register up to 72 hours after oxygen depletion. He was breathing by himself for awhile but had to be sedated heavily for more tests. Right now we can only wait to see what happens next, what condition he's really in, and what direction the Lord leads Daniel's life. I want all of you to know that whatever happens, if Daniel's abilities are no longer needed on earth but beyond the veil, I am so thankful that i am sealed to him for eternity through priesthood power. Families are forever, and what a blessing that is. Daniel is the best brother anyone can have, and he has touched so many people's lives in marvelous ways. If his time isn't over, I will be more indebted to Heavenly Father than I already am. Through all the tears and endless waiting at this point, I truly feel peaceful, first of all because of the reassurance that there is reason to the madness, and because the Holy Spirit has been my constant companion to calm me.This morning I happened upon this scripture (not a coincidence).John 14: 16-17, 27"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.""Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."Thank you to all who've helped our family; it is so appreciated. Please continue to pray- it will be heard. (sorry i reached my tag limit :( )-Anna
Sykler's note
Daniel
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Yesterday at 6:24pm
I'm copying Anna by doing this, but it was a great idea, and between us hopefully more of our friends won't feel like we didn't tell them. I apologize if I didn't tell you this face to face, but this is hard for me to discuss in person. Our family has gone through a bit of a shock this week. After two peaceful days off of school, I was awakened at 3:30 A.M. by my mother and told we were going to have a family meeting in her room immediately. She informed Anna and me that our dear brother Daniel's heart had stopped earlier that night while playing basketball. No one was with him when it happened, and he collapsed and went without oxygen for ten minutes or more. Luckily, he was soon discovered and sent to the care of an intensive care unit. Since no one knows how long Daniel went without oxygen, we are not sure whether or not he has significant brain damage. We do know, however, that he began seizing that night and that he is now under heavy sedation to prevent any more seizures. After a few tests, the doctors have informed us that it appears Daniel has not retained any major brain damage, which makes us all feel better. However, Daniel is still in critical condition. Though the first tests have informed us that his brain seems to be fine, brain damage from oxygen depletion can continue to appear for up to another 72 hours. He has yet to awaken, but he has been breathing on his own at one point today (he had to be put back on respirators because of the heavy sedatives). Whether or not Daniel is meant to continue his life on this earth, I cannot tell you at this point. I am, however, thankful for the knowledge that my family is sealed for time and all eternity, and not even the jaws of death can change that. I love my brother very dearly. He's always been there for me, and now I want to be there for him. Even if he does not live, I know that I will see him again and that our family will be reunited. Through all the chaos and pandemonium of the past few days, I have been able to feel peace I did not think possible to feel under such circumstances. I know that it is the Spirit that is comforting our family, and I witness that my Savior loves me and knows exactly what I am going through at the moment. I can't thank all of you that have been praying and helping our family out, for it continues to add to the sense of peace. We're so grateful to know that we have so many good friends. This morning at seminary, I came across these scriptures [Not a coincidence. I know Anna came across the same ones. That was also not a coincidence.] John 14:16-17"16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."I thank you again for your prayers and kindness, though no words can express our appreciation. I know this is in the Lord's hands and the outcome will be what is best, though I may not understand it at this time. I know that he lives and loves each and every one of us.Isaiah 12:2"2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."
