Barry Henrickson

Early Sunday morning, June 13, 2021 Barry suffered an abdominal aorta dissection. He was rushed to Sanford hospital Fargo than air lifted to University of Minnesota Fairview. His condition is critical. Upon further assessment at Fairview, scans show the dissection is quite extensive. Basically from the arch of the heart extending down into the abdominal area. Unfortunately this resulted in a spontaneous spinal cord injury leaving Barry with paralysis from his waist down. He had a spinal drain inserted initially to relieve pressure in hopes of reversing his paralysis, but the drain was removed Tuesday due to poor response, which leaves the paralysis permanent. He also experienced an acute kidney injury to his left kidney which has since resolved. Orientation weans & wanes so a head CT was completed that verified a small aneurysm in his brain that is stable at this point. His heart rate jumps in/out of irregular rhythm as does his blood pressure spike at times. They are desperately trying to manage both with meds. Cardiology feels there is a possibility of heart damage or some sort of involvement, but, because he’s critical, any invasive procedure is not an option at this time. Right lung - lower lobe currently shows either pneumonia, pleural effusion or collapsed. They are still deciding on course of treatment. 
I think I’ve covered the basics.

Barry’s oldest son, Owen & I traveled to Minneapolis early Monday morning & returned last night. We will make another trip soon. It was very hard to leave having him so far away. His orientation improved with each day we were there and he knew who we were. 

Prayers are appreciated.