Carol Paden Praying for Carol

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On Wednesday, November 7, 2018, Carol was well into a busy day. She had dropped Mark off at the airport and was running some errands in the Chattanooga area. She called her sister, Kathy, to tell her that she was having a hard time breathing. Kathy instructed her to call 911 and they hung up. A short time later Carol called Kathy back. This time she couldn't talk. Kathy tried to find out where Carol was and then the phone hung up. After a miraculous, yet frantic, search, the police found Carol unresponsive in her car with the doors locked. She was extricated from the car and rushed to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga.
Tests were run and it was determined that her heart was not pumping as it should and she had fluid on her lungs. She was in very grave condition. As soon as he could, Ray caught a flight out of Austin and arrived at her side late that night.
On Thursday she was diagnosed as having Cardiogenic Shock of an unknown origin. The decision was made to move her to a hospital in Nashville where she could be ready to receive a heart transplant. She was successfully moved that afternoon and placed on a heart/lung machine.  Because of the need to maintain a sterile environment, Ray was not permitted to see her that night and was shown to a guest room where he got some much needed sleep.
Friday morning, when Ray saw Carol breathing much more calmly he was very relieved. Late that afternoon the cardiologist ordered an EKG, and it showed significant improvement. He was told that the root cause of her problem was Myocarditis. However, because of her unexpected improvement, the medications were being decreased in preparation to wean her off of the heart/lung machine.
This morning, Sabbath, November 10, when the cardiologist and cardiac surgeon were making their rounds, they explained that Carol's heart is close to normal, her kidneys are functioning normally, the hematoma on her chest is healing, her lungs are steadily improving and her mind is undamaged. They have determined that she will NOT need a heart transplant! Hopefully, she will be able to be taken off of the heart/lung machine tomorrow.
Ray, and Carol when she is awake and able to understand what all has happened, are very grateful to everyone who has been praying and sending words of support. At this time, Ray's needs are being met. There are so many offers of help, and he appreciates each one deeply. As soon as he is able to catch his breath and determine his needs, he will let everyone know how they can help.
Please share this site with all those who love Carol and Ray and want to be kept informed of their situation.