Andrea Pearl Updates

 Andrea is MUCH better today compared to the past few days. She is awake though very drowsy and was able to lift her left arm and leg on her own.  This is significant as it shows she is able to follow commands. Responsive is good! The occupational therapist asked if she liked music.  Hmmm . . . um . . . YEAH! He played some Billie Holiday, a longtime influence for Andrea.  Looking forward to hearing about more interactions between Andrea and OT.  Wonderful that the OT now knows she loves music and is a singer. : ) Let there be songs to fill the air. Good night all! Barbara

 So last night Andrea was moved to ICU due to increased swelling in her brain.  She was given a 3% saline IV drip to reduce swelling. This morning the doctors recommended immediate surgery to relieve swelling in her brain.  The surgical team told us the surgery went as well as it could go. For now, Andrea will remain in the ICU. She is stable and her vitals look good.  The doctors are happy so far with the post-surgical scans.  That's all for today.  We are very hopeful the surgery will result in Andrea's condition returning to how it was the middle of last week.  We shall see what tomorrow brings. Our family truly appreciates the outpouring of love and support from so many of you.   Barbara

 Well . . . Andrea has been moved back to ICU.  She has been sleeping a lot the last couple days.   Her last CT scan revealed increased swelling in the brain. She will be treated again with IV 3% Saline drip to reduce the swelling.  In ICU she will be closely monitored.   I have faith my sister will turn this around with continued treatment and get back truckin' on.  We are so fortunate to have Laura and Ed on the front lines. And, we are so grateful to have a dear family friend with decades of experience in hospitals facilitating our understanding of Andrea's condition and treatment. Please keep her in your prayers and send positive healing vibes for her recovery. Time to hang it up and see what tomorrow brings.   Barbara

Andrea is still pretty tired, though she is continuing to show signs of improvement.   Many of you know Andrea and Ed are fantastic cooks and always looking for new ideas and creations. Today Ed read recipes to Andrea while she was resting.  She kept nodding her head in response to those she wanted to try. Also, when Ed told her some friends had brought him risotto - she said "Awww". It seems like her strength is beginning to return slowly - she gripped Ed's hand tightly today. It will be a while before she is back to her usual self.  So happy she is progressing - even just a little bit is positive.   One day at a time . . . this is temporary. For now, Andrea is headed in the right direction. Thanks for all the love and support! Barbara P.S. Don't be alarmed if I miss a day on the blog here and there.  

 Thank you all for your prayers and healing vibes.  It seems to have had a positive effect. Andrea was moved out of ICU to a step-down unit this afternoon.  And she seems to be more alert.  She responded coherently to comments from someone on the phone. And, when the nurse asked for her name she yelled "Andrea".  This is excellent news.  Though she is frustrated by her inability to fully communicate.  She even tried to answer an email using her IPad! That's all for today.  Barbara

Our sister Laura was at the hospital this afternoon with Andrea.  We Facetimed for a few minutes. Her color looked good and she was responsive. Ed and Laura continue to be champions as bedside companions - taking turns visiting.  The hospital is strictly enforcing its policy of one visitor per day due to COVID, so Facetime was nice to add in another familiar face. The team is closely monitoring Andrea's blood pressure and administering medication as appropriate to stabilize it.   Andrea is doing well - she had a diagnostic angiogram today under general anesthesia.  We do not yet have a full report, though the doctors were able to rule out a genetic abnormality or malformation as a cause.  The doctor who performed the test said this is a step in the right direction. That is all for today. Namaste, Barbara

 Today Andrea is about the same as yesterday.  Her condition remains stable.  She is still considered to be "critical" and is monitored closely in the neuro ICU. Ed was with her today and let me say a few words to her.  She is not saying much though she did smile.  The doctor told us it is normal for her speech to be minimal at some points during the day and more active at other times.  She had a lot of questions for the doctor today, though her ability to communicate verbally is not great. That's all for today. Thank you for your prayers and healing vibes! Barbara

 Happy to report we now have someone "inside" - a member of the extended family is a patient aide at AGH. Ed was at the hospital with Andrea today.  He said Andrea's color is much better today than it was Friday.  Her vitals have been normal. And, she is moving her right leg much better.  This is very good news! She did not get much rest yesterday and fortunately today she has had the whole day to rest.   The bleeding has not stopped, though the IV 3% Saline drip and Mannitol are continuing to be administered.  She is stable though critical while still bleeding.  If for any reason the pressure increases too much in her brain, the doctors are prepared to perform a procedure to drain and thus relieve pressure.  The doctors do not currently feel this is necessary. I understand from very experienced people in the Pittsburgh medical community that AGH is one of the two top places in Pittsburgh to be treated for stroke as AGH has excellent neurosur...

I spoke to Andrea briefly yesterday afternoon.  She laughed when I told her she did not have to be so dramatic if she wanted attention.  Though it was hard for me to understand her, she surely understood my joke. Later in the day she was not as alert and was sent for another CT scan. She needs more attentive care for now and was moved back to Neuro ICU last night.  Her CT last night showed more bleeding in the brain and she needs to be monitored more closely than she would be outside the ICU.   She had another CT scan early this morning and fortunately her condition has stabilized.  She is being treated with 3% Saline IV fluids and Mannitol.  The treatment is to reduce swelling and pressure in and around the brain.  As long as she remains stable, she will continue to receive the treatments and it is expected she will be more alert once the brain swelling subsides. Ed and Laura are taking turns at the hospital so Pearl is not all alone.  ...

 January 21st, 2022 Hello everyone,      This will be updated daily as to Andrea's progress. Thank you for all of your support.