And then

Monday
8:00am Bryan had the Angiogram which consists of dye being sent up through the vascular system of the brain to pinpoint all the issues and trouble spots they were looking for- to develop a map of the vascular system in his brain. Bryan was mostly awake because he had to participate.

11:00am Becky, Merrie, and Joe met with Dr Malek who told them the results of the test before he went back in to do the procedure. The results showed a small second AVM (where the bleed originally happened) in the Cerebellum. He also explained he was going to do the procedure of stopping the blood to the large AVM in a three step process over the upcoming week. And because the smaller AVM could not be affected by this procedure, he would most likely have to surgically remove it. Because this smaller AVM was getting a blood supply from the larger AVM after the third procedure there would be less blood there and a lower risk at the time of surgery. Obviously the family was a bit shaken with this news, but they continued to feel the comfort and support of the many many many friends and family for them and the situation.

3:00pm Bryan came through the procedure and was awakened from the anesthesia showing no residual effects. This was HUGE good news.

5:00pm Becky, Merrie, and Joe were able to see him in his room in the surgical ICU, where they were attempting to stabilize Bryan’s blood pressure at a very low rate (under 120). Bryan was absolutely miserable, complaining of all the aches and pains, but the family was relieved because of the fact that he could complain was a very good sign. The family left as the staff continued to settle Bryan in. Their surgical ICU is a unit which allows for intense monitoring with a one-on-one patient to ICU nurse.

7:00pm Joe had early in the day checked Becky and Merrie into the DoubleTree hotel across the street allowing them to be back to Bryan’s room in 5 minutes should an emergency arise. Knowing that Bryan was in good hands, Becky and Merrie went back to the hotel room to try to get a good night’s sleep. The ICU nurse said that she would call if she needed them to come back at any time. Totally exhausted Becky and Merrie said goodbye to Joe and went to the room. The room was so inviting after spending 2 nights sleeping in chairs.