If we’re connected via twitter & facebook, you know that I had to drive down to Santa Barbara, CA so my wife could be with her brother who just had a heart attack. It was quite an interesting situation, and I’ll do my best to explain it briefly. First, I must say thank you again to all of my friends and faithful prayer people that saw my tweets/facebook updates and stood with us in prayer over my brother-in-law Allan and the situation. Lots was going on at the time and the timing was bad for us to be making the drive, but so many things came about that I attribute to God honoring all of the prayers that were lifted up for us. Thank you!!!!
- 1. First thing to report is that Allan did have what appears to be a heart attack, yet there are no lasting signs of it. He has no scarring of the heart nor is there anything else to be concerned about that could lead to future heart attacks. There were no blockages in the arteries and no stroke. In essence, his heart stopped and he was resuscitated, but the doctors couldn’t find a reason for it happening, nor a reason why it should happen again. Also, there is no evidence to show it ever occurred. He was deemed heart-healthy.
2. Apparently Allan did stop breathing and CPR was not performed until paramedics arrived. There is no evidence of any resulting brain damage at this point. He was on a respirator for a couple of days mainly because he was sedated. The doctors medicated him and put his body into a state of deep relaxation to help him recover, so the respirator was breathing on his behalf, but only while under the sedation.
3. He wasn’t responsive to questions nor was he talkative during his time in the hospital. However, the doctors stated that this is a normal reaction from someone who had a heart attack. They pass out, wake up in a hospital, and are disoriented for awhile. We were concerned that there was some brain damage, but the tests came back negative.
4. It basically seems to have come down to being diagnosed as a freak occurrence. The doctors said it could happen again, or it may not. No way of knowing, since they have no idea what caused the episode in the first place.
5. It looks like Allan will be cleared to be released from the hospital today.
Throughout this situation it has been amazing to receive a bunch of prayer from friends and new friends, and then have a chance to watch God work through it all. Even things like the emergency happening during a time when hotel rates (which can run upwards of $400/night) were at their lowest of the season, and we were able to make the drive without rain/snow/fog impairing our visibility. They can appear as such simple things or things that operate outside of God’s control, yet I believe that so much was done on our behalf, through your prayers. I posted more of how this has helped to shape my personal perspective yesterday: Finding beauty in the chaos.
If you would still consider praying for Allan and the family as he comes through this time it would be greatly appreciated! My mother-in-law is with one of her daughters a few blocks from Allan’s apartment through the holidays. I’m hoping they can re-connect and spend some time together until I leave to pick her up after the first of the new year.
Again, thanks to everyone so much for the prayers, positive thoughts, and kindness extended to us. It is very much appreciated!
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Glad that God protected you and your family as you drove down. Also, still praying for the bro in law.
Crissy, thank you so much!