Day 74, Thursday Nov. 5
It seems that surgery isn't such a big deal when you can't feel anything and it's possible to continue with your regular routine the next day! That means therapy continued as usual today. While it wasn't a particularly good day, we are grateful Jeff didn't add another day to the bad list.
Keeping that in mind, Jeff had an episode of Autonomic Dysreflexia during therapy today. This is a dangerous condition that can cause serious problems if symptoms are not realized and treatment is delayed.
Basically, an irritant of some type (pain, full bladder, pressure sore, ingrown nail, stomach ulcer, pinched skin, or even tight clothing!) below the level of the spinal cord injury causes an automatic response that makes your blood pressure go up. It also causes your heart rate to slow down and sometimes become irregular.
Because of the spinal cord injury your body can't bring your blood pressure down on its own. If untreated you could suffer seizures, a stroke, or worse. The only way to bring it down is to change the situation, or get rid of the irritant. For example, empty your bladder or take off the tight clothing.
Thankfully Jeff's symptoms were very classic and recognized quickly. The first sign was a bad hot flash. His skin was flushed from the nipple line and up. Annette said it was literally a line with everything below the nipple line being very pale and above was bright red.
They took measures to bring his blood pressure down and then he relaxed the remainder of the day. We are very grateful the problem resolved itself as quickly as it did and without complications.
Josh Lloyd came to stay with Jeff tonight. Jeff enjoyed catching up with him and spending that one-on-one time in good conversation.
Thank you all for your continued love and support! We know the prayers and good vibes being sent our way are making a difference. Just to know you care when you ask how our dad is doing is so wonderful and we want to thank you all for your kindness and concern!
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