Post by Kristen Gamauf on Apr 19, 2006 2:27:20 GMT -5
Well I really hate writing stuff like this... 
Just before 10pm tonight I got a call from Mom saying that Mike had a seizure. Sharon Township Volunteers responded quickly and efficiently to get everything under control. He was transported by ambulance (without lights at controlled speed) to Akron General's ER. The seizure lasted about 4-5 minutes I guess. It was a "full-body" seizure. He was checked out in the ER, and now is staying overnight for observation and tests on a normal floor. I left just after 2am, and they were still waiting to move him upstairs. Mom and Dad could still be there waiting for him to be moved, I don't know. They are very tired but devoted parents. I could tell the minute I heard Mom's voice on the phone that she was pretty shaken up. I just want some respite for them, and especially Mike.
Mike is in good spirits, and as usual, the funny man. When I walked in, he put his head to the side, closed his eyes, and opened his mouth as if to "play dead". Very funny haha. Needless to say, we were all shaken up, but are doing better now.
While in the ER they took blood, did a chest x-ray, and took a CAT scan. The scan checked out okay. Mike's got a couple IV's, some more of those pesky chest stickers, some tape on his hairy arms, and plus they had to cut off one of his favorite sweatshirts. When we told him that, he was bummed. Luckily, it wasn't the Sports Illustrated sweatshirt. They'll do blood work tomorrow and do an MRI and EKG. This is what I heard from Mom & Dad, though I think they meant EEG, an electroencephalogram. An EKG measures electrical impulses in the heart, while EEG's look at the brain. To me, it seems more likely they'd do an EEG in the case of a seizure, but I could be wrong. I'll confirm tomorrow.
It is my understanding that they are keeping him overnight since it is his first seizure, and they don't know what to expect. The highest risk for having another is within 24 hours, so better safe than sorry.
All this comes at a time when it seems like Mike is on the upswing. I guess this is just a speed bump--to remind us of what Mike's body has been through. I have read in many places about seizures and brain injury. Mike's never had any, so we were hoping he was free and clear. But a wise doctor once said they can spontaneously occur with no warning.
As for me, I am tuckered out. I would like to write more, but I just need to sleep. Special thanks to my super sweet boyfriend who sat with me at the hospital through the ordeal after a long day of work and school. I'll write more tomorrow throughout the day. Mike should be discharged home sometime tomorrow.
Just before 10pm tonight I got a call from Mom saying that Mike had a seizure. Sharon Township Volunteers responded quickly and efficiently to get everything under control. He was transported by ambulance (without lights at controlled speed) to Akron General's ER. The seizure lasted about 4-5 minutes I guess. It was a "full-body" seizure. He was checked out in the ER, and now is staying overnight for observation and tests on a normal floor. I left just after 2am, and they were still waiting to move him upstairs. Mom and Dad could still be there waiting for him to be moved, I don't know. They are very tired but devoted parents. I could tell the minute I heard Mom's voice on the phone that she was pretty shaken up. I just want some respite for them, and especially Mike.
Mike is in good spirits, and as usual, the funny man. When I walked in, he put his head to the side, closed his eyes, and opened his mouth as if to "play dead". Very funny haha. Needless to say, we were all shaken up, but are doing better now.
While in the ER they took blood, did a chest x-ray, and took a CAT scan. The scan checked out okay. Mike's got a couple IV's, some more of those pesky chest stickers, some tape on his hairy arms, and plus they had to cut off one of his favorite sweatshirts. When we told him that, he was bummed. Luckily, it wasn't the Sports Illustrated sweatshirt. They'll do blood work tomorrow and do an MRI and EKG. This is what I heard from Mom & Dad, though I think they meant EEG, an electroencephalogram. An EKG measures electrical impulses in the heart, while EEG's look at the brain. To me, it seems more likely they'd do an EEG in the case of a seizure, but I could be wrong. I'll confirm tomorrow.
It is my understanding that they are keeping him overnight since it is his first seizure, and they don't know what to expect. The highest risk for having another is within 24 hours, so better safe than sorry.
All this comes at a time when it seems like Mike is on the upswing. I guess this is just a speed bump--to remind us of what Mike's body has been through. I have read in many places about seizures and brain injury. Mike's never had any, so we were hoping he was free and clear. But a wise doctor once said they can spontaneously occur with no warning.
As for me, I am tuckered out. I would like to write more, but I just need to sleep. Special thanks to my super sweet boyfriend who sat with me at the hospital through the ordeal after a long day of work and school. I'll write more tomorrow throughout the day. Mike should be discharged home sometime tomorrow.