Some of you are aware from my posts on another thread that Doug experienced a medical emergency while we were at a favorite campground in Saint Marys, GA.
While I have some time, here in the wee hours at the ICU, I thought I would move the topic off that thread, to here, to allow me to share what has happened with those who are interested.
We very much appreciate the posts, pm's and emails of support, offers of help, and comfort.
If you are a praying person, please send them and any good karma you have our way as we navigate this difficult time.
On Sunday, March 9, we returned from a modest bike ride and were sitting on the couch in the Interstate. Me, crocheting
, and Doug on the IPad. Without any warning, Doug went into what I thought was a grand mal seizure. I called 911 and yelled out the door for help.
Nearby campers came running, Doug's face turned blue and he was not breathing. I and a man whose name I do not know began CPR, then a woman camper who was a nurse arrived and took over chest compressions.
EMS arrived and resuscitated him on the ground before transporting to the ER. He was defibrillated 3 times and received 2 injections of epinephrine. He was "in code", receiving CPR, for more than 30 minutes, before his heart re-started.
Fellow campers we had never met helped save Doug's life, offered to keep Lily until my son could get here, and eventually to pack up the camper so I could move it to the hospital.
Doug experienced "sudden cardiac death", secondary to presumed coronary artery disease. An arrhythmia that prevented blood and oxygen to flow, resulting in the neurological symptoms I saw and cardiac arrest. He just turned 65 last month, A heavy smoker since he was a teen, he quit 5 1/2 years ago...1 year into retirement. This was probably the biggest contributing factor.
Doug's body was severely affected by inadequate oxygen during the protracted CPR period, and there have been a number of systemic issues. He is stable but critical at this time, and the primary issue whether his brain will resume functioning. At this point, he is unresponsive to all stimuli and remains on life support. It is too soon to know whether he will recover at all or lapse into a "persistent vegetative state".
His daughter and my children are here with me, and my son is taking Lily home to his house today. He is getting excellent care, and staff have allowed me to stay with him. The hospital has a House of Hope, where our kids are staying and where the Interstate has been plugged into shore power to provide housing for me.
Don't know how often I will be back here, but will post updates as I can. We appreciate the friendships we have made through these forums, the immeasurable amount of wit and wisdom we have enjoyed and the camaraderie here that is ever-present.
Maggie
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