Nick VV's Road to Recovery and Restoration

On the evening of April 26, 2022, Nick,  and his wife, Carly were relaxing after a long day of work, when Nick felt a significant cramp in his neck which moved to his back and down his leg.  He tried to walk it off but became weak in his right leg and had pain in his arms. He sat down and was unable to get up or walk again.

 

Once at the hospital, Nick was diagnosed with an Aortic Dissection (a split in the largest artery in the body) and immediately transferred to the University of Minnesota hospital —with plans to send him straight into surgery.  Carly was told by the nurse to call his parents so they could say goodbye.

 

They found the dissection started in the carotid artery (in his neck) to the aortic arch (at his heart), down to the common iliac artery (in his right groin).  As a result, several injuries occurred, including cutting the blood supply to his right leg.  In surgery, they were able to restore blood flow to his leg with a bypass.  But because of the aortic dissection, several of Nick’s organs were adversely affected, and then failed to function properly.

 

The day following surgery, it was painful and difficult for him to talk. The thing he said most was “thank you” when people did anything for him.  That night Nick became unresponsive and lethargic and the doctors decided to sedate him to allow his body to “re-set”.   He then lapsed into a coma.

 

A brain MRI revealed multiple small embolisms in his brain and organs.  Unfortunately, these have caused several complications to his recovery.  He has had numerous tests, a couple more surgeries, a tracheotomy and respirator, feeding tube,  and innumerable medications to keep him stable. 

One evening, Carly watched and alerted the ICU staff something was wrong on his monitor.  He was suffering tachycardia, and his heart needed to be shocked back into rhythm.  This was followed by 2 other times in atrial fibrillation.   Nick's parents, and our family have sat with him every minute we are allowed, and we are so thankful Carly was there.  He is allowed just 2 visitors per day.

 

Today is May 29, and Nick began waking from his coma several days ago.  He has made some progress but has consistently been met with new challenges.  He remains at the University of Minnesota Hospital.  When his temperature and heart rhythms are normal, he will be moved to a rehabilitation hospital to begin his journey of hard work to restoration.

 

Nick is a fun-loving, generous, intelligent man – probably the nicest person you’d ever meet. He is a son, brother, husband, favorite uncle, and one of the best friends anyone could ask for.  His family, friends, and co-workers could not love him more, and we all want him to heal quickly.

 

We have been asked by so many how they can help Nick and Carly at this time, and we are so grateful.  We know that his long recovery will challenge him in more ways than one, but we hope that the burden of his looming medical bills won’t be so heavy with some financial support.   Just the bill for the ICU room is north of $300,000.  That doesn't include the rehabilitation hospital, or the specialists: radiologists, nephrologists, cardiologists, neurologists, pulmonologists, hemotologists, physical therapists, infection and wound care specialists, and their tests, x-rays, equipment,  MRIs and CTscans.

 

We are already so grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and well-wishes from everyone who has reached out.  We can’t thank you enough.  It will be a long road to recovery and restoration for Nick and Carly, but we appreciate your help. 

 

If you would like more information about Nick's journey, please visit https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nickvanveldhuizen/journal