10/29/13,   Evening

It was sobering today to hear the treatment team talking about how they have had little opportunity to treat patients with the structural issues Nicole's heart has after a sudden cardiac arrest; most do not make it (apparently around 6%).  The uniqueness of all the details associated with Nicole's situation causes me to pause.  It certainly underscores the blessings that shower down on her.

It seems like today was a day of sharing stories with people involved with Nicole's event who stopped by, who were there from the time it started through the ambulances, to the hospitals, to the medical staff here. So many people praying for her, from people in Central America, to folks in Eastern Europe, across the Pacific, and here at home.  So much prayer, it's no wonder she is improving more rapidly than the treatment team initially expected.  So many people amazed by the way the events played out so that Nicole can be here tonight, sleeping almost like she was in her bed in her room (too many superlatives, am I getting mushy in my old age?)

And so, the team continues to entertain several hypotheses about why Nicole experienced the incident.  It seems they believe it to be a combination of a possible anomaly in her heart muscle along with a heart conduction issue.  The team is moving forward with addressing the cardiac conduction issue.  They have laid out short term plans for her stabilization and movement off the Cardiac ICU, as well as longer term plans, but the "in-between" time is less clear.  In the short term, Nicole has continued to respond quite well to the IV anti-arrhythmic medications, her breathing continues to improve, and her cognitive status is expected to continue to clear.  The team is looking to transition her onto oral anti-arrhythmics and if her heart beat remains stable, to then move her to a general floor in the hospital.  The goal at that point will then be to improve her cardio-pulmonary strength so she will be prepared for the surgical implantation of the defibrillatory (a significant surgery).

Nicole is communicating better and better by the hour.  She is helping the nurses in her care, and despite being extremely weak, does what she can to move and position herself.  She is so patient (a bit unusual, lol!) with her own limitations, but pushes herself to do more each hour.  She works to fill in the gaps in her memory, with what happened, how she ended up in this hospital, what her medical situation is; so much to grasp in the best of times!  While on no sedation or narcotics, she will take some time for those medications to clear from her system, and is taking a lot of healing sleep.

She is thinking ahead, very focused on school, not wanting to miss any more than she has to.  Interesting, in talking with the school, we found that there is the possibility of in-hospital tutors to help her catch up on her lessons while still in the hospital.  Additionally, during the time when she will be recovering at the house, the school district may be able to provide tutors to help her catch up.  I never expected to see the huge smile on her face that she gave today when I talked about those options.

A more restful night tonight, I believe.