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Yesterday at 6:24pm
I'm copying Anna by doing this, but it was a great idea, and between us hopefully more of our friends won't feel like we didn't tell them. I apologize if I didn't tell you this face to face, but this is hard for me to discuss in person. Our family has gone through a bit of a shock this week. After two peaceful days off of school, I was awakened at 3:30 A.M. by my mother and told we were going to have a family meeting in her room immediately. She informed Anna and me that our dear brother Daniel's heart had stopped earlier that night while playing basketball. No one was with him when it happened, and he collapsed and went without oxygen for ten minutes or more. Luckily, he was soon discovered and sent to the care of an intensive care unit. Since no one knows how long Daniel went without oxygen, we are not sure whether or not he has significant brain damage. We do know, however, that he began seizing that night and that he is now under heavy sedation to prevent any more seizures. After a few tests, the doctors have informed us that it appears Daniel has not retained any major brain damage, which makes us all feel better. However, Daniel is still in critical condition. Though the first tests have informed us that his brain seems to be fine, brain damage from oxygen depletion can continue to appear for up to another 72 hours. He has yet to awaken, but he has been breathing on his own at one point today (he had to be put back on respirators because of the heavy sedatives). Whether or not Daniel is meant to continue his life on this earth, I cannot tell you at this point. I am, however, thankful for the knowledge that my family is sealed for time and all eternity, and not even the jaws of death can change that. I love my brother very dearly. He's always been there for me, and now I want to be there for him. Even if he does not live, I know that I will see him again and that our family will be reunited. Through all the chaos and pandemonium of the past few days, I have been able to feel peace I did not think possible to feel under such circumstances. I know that it is the Spirit that is comforting our family, and I witness that my Savior loves me and knows exactly what I am going through at the moment. I can't thank all of you that have been praying and helping our family out, for it continues to add to the sense of peace. We're so grateful to know that we have so many good friends. This morning at seminary, I came across these scriptures [Not a coincidence. I know Anna came across the same ones. That was also not a coincidence.] John 14:16-17"16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."I thank you again for your prayers and kindness, though no words can express our appreciation. I know this is in the Lord's hands and the outcome will be what is best, though I may not understand it at this time. I know that he lives and loves each and every one of us.Isaiah 12:2"2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."
Test Results
Daniel was taken to the ICU late Wednesday night, and he started displaying a behavior called 'posturing'. The cardiologist explained that the muscles in his arms and legs were contracted into a very odd and unnatural position. His toes were pointed forward and turned inward, and his hands curled in and turned back. The doctors explained that his was very very concerning, and a sign of serious brain damage. They told me that because this was happening, they were going to treat him as if there was damage. One thing that is proven to help patients in this situation is something called 'cooling' where they lower the patient's body temperature and keep it there for 24 hours. For some reason (they said it is very complicated to explain) this preserves some of Daniel's body functions while his brain is hurting. They wrapped him in cooling 'blankets' that ran cold water all over him. A normal core temperature is between 37 and 38 degrees C, and they wanted Daniel down at 33 degrees C.
Before they could start cooling Daniel, they did a CAT scan that showed no signs of head trauma. We sort of already knew that, because Daniel didn't fall, but that is great!
Friday morning they took the cooling blankets off, and Daniel warmed up within a few hours. He actually got too warm because he developed a fever. They actually just found out that he has an infection in his lungs, but they have been treating him with antibiotics since last night.
They did an MRI as soon as Daniel was warm enough, and it showed no concerns. A member of Danie's bishopric is actually the radiologist who reads the MRI reports, and he brought in his partners so they could all 3 read the report and make sure that Daniel is getting the best treatment possible. The MRI would let us know if there was any damage to the brain from something like a stroke, or if there is swelling. They also said that the MRI could show if there was damage from oxygen loss. There was none that showed, but that kind of damage doesn't show for 3 days sometimes, so they will do another MRI on Sunday or Monday to look again. They might also do another MRI today (Saturday)
They did a second EEG on Friday, and that showed no signs of seizing, so they were very excited that the seizure medication is working. We were also told that the brain activity was very normal in the second EEG, except for the fact that every once in a while the activity will just stop for a little while.
We will post more information about his test after this.
Before they could start cooling Daniel, they did a CAT scan that showed no signs of head trauma. We sort of already knew that, because Daniel didn't fall, but that is great!
In order to get Daniel to hold completely still for the CAT scan, they administered a paralytic, which froze all of his skeletal muscles. This also stopped the posturing, and Daniel has not showed signs of posturing since. The doctors are very positive about that!
Daniel started on the cooling regime, and it took about 4 hours to get his body temperature that low. He was shivering a lot, and the nurses said that he was as cold as if they had thrown him out naked in the snow for a few days. Daniel hates being cold, so he had to have been grouchy about that! The shivering was concerning, and they tried to up his sedation levels to stop him from doing that, but it didn't work. They were mostly concerned that the shivering was actually seizing or seizure activity, so they placed Daniel on an anti seizure drug.
Dad flew in from Texas early Thursday morning.
