Update on Vivian - 7/14, part III.

Everything else that happened today pales in comparison to receiving the positive MRI results, but here's a quick recap of the rest of the day:

While Vivian was still under the sedation from her MRI, a peripheral intravenous central catheter (PICC line) was inserted in her right arm and the central line was removed from Vivian's chest. The PICC line will be similarly used for Vivian's IV fluids and medications, but it carries less risk of infection at this point.

Tomorrow morning Vivian will have an upper GI test in preparation for the placement of a g-button on Friday. Vivian was not able to eat anything in anticipation of being sedated for the MRI so we've not been able to further assess her ability to swallow and eat. The g-button will allow Vivian to receive her medications and nutrition while we reestablish her oral routines.

After the MRI this afternoon Vivian was awake and active but much less agitated than yesterday. She is exhibiting, however, a persistent rhythmic twitch in her face and hands that seems to keep her awake and interfere with her ability to speak. Today this twitching episode went on for four hours until Vivian finally fell asleep. Dr. Matson is going to increase Vivian's Keppra dose even more, and we hope it will address this issue.

I just spoke to Dr. Riela's associate who called on Vivian at the hospital tonight. He had ordered bloodwork this morning to check on the levels of Vivian's regular seizure medications. One of Vivian's longtime medications, Depakote, was surprisingly low; it had been at a desirable level of 90-something the week before Vivian ended up in the hospital and today the level was 12. The neurologist is going to increase that medication as well, and I am so hopeful that the rise in either the Keppra or the Depakote or both will settle Vivian's sweet little brain.

The way that Vivian stares blankly into space and her difficulty speaking remind me so much of how she acts after a seizure. I am cautiously optimistic that when Vivian's brain is calm again, she will begin to respond and act as she did before. The neurologist told me tonight that when no stroke or lesions are observed in an MRI, there is good reason to believe the person will recover neurological function.

Please join me in praising God that Vivian did not suffer a significant brain injury during her high fever. Offer praise that Vivian was calmer and less agitated today. Pray that whatever is causing Vivian to twitch will cease and that she will begin to speak and interact with us again. Pray for Robert and me as we begin to prepare to bring Vivian home as there will be significant details and accommodations to be made in order to accomplish that.

Thank you for loving and supporting Robert and me through some very dark days and for celebrating with us when things have gone well. We still have a long way to go. Please don't stop praying for Vivian yet. We need you.

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1-2