Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Update on Jack's Mom


UPDATE: She is risen! Folks, I have been with Katie for over an hour. When I got here, she already had her eyes open, squeezed my hand, and knew who I was. They just now removed the breathing tubes, and she is her sweet old self! GLORY BE TO GOD! Hallowed be thy GREAT and MIGHTY name!!!





Here is this morning's update on Katie Cloutier John as posted by her Dad, Leo Cloutier.

Please continue to pray with my family for Katie.
Wednesday Morning Update: At 9:00 PM Tuesday night, medical staff began to warm Katie's internal core temperature from the 92 degrees she had been at for the previous 24 hours back to her normal 98.6. This was done over a span of 8 hours. At about 10:30 PM, sh...e began to spontaneously move her feet and arms. Later she had reactions to being removed from some of her other drugs that resulted in her throwing up and becoming even more active. This is all good. It was clear she was becoming more alert and aware. A few hours ago she was positively responding to commands to squeeze a hand and move her feet, and although she couldn't focus on much, she was able to open her eyes on command.

These are all incredibly positive signs. At approximately 7:30 AM they will begin the 12 hour process of weaning her off the Propofol, her pain and sedative medication, and hopefully bring her to full consciousness. This happens very slowly as they dial back the dosage in small steps over time. As the process progresses, the hope is that Katie becomes more alert and aware. Because she is still on a ventilator, she will likely thrash and flail against the tube, but again, that would be excellent news. At some point if all goes well, they will remove her from the vent and they can begin normative treatment.

At the crux of all this is the question of what caused her to collapse on Monday evening. When she was first admitted to the ER, they ran tests that seemed to indicate a blood clot was present in her lungs. However, after a scan later that night, no clots were found. Her cardiologist, Dr. Jackson, read her EKG and developed a working theory that Katie suffers from a condition known as Long QT Syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic website, Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a heart rhythm disorder that can potentially cause fast, chaotic heartbeats. These rapid heartbeats may trigger a sudden fainting spell or seizure. In some cases, the heart may beat erratically for so long that it can cause sudden death.

A person can be born with a genetic mutation that puts them at risk of long QT syndrome. In addition, certain medications and medical conditions may cause long QT syndrome. Long QT syndrome is treatable. A person may need to take medications to prevent a chaotic heart rhythm. Some people with long QT syndrome require surgery or an implantable device.

Based on a conversation yesterday with Dr. Jackson, if the diagnosis proves to be correct, it's likely that the last option will be pursued. They would use a catheterization procedure to insert and implant a tiny defibrillator device in or near Katie's heart that would fire anytime her heart entered a fibrillation phase. She would never feel it and the electrical burst would maintain an even rhythm, avoiding another crisis.

Please continue to pray hard through the morning and early afternoon hours as she comes down off her medications. Brett and the rest of her family are all gathering today for what we hope to be Katie's homecoming from the brink. The early signs from her 'warm-up' are extremely encouraging, but none of us will be satisfied until Katie is awake and either publicly extolling the divine attributes of coffee, using at least 6 exclamation points after every occurrence of the word "WOOHOOO", or providing new photos of Kronk, her beloved stuffed Alpaca, to the "citizens" of the "interwebs".

To the thousands of people who have been praying so hard for the past 36 hours, our heartfelt and sincerest of thanks. And to the Most High God, He who sustains us and gives Katie and all of us our very next breath, all our praise and worship. — with Brett John.


    19 comments:

    1. Praying for your family, and peace that surpasses all understanding.

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    2. Thank you for this update! I have been praying and fasting for Katie's complete restoration!

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    3. Still praying. Thankful for the update. Believing for complete healing and restoration.

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    4. Thank you so much for that incredible update!!! I had great hope for her recovery, based on a few comments about signs/symptoms in other people's updates. But what you wrote today is fantastic beyond belief. We are so rooting and praying for you, Katie and family!!!

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    5. Thank you for the update! Such hopeful news!

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    6. Dear Jesus, thank you so much!!! Praise God!! Still praying for rapid recovery and to be able to bring home Jack soon!! Glory to God!!

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    7. PTL! Thanks for sharing this awesome report, Praying for her complete healing!

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    8. So thrilled to read this this morning! Praise God!

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    9. To God be the Glory!! Our mighty Father, creator of all the earth, has heard our prayers. Continued prayers for Katie and her family.

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    10. Yes, this is so encouraging. Praying again right now.
      Joy

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    11. Ohhhh thanks be to God!!!! So happy to read the latest update!!! Welcome back Katie!!!
      Prayers continue!!
      Sunnie in NC

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    12. Great news!! Prayers continue...

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    13. Katie is on my church's online prayer list - I will update them with this marvelous news! I am so relieved and gratified to learn of Katie's diagnosis and remarkable recovery, and will continue to keep her, her family, and those caring for Katie in my prayers as she continues to make progress.

      Thanks so much for the updates, Julia!

      Susan in Ky
      Cousin to 2 from EE

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    14. The first thing I did when I got online this morning was look for updates on Katie. This update brought tears to my eyes & goosebumps to my arms & legs. God is SO AMAZING & I am overjoyed to hear of this positive progress that Katie is making. Thank you for sharing it with us!

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    15. Amazing! Glory to God-always!
      Sue

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    16. Praising God that Katie is doing so much better now!!!!

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    17. What a great update! Long QT can be hereditary and when my cousin was diagnosed we were all tested to be sure we didn't have it. Praying for Katie and her recovery and Praising GOD she was watched so closely by the Father!

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    Loving words from kind people make our hearts glad!