Emma Velasquez Valenzuela’s Recovery and Healing

It has been a long road for my grandmother, Emma Valenzuela.  On January 6, 2021 our lives were forever changed when she had a cardiac arrest while shopping with her daughter Erica and granddaughter Erinn.  She went without oxygen as anticipated by the medics for 18-20 minutes, but it felt like a lifetime for us. After arrival to the hospital there were multiple health issues found such as a large tumor the size of a bowling ball on her bladder,  low blood pressure and irregular heart rhythm.  She immediately was placed in ICU on a ventilator and a hypothermia machine to try to preserve her brain cells that were damaged during the blood flow of oxygen to her brain.  After two weeks in ICU, lots of prayers and tears Grandma had still not woken up from her coma. The Dr.  advised the family to make a decision of possibly taking her off the ventilator as they had no hope that she would be any different than what we were seeing. The next morning I received a call from the Dr. that she was awake, alert and following commands such as sticking her tongue out, wiggling her toes and blinking her eyes. Her Dr. then advised us to get a trache and peg tube placed on her as som as possible and she received them both that afternoon.  4 weeks went by and there were good days and bad days. She was progressing with physical and occupational therapy, and her blood pressure would have an influx up and down. After running a stress test they found that there was no need for a heart stint as she had no blockage. Her Dr.’s couldn’t understand how she was able to even do what she was doing, but we all know that was God working his miracles on her as he still is.  After 7 weeks in the hospital the case manager was ready to see what the next steps were. After getting denied by multiple rehab facilities from insurance due to her age we found one that was willing to work with her to help her progress in New Iberia. She was transferred there on February 25th at 7:30 pm. On Friday, February 26th I received a call from the rehab facility that her oxygen levels dropped and the ambulance was picking her up. My heart dropped as I did not know what to expect. She was transferred to Iberia General medical center. Upon arrival there they stated that her trache was full of mucous plugs which was blocking her airway and caused her oxygen levels to drop severely. They also completed a full body scan and x rays which showed that she had pneumonia and a urinary tract infection. They immediately began to treat her for these. She also received an angiogram that stated there was no blockage or issues of her heart. The ICU team there was amazing and helped her progress daily with such motivation. She started receiving speech therapy here and I too worked with her on speech daily during my visits. After 3 weeks of being at Iberia general she received a speaking valve and I was able to hear her voice again after 10 long weeks! I am so grateful I was able to spend this time with her as I sat and told her about everything going on and I was able to pray with her on our daily visits. It was amazing and such a blessing from GOD! She also started telling me about everyone and asking questions. She remembered everyone and had no memory loss. What a miracle she is! The case manager began to work on the next steps which was for her to finally be able to come home with us and receive  home health consisting of skilled nursing, physical Therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy weekly. She was discharged on Monday, March 22nd to come home. We set up a room for her which has a hospital bed and all her medical equipment required for her such as an oxygen machine,  oxi pulse, trache suctioning machine,  wheelchair, peg tube feedings and all her equipment for therapy.  We also received training on trache and peg tubes before returning home.  After being home a week Grandma had a severe oxygen drop and another mucous plug on Saturday, March 27th.  The ambulance brought her into the hospital and she has been admitted to stay a few days to ensure her lungs are back healthy after still having some pneumonia and ensuring her mucous and congestion has improved. Her oxygen levels are back stable as well as all of her vitals.  We are praying to take her back home and continue with home health. We are so thankful and blessed for all of you who have helped with prayers, purchasing items, meals and financial assistance as this has been a blessing for our families. Please continue to pray for positive improvements and progress!  We still have more medical equipment to purchase, monthly medication,  items needed for every day cleaning and toiletries, and assistance for nurses and CNA’s to assist.  We all appreciate the love and support as well as numerous prayers from you all! We love you all and are so grateful to have such an amazing loving family! She is such a loving Christian woman who loves her family more than anything!