Chuck Comstock

We will use this site to provide updates  on Chuck Comstock as we are able. Here is a short background:  Dad was transported to Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls on Tuesday Feb 2nd after experiencing chest pain.  Testing revealed that he had blockages in multiple coronary arteries.  Plan was to install 2 stents in a procedure on Feb 5th.  Procedure did not go as smoothly as planned.  During the procedure, plaque from the artery walls dislodged and traveled to the heart; stopping the heart.  Dad was revived and had a balloon pump installed to assist the heart.  In total, 4 stents were installed during a long procedure on Feb 5th.  As a result of the events that occurred during this procedure, Dad was placed on a balloon pump (to assist heart), full sedation, and a ventilator (to assist the respiratory system).  In the days after the procedure, heart functioning returned to normal and the balloon pump was removed -- heart continues to function normally and strong.  On Feb 9th, a CT Scan revealed that Dad had suffered a stroke (likely during the Feb 5th procedure).   An MRI was performed Feb 10th to determine a more detailed diagnosis regarding the stroke(s).  As of Friday Feb 12 (one week after the stent procedure), Dad remains on sedation and remains on the ventilator.  Sedation is adjusted each day (lighter sedation drugs and less total amounts) -- sedation is also removed 1 or 2 times each day to diagnose his recovery.  Respiratory function appears strong, but ventilator will remain in place until sedation can be fully removed, and stroke-related brain trauma can be sufficiently diagnosed and addressed.  Ventilator has been "turned down" over this period, and is "turned off" for a period each day to test progress.  At this point, recovery from the stroke(s) is the focus of treatment.  

With this as a background, we will try to post updates as we receive them.  Thank you for your thoughts, your concerns, and most of all for your prayers!  Dad is a strong man -- and there are still a lot of fish to be caught, grandkids to spoil, wife to share joy with, and sons to be kept in line :)