Vagus Nerve

So after Kaybri's whole ordeal last week, we sought out two different doctors for answers and they seem to agree that what had happened to cause her fainting was a Vagus Nerve Stimulation. The Vagus Nerve runs from the brain stem down through the neck and eventually reaching the abdomen. When she threw up, it stimulated this nerve causing the heart to slow down and then for her to faint. We've learned that many factors can stimulate this nerve such as persistent hiccups, vomiting, rapid swallowing, stress, difficult bowel movement, urination and more. These things can possibly cause her heart to slow or even, in rare cases, stop. At this point, the doctors do not seem overly concerned. The only thing that appears to cause this stimulation in Kaybri is vomiting. There doesn't seem to be any necessary treatments or anything. Our best suggestion is to simply lay her flat with her chin up (to give her a good airway) and let her heart rate pick up. If the heart stops (although it is unlikely) initiate CPR and call 911. . . Just another thing to keep us on our toes I guess!

Another Engagement

Sunday I received a phone call from my sister, Kelsie, announcing her engagement to her boyfriend, Paul. She is currently living in Cedar City going to school and that is where they met. I really don't have many details to share at this point, but I'm pretty sure I am going to be one busy person this fall with all the wedding planning but that is okay. I'm excited for them!

CONGRATULATIONS TO PAUL & KELSIE!!

Shaky Hands

With Joss' family, we gathered last night for a small town country concert. Trista and her boyfriend Scott arrived several minutes late. They were both blushing. I told them not to be embarrassed, that it hadn't really started yet and that they didn't miss anything. Trista just laughed and looked down anxiously at her very shaky hands. A beautiful diamond ring on her finger (the picture doesn't do it justice!) Congratulations to Trista and Scott on their engagement. I hope Trista might be able to find time to start her own blog and share the whole story of the proposal with us. (hint hint, Trista!)

Ambulance Ride

Yesterday I was quite sick and had symptoms of stomach flu. It came on VERY fast and today I felt quite a bit better but still had the "hang-over" type of feeling. I finally managed to get in the shower around 11 AM. During my shower, Joss burst through the door with Kaybri in his arms and she was vomiting. I felt really bad that I had past on whatever stomach bug I had been dealing with. Just then, she began to fade out of consciousness. Joss shook her a little to awaken her and she puked a little more and fainted again. All at once she turned a blue/gray color (one color I know all too well from experiences with Brody). We called 911 and an ambulance soon arrived and rushed her to the hospital. Joss rode with and I trailed behind in the car. When I arrived, she was awake and seemed to be feeling a little better. They ran blood tests and determined that she didn't have any bacteria or viral illness. They proceeded to do a CT Scan of her brain which came back clear. Then they listened to her heart but didn't do any formal testing. We were released to take her home. She was feeling much better but we still don't know why it happened and whether or not we can expect this type of thing to happen again... As she lay in Joss' arms unconscious and blue, we couldn't help but think of Brody and wonder if he was trying to call her home to heaven. She looked HORRIBLE! As of right now, she is playing and eating and acts as though nothing ever happened. I'm oddly disturbed by the fact that they didn't find any cause for concern. My instincts tell me otherwise! This incident was very unexplainable and I can't help but feel that it will likely happen again. Lets hope I'm wrong!!

Kaybri's Struggles

Last week marked 3 months since Brody died. The past week or so has been quite difficult on our family. We've all been a little edgy and easily discouraged. I guess that is to be expected. The hardest part of all is watching Kaybri struggle with everything. She has been easily upset the past week. She goes through unexplained crying spells and has a hard time leaving mine or Joss' side. Its really heartbreaking to see. The worst part is that I have no idea how to help her. We have always been sure to discuss Brody with her often to keep his memory alive. In his room, his bed is still made up with the same blankets as the night he died. Kaybri has asked me if she can sit in his bed for a while and I let her in hopes that it will help her feel some peace. She frequently asks to go to the cemetery to visit his grave and so, of course, we do. I'm just not sure what to do for her poor little broken heart. Help! :(