What happened to Dorie?

Dear friends & family, in order to keep you updated on Dorie's condition, we've created this blog. You are free to post comments or ask questions, of course, but be patient with me in expecting a speedy reply. For those who are not aware of her situation here is an overview of what has happened:

On Wednesday evening, June 6th, as we sat down to dinner, Dorie complained of numbness and tingling in her right leg and arm. She tried lying down for just a moment, but was convinced there was something serious going on. She urged me to call the ambulance, which arrived within minutes. After checking her, it was thought best to airlift her to Stony Brook University Hospital. James and I met her in the emergency room after they had done a cat scan and an MRI They found what they concluded was a brain aneurysm. The doctors there told us that they would do a procedure to seal off the aneurysm on Thursday. All this time Dorie was awake and alert with only minor discomfort.

Thursday, June 7th gave us a surprise, because when I called, we found that she had been flown to North Shore University Hospital. It was explained that North Shore was better equipped to take care of her. However, very soon after arriving there, she experienced a very severe headache and suffered a seizure (the aneurysm had burst). It was a blessing that it happened there, rather than in transport, since they were able to place a drain in her skull to relieve pressure right away. She was put under heavy sedation, placed on the ventilator, and hooked up to various monitors.

Friday, June 7th the neurosurgeons expected to do the coiling procedure or brain surgery first this in the morning, but tests showed that, as the doctor said, "she fixed herself". The aneurysm had sealed itself and invasive procedures are not needed at this time.

So for now they are letting her rest, but the next step is to switch from the breathing tube in the mouth to one in the trachea. They will be doing that sometime within a week. They will also begin reducing the sedation so she can wake up. Then we will know her condition a little better.

Please continue to pray for Dorie! James & I thank you for your prayers and your kindness to us at this time.

P.S. that's Dorie with our granddaughter, Ariana...aren't they beautiful!?