Anoxic Brain Injury (ABI) Information
I have not kept you up to date on the diagnosis that the doctors have come up with. Many of you ask what caused the cardiac arrest/event (not heart attack). The doctors cannot tell for sure, as there are no signs of any heart damage/deficiencies. The heart went into a cardiac arrhythmia known as a ventricular fibrillation. This is where the heart does not work in a “pumping” rhythmic fashion. This could be due to any number of circumstances, but when you are doing an extreme activity such as a marathon, your body is put under many stresses. One possible explanation is a lack of electrolytes which in combination with the stresses of a marathon, made the brain’s signals to the heart fail.
As a result of the cardiac arrhythmia Tym’s brain, heart and lungs stopped functioning. The CPR that was performed (thanks to our heroes) sustained Tym’s life until the EMTs arrived with the defibrillator. The defibrillator shocked Tym’s heart back into a regular beat. As a result of having to be on CPR for an extended period (~13 minutes) there was a lack of adequate oxygen for Tym’s brain. During CPR there is a reduced amount of oxygen in the breaths as well as a reduced blood circulation. Both of these contribute to Anoxic Brain Injury (ABI).
More information on the cardiac arrhythmia can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiac_arrhythmia
Common questions and answers regarding Anoxic Brain Injuries:
http://dreamwater.org/souls2/anoxic1d.htm
October 4th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
You guys are doing a wonderful job with this website keeping all of us that love Tym up to date. Thank you!
As far as caring for Tym, he could not be in better hands and I’m sure he knows that. I love you all.
Tym - Every time I tie the laces of my running shoes I think of you and know that your strength will get you through this. Just one suggestion - how about learning some Neil Young songs instead of Neil Diamond? Just kidding…sing whatever you like, just keep singing and make it loud!
Virtual Hugs until I can be there in person.
(Aunt)Peggy
October 4th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Jeremy and family -
Thanks SO much for this most recent posting with diagnosis information. It answers so many of the questions we had. AND it helps us know how to pray more specifically, both for Tym AND for you!
Tym - we’re still on this journey with you, brother! Your kids are doing an amazing job. And we’re praying for God’s complete healing and restoration from this, as well as patience for the process. Don’t be like Keith! (HA HA HA) Listen to what everyone’s telling you to do! And do it to the best of your ability! Remember that you’re in the Lords’ hands!
We love you gobs and gobs!
Joyfully,
Debra and Keith
October 4th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Thanks, Jeremy, for posting this information about Anoxic Brain Injury. It really helps to know what your Dad is up against, and that he’s doing rather well, considering what could have happened from this ABI. Thank you also for this website. You are so kind to do this for us.
And Tym, enough with the Neil Diamond! You want to get better, don’t you?
But seriously, I think you are amazing! The progress you’ve made in just the last week, wow! Keep fighting, friend.
Love, Diana
October 22nd, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Hi Tym
We are all missing you here at Aerospace/VAFB. Carol came back today and now everyone is asking “when is Tym coming back?” We are all happy when we know you are getting good care and progressing so well. Everyone asks about you all the time. I pray that God will answer all the prayers that are being said for you. Take care my friend.
Martha Webb
September 28th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Jeremy thanks for providing this Anoxic Brain Injury information. Yes i am not your nearest but still feel like there is something similar within us as way back one of my nearest friend had also gone through this deadliest disease of anoxic brain injury, and at that time i was with him all throughout his hospital stay.
I know how a anoxic brain injury patient goes through various medical treatments and lot of pain and troublesome situation. May god help Tym a lot to come out this painful situation.
Take Care
Mike