They did an EEG on Daniel on Thursday morning. An EEG measures siezure activity in the brain. The EEG did show that their was seizure activity, so they added an anti seizure drug to his medications. At this point Danie's brain activity was very low because he was so cold.
We had quite a bit of waiting on Thursday, because the doctors wanted an MRI, but couldn't do it until Daniel was warm again. They did not expect Daniel to wake up on Thursday at all because he was so heavily sedated. They also couldn't take him off of the cooling system until he had been cold for 24 hours, so he couldn't start warming himself up until 6:00 am Friday morning.Friday morning they took the cooling blankets off, and Daniel warmed up within a few hours. He actually got too warm because he developed a fever. They actually just found out that he has an infection in his lungs, but they have been treating him with antibiotics since last night.
They did an MRI as soon as Daniel was warm enough, and it showed no concerns. A member of Danie's bishopric is actually the radiologist who reads the MRI reports, and he brought in his partners so they could all 3 read the report and make sure that Daniel is getting the best treatment possible. The MRI would let us know if there was any damage to the brain from something like a stroke, or if there is swelling. They also said that the MRI could show if there was damage from oxygen loss. There was none that showed, but that kind of damage doesn't show for 3 days sometimes, so they will do another MRI on Sunday or Monday to look again. They might also do another MRI today (Saturday)
They did a second EEG on Friday, and that showed no signs of seizing, so they were very excited that the seizure medication is working. We were also told that the brain activity was very normal in the second EEG, except for the fact that every once in a while the activity will just stop for a little while.
We will post more information about his test after this.
What Happened
On Wednesday night (Jan 28) Daniel collapsed while playing basketball at the gym. The paramedics came and had to shock Daniel's heart to revive him. We have heard several versions of what happened that night, and they vary greatly. When the paramedics arrived, they were told that they had been called immediately after Daniel collapsed, and it took them less than 4 minutes to arrive. One story is that there was no CPR administered on site, another story says that there was. The amount of time that Daniel's brain was without oxygen also varies by a lot. It could be 2 minutes, it could be 10. The shorter the time the better. Doctors have told us that 10 minutes would indicate serious brain damage and less of a chance for recovery. All of the stories are the same on one point though, Daniel was already laying down when he stopped breathing, so we know that he did not hit his head.
Either way Daniel was resuscitated and brought to the ER at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center within a few minutes. I(Rebecca) met him here, and there has been someone with him ever since. In the ER he showed great signs by moving a lot and trying to fight the breathing tube. He was breathing on his own in the ER, but soon after, the ventilator took over for him. They sedated him pretty heavily to stop him from struggling against the treatment as well.
The cardiologist there in the ER that night explained that Daniel's heart went into a state called attriculation. That means that the electric pulse in his heart fired at the wrong time, and his heart sort of started to vibrate instead of pump. Thankfully the AED device was able to start his heart again.
Daniel has had a heart condition since he was born, and has been closely monitored by a cardiologist his entire life. His cardiologist has been very positive about the condition of his heart, so this is a big shock. Daniel is very active and healthy, and has plays basketball for hours every day and there has never been a problem before. The cardiologist never put any limits on his activities becuase his heart was so strong and healthy. She is just as shocked as the rest of us that this happened.
Either way Daniel was resuscitated and brought to the ER at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center within a few minutes. I(Rebecca) met him here, and there has been someone with him ever since. In the ER he showed great signs by moving a lot and trying to fight the breathing tube. He was breathing on his own in the ER, but soon after, the ventilator took over for him. They sedated him pretty heavily to stop him from struggling against the treatment as well.
The cardiologist there in the ER that night explained that Daniel's heart went into a state called attriculation. That means that the electric pulse in his heart fired at the wrong time, and his heart sort of started to vibrate instead of pump. Thankfully the AED device was able to start his heart again.
Daniel has had a heart condition since he was born, and has been closely monitored by a cardiologist his entire life. His cardiologist has been very positive about the condition of his heart, so this is a big shock. Daniel is very active and healthy, and has plays basketball for hours every day and there has never been a problem before. The cardiologist never put any limits on his activities becuase his heart was so strong and healthy. She is just as shocked as the rest of us that this happened.
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