Garrett had a peaceful nights' rest, Thursday night. No major changes to his condition. The doctors continued to monitor his INR, which was decreasing, in hopes of proceeding with the plasma exchange sometime Friday. Garrett was responsive to commands, his kidney function was improving, but still critical.
The nurse’s assessment early Friday found Garrett unresponsive. Though in critical condition, Garrett was taken for another CAT scan. The scan showed that there was swelling in Garrett’s brain, in addition to his ischemic stroke. Swelling severe enough to cause additional brain damage and be potentially fatal. Garrett’s heart rate was elevated, as if he was running a race. His body was working very hard. Friday afternoon, with many loving friends and family surrounding him, Garrett declared himself. We liberated Garrett from life support. Peacefully, without let or hindrance, covered in a thousand sweet kisses, Garrett began running home, where he was embraced as a child and where he now snuggles comfortably in the warmth and comfort of the Greatest Love.
Paid in full Brother, paid in full.[...]

Garrett has taken another critical turn. He needs our support now, more than ever. Prayers, love & light![...]

7 days makes one weak...

Garrett is still on full life support. He was able to follow some commands this morning; "open your eyes", "squeeze my hand"... The EEG results showed no sign of any additional brain damage from Garrett's episode last night. The results showed what we already knew, that the right-side of his brain has been damaged by a stroke. There was good oxygen and blood flow to Garrett's brain during CPR, yesterday. Garrett's kidney function is back on track. His lungs are clear. He is moving both legs! These are all good things. But we are still not out of the woods. The doctors theorize that he is suffering from a rare autoimmune disease: antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. This may be the cause of the clotting in Garrett's body. It will be another couple days before the blood tests return, possibly confirming the doctors' suspicions. The doctors would like to try a plasma exchange on Garrett to remove the antibodies that are affecting him. The doctors are working with a critical balance of treatment on Garrett. Though he is in critical condition, the benefits of the plasma exchange outweigh the risks. Pray for Garrett's strong spirit to help heal his body. Garrett needs to know that he is safe and that he is loved and, most importantly, that he is good.[...]

Garrett was scheduled for surgery again today to remove clots from his legs. As soon as Garrett was put on anesthesia, his BP dropped and his heart stopped. Garrett was revived after 30 min of cpr. The surgery was never performed. He is stable, but he is on full life support.[...]

Not too many changes in Garrett's health on Tuesday. The doctors weren't seeing a change in the swelling in Garrett's brain  (so, good & bad). They decided to wean Garrett off the hypertonic saline solution, due to this lack of change. Garrett's heart rate is high, as the doctors are working to regulate his BP. Garrett had some speech therapy and physical therapy. He did seem a little down after physical therapy. This could be exhaustion but it seemed as if he was seeing his own limitations for the first time. By Tuesday night, the only thing Garrett was hooked up to was a standard oxygen line to his nose! The nurse did add a saline drip later, but that was it! No strings attached![...]

Another fantastically boring day, full of improvements for Garrett!  The feeding tube has been removed. Okay, he pulled it out, the doctors just decided to not put it back in. Garrett is still on the saline solution, however, the doctors are considering weaning him off of it starting tomorrow - this takes a couple of days. That being said, we are still looking at another 2-3 days in the ICU.  Garrett received a bit of a shave today, which he helped with.  He may be able to go back to solid food tomorrow. Garrett also received physical and speech therapy. No occupational therapy, but how's this for cognitive motor skills?![...]

Wow, thank you all so much for your messages of support!  Garrett has enjoyed hearing from you all, keep the messages coming.  You are all part of the healing force surrounding Garrett. Amazing things are happening! Garrett continues to improve - The doctors are very pleased with the progress that Garrett is making.[...]

Garrett has had a busy day with tests all day.  He is receiving regular CT scans throughout the day.  The doctors are carefully monitoring the clot in Garrett's brain as well as the one in his lungs. Garrett is expected to be in the ICU for another 3 days. Though he is off of life support, he currently requires a feeding tube, that he received this afternoon. He has been awake most of the day, his fidgeting with his tubes and cords has been one of the biggest challenges for the nurses. They have fitted Garrett with a mitt, which he has been asking me to take off since I got here. That or for ice chips. Neither of which we are able to do, but elated to have the same conversation every few minutes, anyway!  Garrett continues to remain stable - Which is a great sign!  One of the nurses even commented on what an improvement she had seen in Garrett's strength.[...]

It is still too early to determine the affect that this stroke has had on Garrett, we are positive, we shall be vigilant, Garrett has a strong spirit. Garrett will be in the ICU for, at least, another 2 days. To keep stimulation low as Garrett's brain recovers, visitation is still limited. Treatment on the clot in Garrett's lung continues. Garrett is receiving a specific saline solution, as a preventative measure against any swelling that may occur in the brain after a stroke. He is still slightly sedated... he has been through a tough battle. However, we have turned a corner towards healing and recovery.  Garrett is awake, knows us, talks (when he feels like it). He really would like a bath. Pray for Garret's comfort, he needs to feel safe right now.[...]

After speaking with the doctors about Garrett's MRI results, we have learned that Garrett has had a stroke affecting both sides of his brain.

We do have good news to report!! Garrett is currently out of sedation, off of life support, and sitting up, ready to heal![...]