Dana Holm

 Dana's Story: On Wednesday March 2nd, Dana wasn't feeling well and drove himself to Mercy hospital (Simone wasn't home at the time). Upon arriving at the hospital, Dana  suffered a heart attack and collapsed inside the hospital. They immediately began CPR and had to shock his heart several times. They got his heart started, but he remained unconscious. They determined that he'd suffered a heart attack, and that he had a blockage which they repaired by inserting a stent. They also inserted an Impella (a pump to assist his heart function), and he was intubated (provided with respiratory support). In the meantime, Simone called Dana's phone and it was answered by hospital staff and was informed that he was at the hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital, Simone was informed of the severity of the situation.  The initial treatments that are currently in place include: heavy sedation, a cooling of the internal body (to assist in brain/heart function), slowly raising his body temp, decreasing sedation meds, and then assessing his heart, brain, and breathing functionality.

At this point (Friday March 4th Noon), visitation is currently limited to 2 people at a time while he's sedated. However, once sedation has been reduced, we don't know the level of awareness and agitation that Dana will be experiencing (normal post-trauma/operation reactions), and visitation may be limited. Please check this Caring Bridge website for updates as to visitation. I'm (Simone) very busy attending to Dana's needs and associated care management (communicating with drs, insurance paperwork, his work etc.). I really appreciate everyone's concern and support, tho' it's been challenging trying to keep up with returning phone calls and texts, so I'll try to do my best to provide updates via this Caring Bridge site. If I share information with you that you feel another close friend/family member would want/need to know, please feel free to share it with them or direct them to the Caring Bridge site. As many of you know, the status of things can change quickly, so I'll try to provide updates as I'm able. 

Dana is in great hands - all the workers at Mercy's ICU (Coon Rapids) have been awesome. We're hoping for a positive outcome, and trying to take things minute-by-minute as Dana's status is changing rapidly (so far, for the better). Recovery will be a slow ongoing process.  A reminder that visitors will need to "foam in, foam out" using the hand sanitizer upon entry/exit of hospital rooms- for your protection and for that of the patients. Thanks.

Thank you to everyone for all your thoughts, prayers, concerns, and support- I REALLY appreciate it. I don't know where I'd be without you all right now. Continue to send prayers towards Dana's recovery. Thank you!