Support for Brenda
Donation protected
On Monday, May 11th, 2015, Brenda Harrell went into the hospital to undergo a minimally invasive surgery to place a gastric sleeve on her stomach. While in surgery, the surgeons found that the surgery would actually be more invasive than they had originally planned. Due to a past surgery to repair a hernia, scar tissue had formed causing complications. Consequently, there were more things to be done. While in the hospital, despite the complications, Brenda remained optimistic and was able to walk unassisted despite the pain. At this point, things started to look up. Brenda remained in the hospital after completion of the surgery until Thursday, May 14th, when she was released from the hospital to go home. Brenda remained at home, optimistic to complete the recovery process and get back to doing things she loved and caring for her two daughters and her husband.
On the night of Tuesday, May 19th, she was taken to a local hospital by ambulance after becoming disoriented and dizzy. The hypothesis was that she may be dehydrated due to her finally getting the rest that she needed, and not having as much fluid intake. At the local ER, they found that she was, in fact, dehydrated, and a decision was made for her to be transported back to Baptist Memorial Hospital for further evaluation and treatment due to the fact that she had recently undergone surgery there, and her surgeons could keep a closer eye on her.
Upon arrival to Baptist Memorial Hospital, she went through several tests in an attempt to determine the cause of her sudden illness. A CT scan revealed a Pulmonary Embolism (blood clot in the lung). In addition, an echocardiogram revealed multiple clots in the Right Ventricle (bottom right portion) of her heart. A decision was made to admit her to the hospital give her blood thinners and fluids to hopefully improve the situation.
Due to the fact that she had recently undergone a surgery, she was ineligible to receive the clot busting agent, because it could cause more complications. On the night of Wednesday, May 20th, she was taken into surgery again, to use a suction technique remove the blood clots. During the surgery, complications arose. Her heart and lungs began to diminish, therefore she was placed on an ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) machine, which acts as the heart and lungs when they are incapable of function on their own. She now remains on the ECMO machine in the Transplant Intensive Care Unit. They are planning to eventually titrate her down to "wean" her off of the machine. Time is of the essence at this point, and there is no doubt that she is in good hands.
The doctors have provided excellent care during this unexpected time, and we are hopeful that she will make a full recovery.
I have created this page to accept donations in order to help with the expense of medical bills and for her husband, Casey, who has been so supportive throughout this journey and has remained by her side every step. As we know, nothing is cheap at a hospital, and expense adds up. Brenda and Casey have 3 daughters, Lilly (5), Shelbie (17), and Lahela (20), who are dealing with these things as well, and are having to be apart from their parents during these circumstances. I am not one to beg, but ANY support is appreciated, whether it be moral, financial, emotional.. etc. HOWEVER, most importantly, I'm asking for prayers. I believe that there is nothing more important than the power of prayer, and with God, nothing is impossible. Brenda is such a fighter and there is no doubt in my mind that she will get through this. There is a Facebook page set up called 'Prayers for Brenda Booker Harrell' where updates are being posted as they are learned. Thanks in advance!
Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV) "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
On the night of Tuesday, May 19th, she was taken to a local hospital by ambulance after becoming disoriented and dizzy. The hypothesis was that she may be dehydrated due to her finally getting the rest that she needed, and not having as much fluid intake. At the local ER, they found that she was, in fact, dehydrated, and a decision was made for her to be transported back to Baptist Memorial Hospital for further evaluation and treatment due to the fact that she had recently undergone surgery there, and her surgeons could keep a closer eye on her.
Upon arrival to Baptist Memorial Hospital, she went through several tests in an attempt to determine the cause of her sudden illness. A CT scan revealed a Pulmonary Embolism (blood clot in the lung). In addition, an echocardiogram revealed multiple clots in the Right Ventricle (bottom right portion) of her heart. A decision was made to admit her to the hospital give her blood thinners and fluids to hopefully improve the situation.
Due to the fact that she had recently undergone a surgery, she was ineligible to receive the clot busting agent, because it could cause more complications. On the night of Wednesday, May 20th, she was taken into surgery again, to use a suction technique remove the blood clots. During the surgery, complications arose. Her heart and lungs began to diminish, therefore she was placed on an ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) machine, which acts as the heart and lungs when they are incapable of function on their own. She now remains on the ECMO machine in the Transplant Intensive Care Unit. They are planning to eventually titrate her down to "wean" her off of the machine. Time is of the essence at this point, and there is no doubt that she is in good hands.
The doctors have provided excellent care during this unexpected time, and we are hopeful that she will make a full recovery.
I have created this page to accept donations in order to help with the expense of medical bills and for her husband, Casey, who has been so supportive throughout this journey and has remained by her side every step. As we know, nothing is cheap at a hospital, and expense adds up. Brenda and Casey have 3 daughters, Lilly (5), Shelbie (17), and Lahela (20), who are dealing with these things as well, and are having to be apart from their parents during these circumstances. I am not one to beg, but ANY support is appreciated, whether it be moral, financial, emotional.. etc. HOWEVER, most importantly, I'm asking for prayers. I believe that there is nothing more important than the power of prayer, and with God, nothing is impossible. Brenda is such a fighter and there is no doubt in my mind that she will get through this. There is a Facebook page set up called 'Prayers for Brenda Booker Harrell' where updates are being posted as they are learned. Thanks in advance!
Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV) "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Organizer and beneficiary
Candace Harrell
Organizer
Bells, TN
Casey Harrell
Beneficiary