On Friday, July 27th 2012 my beautiful bride suffered a brain aneurysm. Friday started out as a normal day for us. During breakfast we talked about what a good time we would have at the Gilroy Garlic Festival. I was going for the first time Marina had been once before.
I kissed Marina goodbye, like I do every morning, when I left for work. I reminded her to be packed as I would pick her up right after work. When I arrived at the office I began to settle in when my cell phone rang. It was Marina. Her speech was slurred. She told me she was in extreme pain and needed me. I told her to please hang up and call 911. She asked me to do if for her. I left work and drove home as quickly as I could breaking all speed limits. When I arrived home I found My Love on the bedroom floor conscious and trying to talk to me. Her speech was slurred as I calmed her and told her everything would be alright. I called 911 and stayed by her side until emergency personnel arrived.
Marina was taken to Sierra Vista Regional Hospital in San Luis Obispo. When I arrived the caring nurses explained it would be best if Marina was flown by helicopter to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. A top rated surgeon was waiting to intervene on her behalf. I quickly gave permission. When the nurse pilot arrived he assured me by saying " I will look after her like she was my own." I knew he could see the desperation in my face. I also knew my sweetheart would get the very best care in Santa Barbara.
On the drive to Santa Barbara Dr. Zauner ( Neurosurgeon) called and explained he need permission to set a drain on Marina's head to relieve blood and fluid that had built up on the brain as a result of the aneursym and to "fix" the aneurysm by stopping the bleeding. I gave permission and continued my drive to Santa Barbara. When I arrived Marina was in surgery.
After a several hours in the operating room family members and I met with Dr. Zauner to get the prognosis. Dr Zauner explained damage had been done but to what extent he did not know as it was too early in treatment to determine. He did say he was able to set the drain and stop the aneurysm from bleeding. However, during the procedure a blood clot formed and there was a need to operate again. After several hours of a second surgery the blood clot was removed. This is a synopsis of the first day Friday, into early Saturday Morning July 28th, 2012.
Marina's vitals have been stable for most of her stay thus far. She is in an induced coma. Dr. Zauner is keeping her body and brain temperature very low to assist in her recovery. Medical staff have stressed they do not want any stimulation of the brain at this time. A time will come in Marina's recovery when just the opposite is needed.
Today, August 3, 2012, My Love is undergoing a procedure to address vasospasms. The spasms are like a muscle cramps. They constrict the flow of blood in the brain's vessels. The procedure is being done to deliver medication to relax the blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.
I hope by sharing information we can all be comforted. My bride (our mother, sister, cousin, friend) is in the very best care. I take comfort in this. My Love is strong. She has a wonderful heart and a deep faith.
CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Learn more about CaringBridge.
