We had an astounding day at the hospital with my brother Mel, who had a massive heart attack last Saturday.
Last Sunday morning, Mel's wife Barabara gave details about Mel's heart attack, and subsequent twenty to thirty heart attacks. She stated that we needed a miracle from God. I believe we are seeing one unfold. Yesterday we were informed by the cardiologist that the back wall of Mel's heart was recovering, indicating that the particular part of his heart tissue had survived the trauma. More time will indicate the entire story of how well his heart fared during his episode, but this news is a very hopeful sign.
This morning, Friday, 9 AM CA time, the neurologist reported that the back part of his brain was normal, not affected by the heart attack. The front part of his brain showed some abnormalities, but only those which would be expected from a heart attack patient. He explained that Mel was "there", and that even though he could not know for certain how he would do, he essentially conveyed optimism for Mel's continue progress in every area. I understood it to mean that in light of Mel's overall progress, we could expect the same for his brain. At that point, I was praising God for His working in Mel's life, and His wonderful answers to prayer.
While I was talking to the neurologist, the doctor in charge of Mel's care is saying to the nurses and doctors that he is thinking of taking Mel off the ventilator. His feeling was that Mel was better today, even though he was foggy from the sedation (which seems to take over an hour to clear for Mel). The doctor decided to look at Mel's xrays to verify his intentions (lung xrays, I believe, as Mel needs to maintain high oxygen levels for healing), and decided to wait another day or two to remove the vent. He said, "Mel's close, but I want to be safe, so we'll look at it tomorrow." The "close" reference is to the condition of heart, lungs, and neurological condition.
As icing on the cake, Mel's nurse stopped the blood pressure medicine about noon today. The blood pressure medicine had been administered to raise his blood pressure since his heart had not previously been able to pump sufficiently. In other words, Mel's heart is now pumping the blood needed, without assistance from a medication.
Praise God for His wonderful grace to help Mel and family during this time. The Riverview EFC in Bonsall, CA has ministered beautifully to Mel and Barbara and kids. My church, Harvest New Lenox, praise God for you. Harvest Lake Zurich has been phenomenal, with a number of them flying in to help Barbara and kids. Friends from Calvary Church Essex Fells, and so many others praying ... thank you.
Arvid Svendsen