So…incase you had not yet heard, Amy had her MRI/MRA yesterday, and we were able to meet with the Neuro today.
The cliff notes :
1. She is absolutely healing.
2. Overall recovery could be longer than anticipated
3. They discovered a ‘pseudo aneurysm’
First and foremost, the Neurologist was very encouraged that she was healing. One of the small dissections (left vertebral) looked almost clear. The Right Vertebral looked much better (was almost completely blocked originally), and the carotid was also looking better. All three dissections showed sign of healing and improved blood flow. Really, really good news.
This news is only slightly tempered by the fact that as a result of the carotid dissection diminishing, it illuminated the pseudo aneurysm. Apparently this is different than a ‘typical’ aneurysm in that it is not near as large nor susceptible to bursting, and has the potential of remaining fairly innocuous as long as it does not get worse. The problem is that the warfarin that she must remain on for the dissections has the potential to make it worse. However, they felt that the best course of actions was to continue as we are.
In the last day or so, Amy discovered an incredibly helpful forum of individuals from around the world that have experienced this kind of injury. Interesting enough, many of these people are young and very fit. While it doesn’t seem that any of them experienced 3 dissections - as she did, it has been incredibly encouraging for Amy as she now has some perspective, and doesn’t feel like she’s going completely crazy.
Some of the people on this forum, that had similar injuries, in some cases went years without seeing any kind of improvement, and these were people who were incredibly fit - marathon runners and such. All that to say, particularly after gaining some perspective, we were very encouraged by the progress. The Neuro still wants very limited movement until he can scan her again in 3 months - which means life in the Hayse household will still look very different indeed.
For the most part, she’s been doing a good job of staying on top of her pain, with a lot of good chunks of time where she is her typical Amy self. However, the two trips down to sacramento - back to back - did her in pretty good. Her pain definitely jumped up, and we had to grab a hotel for a few hours so that she could rest before coming home.
In short, we are very encouraged by todays results. They are a great sign that God is continuing the process of healing her body, and we are INCREDIBLY grateful! However, it also became more clear that this journey will not be over any time soon. Even though there are days where she feels like her old self, the doctor made it clear that she is still at risk for further strokes, and that we need to not be in a rush.
Thanks again for all of your support. Truly overwhelming… You people are amazing!!
More to come later….
Hey Shawn, just a thought…when Beckie’s mom was fighting cancer Stephen would take all the seats out of their van and put a foam pad down so Sandy could lay down if needed while traveling. I don’t know if that is possible to do in the Forerunner but it just a thought. Praying for strength for you both throughout this battle. Micah
Glad to hear you are healing Amy, but sad to hear that it is going to take a chunk of time. I am sure you are both overwhelmed by this unexpected interuption in your already busy lives. My offer still stands if you need us to take the boys for an evening, just let us know. If there is anything we can do to help carry the load, we would love to help.
My prayer for both of you is that in the midst of this storm you will be held. That His undeniable peace would guard you, and in your darkest moments you would remember the light.
Love you guys, Shane
Thank You for the update Shawn. I really appreciate you sharing what you are going through as a family. It is truly uplifting to watch you and your family live out your faith right before our eyes. I am not in any way happy about what happened but I am totally encouraged by your walk. Thank You very much. Larry
Thanks for the update…so encouraged…Love you both!
thank you, Shawn for the update. It was such a pleasure the other day to go and visit Amy. She looked like an angel with just a peace about her. I know that the road has not been easy and that God has carried you guys in this whirlwind of change in your life. I also know from yours and Amy’s own words, that you can’t really describe how awesome it has been as well, knowing that He is carrying you and how close this has brought your whole family to Him and to each other. We are all learning through your faith and from this situation that God is true to His word, He is real and he is faithful. Love you all, and will continue to pray…
Susie
Thank you for taking up precious time to keep us updated. will keep praying. The marquez Family
As i’m reading your blog - 5 months pregnant with our little girl - two precious boys asleep in their beds; I cannot imagine the emotional and physical rollercoaster you and Amy have been on. I am humbled by the realization of how precious life is and that this could happen so suddenly and unexpectedly to such good, healthy young people. Your strength is an inspiration. Prayers for your family as Amy continues on her journey to recovery.
Good Morning Shaun and Amy,
Your updates are so valuable as the provide me with insight with which I can go more clearly to our Father on your behalf. I have to laugh as I realize how selfish my prayers are for you…I want you healthy, I want you back in our lives sharing your humor, your voice, your heart, I want you there for your family and the body of Christ. I love it that I can feel very comfortable and confident that Jesus love these prayers. Thank you for your gift of faith and trust in God to me and to our church family as you process the frustration, pain, and uncertainity you are experiencing, as well as the love, peace, and grace God is showering you and your family with. Your church family loves you, this I know because I have seen them in action on your behalf.
We continue to pray for you guys. God is the Great Physician, as you well know. We are asking Him to heal you completely and that you will continue to trust Hum fully in the days ahead. So often we become frustrated with the timeframe given for what we need. Patience is certainly not an attribute I come by naturally! May God continue to touch and bless you. May you sense His sweet presence each moment of each day as this journey continues!