Mark Dixon

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While clearing snow from the driveway on Monday, 12/12, Mark slipped on the ice and hit his head on the pavement.  He was suffering from a headache of varying intensity in the days that followed, and went in to see a doctor on Friday.  He was prescribed medication for the pain and felt much improved the following day - so much so, in fact, that he went back out to clear the driveway from Saturday's snowfall.  Later that night his headache returned and at around 11pm, he called for help from the bedroom, in severe pain and unable to get up.  911 was called and he was transported to Maine Medical in Portland.
It was determined that he had suffered a brain bleed and a drain and breathing tube were administered.  An angiogram was performed and he was diagnosed as having suffered an aneurism/bruised artery and a stint was put in to relieve the pressure.  Pneumonia was also detected and he was administered antibiotics.  He was stabilized on Sunday, but he had a seizure overnight.  It was later determined that he had also had a stroke in the cerebellum at some point. The doctors informed us that it would be a process of one step forward and two steps backs for a while.  On Monday, he was somewhat responsive, able to move his limbs and squeeze his hands.  Tuesday brought other concerns, including increasing pressure on the brain and decreasing responsiveness.  We are presently awaiting the reading of ultrasound images and the doctors'  determination as to whether surgery may be required to further relieve the pressure on his brain.  We will try to continue to post updates here as new information is received.  Thank you all for keeping Mark in your prayers.