Precious Harper Madison Tidwell

In the beginning of September 2016, it was business as usual at the Tidwell house. Kaylix was excited to be in Kindergarten, Harper feeling full of life attending Pre-K, and Darby ruling the roost as always, all the while Mom and Dad were trying to keep a handle on sanity, juggling work and family life (as most of us parents do). No one could predict and even now can imagine what the following weeks would have in store.

Harper developed a rash, on the palms of her hands and feet, her elbows, bends of her knees and ankles mid-September. Treating the irritation and itching over the next week, the rash seemed to go away.

Following the rash, Harper began waking up through the night, complaining of a headache and later of lower leg and foot pain. Her days began to include more naps than normal and her not playing with others as normal. With the thought that her inability to get a good nights rest was contributing to her fatigue, along with her description of her headache being very specific (across her forehead), it was time to seek medical advice. A trip to the pediatrician left everyone waiting on test results. Fortunately they were all normal. Unfortunately, there continued to be no explanation for the nighttime headaches and leg pain.

Not too many days later, Harper's symptoms seemed to get worse. A trip to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital provided an opportunity for additional blood tests, intravenous fluids (fluids directly into the veins), and multiple scans and x-rays. Again, all returned as normal leading to a soft diagnosis of "growing pains". Matt, Chelsea, and Harper left for home with directions to manage the symptoms with stretching, warm baths, and Tylenol/Ibuprofen.

Unfortunately, the symptoms continued. Harper continued to experience significant fatigue, wanting to sleep or at least lay down most of the day, and her nights were filled with outbursts of tears, complaining of the same headaches and now what she described as foot pain.

Matt and Chelsea knew something else was going on with their little girl Harper, other than growing pains as diagnosed days before. Their previously playful and a little bit bashful 4 year old middle child was now withdrawn, refusing to interact, not wanting to eat or drink without encouragement, and no one could explain why.

So enough was enough. With a resolve to find an answer, whatever it may be, they return to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. More intravenous fluids and additional tests including a lumbar puncture (needle placed in the spine to collect fluid that circulates around the spine and brain), MRI of the head, and cardiac workup (echocardiogram and lab tests specific for the heart), finally started to provide a direction in which to focus. According to the MRI, Harper had suffered multiple ischemic strokes (an obstruction in the blood vessels in the brain) on the left side of her brain, one significantly larger than the other two. Cerebral spinal fluid was obtained and sent for testing. Something was causing the vessels in her brain to be inflamed, but as of yet, we still don't know what that is.

Harper was placed on a ventilator (breathing machine) and an external ventricular drain (a small tube placed inside the brain) was placed to drain cerebral spinal fluid if needed and to monitor intracranial pressures (the pressure inside the head). Both of these are precautionary since Harper continues to breathe on her own and her pressures remain normal as of now. She is sedated to allow the medications to work and for her to begin to heal. All efforts are to support her until the results of multiple tests come back with hopefully some answers. They are treating every possible cause and staying by her side every hour of the day and night.

One of the things said to the family as Harper's time in the intensive care unit began yesterday, "There will be highs and there will be lows throughout her time here. Don't let the highs be too high and the lows be too low." In essence, you're about to experience a roller coaster of emotions; some by the minute, others by the hour or day. Try to keep it all in perspective because riding the coaster will leave you so fatigued and ultimately depleted, you'll not able to help your daughter get through this. Definitely easier said than done but that statement has been repeated by everyone in the family at one time or another. And that has been the reason for this site. So Matt and Chelsea aren't having to experience each roller coaster incline, drop and turn multiple times while they repeat updates to those that care so much and want to help.

So watch for updates and leave messages if you'd like. This family is loved by so many. Prayers from all over the world are being sent up on Harper's behalf and that of the family. Please continue to pray for the hands that are caring for Harper so that they have wisdom and knowledge beyond measure. This trip doesn't come with a roadmap...so we'll have to deal with whatever happens along the Way.