Chris Bergeson’s Medical Expenses

On December 5th Chris and Fuzzy went into the ER. Chris had been dealing with a headache behind her eyes for the better part of a week. Upon her right eye not functioning correctly on December 5th there was question if a tooth infection on her top right side had been what was effecting her eye.

A CT scan revealed an aneurysm and roughly 15 minutes later she received an MRI revealing that between the CT and MRI, said aneurysm had ruptured.

She was immediately transferred to Abbott arriving around 3am and at about 7:30 she had brain surgery to coil the aneurysm and put in a drain line to elevate pressure from the blood and fluid in and around her brain.

She remains in stable but critical condition. The aneurysm itself is no longer a threat to Chris.

Currently her right eye is not dilating and does not respond when wiped. We’re told that the longer this function takes to return, the more likely it won’t return at all.

They attempted to pull her off sedation yesterday (6th) but she attempted to pull out her tubes, was breathing over the vent and began having tremors.

She was put back on sedation.

They have her hooked up to an EEG which reportedly will monitor particularly over the span of 48 hours. This will hopefully help them understand what is causing the tremors and they can hopefully address that before pulling her off sedation.

Today (7th) doctors and nurses are working towards getting her off of sedation and mitigating her pain levels while she continues to get the rest and recovery she so desperately needs. Her drain in her head will continue to be a part of her recovery to alleviate pressure by draining excess fluid.

He family continues to support and monitor from her bedside.

While she is stable but critical, the family remains optimistic. We are in agreement that if stubbornness or determination were factors, there’s no one stronger. She proved that when she attempted to breathe over the ventilator and she continues to fight even the simple things like when the nurse attempts to bend her legs individually at the knee.

While each of the family could go on and on about the nitty gritty specifics on just how strong and stubborn Chris is, it continues to be a consistent bottom line: this quality was sometimes a pain in the butt but it’s a quality we’re dang thankful for right now.

I’ll say that my reason for writing this isn’t because I’m well versed medically or that I’m qualified in any amazing way. My hope is to anticipate the needs in the coming days.

It is a way that I can add value. Processing and articulating the picture that involves the lengthy road to recovery for Chris the many hats Daniel (Fuzzy) continues to wear between supporting her and running things at home with and for Isaiah and Lindsey. How work will also factor in out of financial necessity.

Prayer request needs are as follows:

The need for prayer for the medical team as they attempt to understand Chris’ medical history and navigate her care.

Prayers for Chris in her recovery journey. That they can mitigate her pain levels. That there would be improvement in her right eye. Prayers that she would get the rest she needs and that she would respond positively to the medications and physical therapy in the coming days.

Prayer for sustainment for her children and their spouses.

Many of her children are dealing with the familiarity of Abbott and the traumas they experienced there watching Chris fight for her life previously. It has made things particularly difficult this time around as old wounds open and attempting to process everything that has taken place over the last 24 hours.

Prayers that the family can process the copious amounts of information they’re taking in regularly but that they can also get some needed sleep.

Prayers for the conversations that are being had with grandchildren in the uncertainty; for their hearts. That the Lord would comfort them as only He can.

Prayers that the family would continue to rest in The Truth that God is in control. God is still on The Throne and He’s in the miracle business.

There is also a financial need. Soon the medical bills will begin to pour in. The time off of work for Daniel (Fuzzy), the minimum of 3 weeks in the ICU, the physical therapy, the dental infection, etc.

With that said, if you’ve taken the time to read this far, Thank you. Thank you for choosing to walk through the hard with Chris, Fuzzy and our family. Thank you for your support in the ways you are able to come along side us.

Lastly, please take a moment to hug your loved ones. As we’ve watched most recently, things can happen in seconds.

Choose to have the hard conversations. Ask the questions to understand one another rather than to simply respond. Pursue broken relationships with the intention of making them healthy.

If we’re not adding value, we’re wasting time. And as some of us reflect on time, it has slipped by.

(The family made the decision out of respect, not to use a picture of a Chris in the hospital because they felt she wouldn’t want it shared.)