Hi everyone,

Yep an out of cycle blog means something has happened. I’m barely able to type, but I felt it absolutely necessary that I update everyone on what’s happening.

Yesterday morning, without warning, I started vomiting. At the same time my speech began to slur, my eyes were darting all about, I couldn’t stand on my legs they were so unsteady and I told Mommy my head was ‘spinning’. My wonderful Mommy was immediately galvanised into action and Dr Nicoletta was called. She examined me and immediately ordered an EEG and an MRI. By now Dad had also joined us, and as a formidable team that only my Mommy and Daddy can achieve we went through the process of establishing what’s wrong with me. Prof Fourie was also immediately notified and between him and Dr Nicoletta some scenarios were arrived at, one of which is that my AVM may actually have closed on its own (good thing in the long run) but the suddenness of it caused major blood back pressure on my brain emulating what can be described as a stroke.

I was given some sedation, and we headed off to Olivedale to see Gugu who would do my EEG, and it was someone that Nicoletta recommended. Dad roared through the traffic and expertly got us there in one piece. I still wasn’t asleep, but drowsy. Gugu decided to proceed regardless, and on the scans she noted when I moved. I felt funny with almost 50 probes attached to my head, and every now and again a strobe light was flashed into my eyes, strobing at differing intervals. I just got down to the business of playing with my iPad, and giggling at Dad, for he was holding me but wearing sunglasses and had his eyes squeezed shut behind them!

The scan didn’t reveal anything untoward, and at the offices Mommy met an old school friend, Lea, who is now also a neurologist (but for big people unfortunately). Quick hellos and hugs were exchanged and we were on the road again, this time to Morningside Medi-Clinic. There I would undergo my MRI. I fell fast asleep in the car, and Daddy dropped me and Mommy off for my MRI, as Dad was going to race through to Sunninghill Hospital to give my EEG scans to Dr Aduc, my paediatric neurologist.

I woke up with a huge start as the MRI machine fired up and despite being full of sedation drugs I couldn’t fall asleep again. Dad arrived back Sunninghill and together with Mom he tried coo’ing me to sleep, to no avail. Eventually Mom and Dad decided to pop me in the car and tour around Sandton and Morningside to try lull me to sleep. I was on such a high that I chatted incoherently much to the amusement of my Mommy and Daddy. I even sang to the iPod with my own rendition of lyrics. It was some major comic relief for all of us under the dire circumstances. Unfortunately the objective wasn’t achieved, so we headed back to Morningside MC.

Back at radiology Mommy decided to climb into the MRI machine with me to keep me still. Unfortunately I’m a really little guy and keeping still is just not in my repertoire. Mommy sang to me, I sang with. Mommy coo’ed me, I coo’ed too. My gripped my shoulders and head, I giggled. At the control room Dad, Nicky and the radiologist were watching the scans appear. They were completely blurred – in one scan I even had three skulls!

Despite the blurred images the radiologist confirmed that he couldn’t make out any major bleeding or haemorrhaging. There also wasn’t any water on the brain. However, my team need a clearer image of my brain, so I’m going back to Morningside MC this afternoon for a MRI under general anaesthetic.

I had a really rough night, and when I woke up I’d lost the ability to walk. I can crawl however, and I’m hoping it’s only short term. My speech is not completely incoherent, but I still find it very difficult to speak without slurring my words.

To all my wonderful fans, a big big thank you! Mom and Dad couldn’t stop talking about all the wonderful messages, prayers, wishes, thoughts, light and love that was being sent my way via Twitter, Facebook, email and SMS. The offers of support and help from absolute strangers was stunning. People we’d never met before were offering to drive around for us, do our shopping, feed our animals, etc. Our hearts are swollen with gratitude, and our throats have a lump in them. Thank you everyone. Also a special thank you to Claire for arriving at Morningside MC ready to collect our house keys to take charge of things at home. You may not know it, but Granny is staying with us and is bedridden and immobile from having an operation on her feet earlier in the week. When Claire heard this she was ready to go and look after Granny! Fortunately we were able to get home just after dark and tend to Granny and the animals.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers over the next few days as information unfolds, and that I recover from this episode.

Love,

Jarrod

Photo 1 Getting an EEG done

9 Comments on A Major Scare

  1. Sharon says:

    I’m keeping you in my prayers big boy. You are SO brave and you have very very special parents. They are amazing, no wonder you are such an awesome kid. Hang in there, keep fighting and be strong. I have no doubt that God has surrounded you with His biggest and strongest Angels and they are fighting to keep you safe so you can heal completely. Lots of love and hugs xxxx

  2. I have just found this blog on twitter. Little Jared, you and your parents will be in my prayers. God’s love and light onto you all.

  3. Linda says:

    I agree with Sharon .. you are all so amazing and such an inspiration to many. Hang in there precious family. Praying that this setback will be turned around for good, and that every part of Jarrod’s body will soon function perfectly as God intended it to. Much love and special hugs and kisses for our brave boy.xxx

  4. Karin says:

    Praying for you brave little Jarrod. Big hugs to your wonderful parents. xx

  5. Lyn Temlett says:

    Hi little Jarrod – such a very special name. My son’s name is Jared. Really the same as yours just a teeny spelling difference. He is an amazing sportsman and is a tennis coach. He has been to the USA and played tennis with some of the big shots – even that really hot blonde girl that looks more like a model. He says he could not keep his eye on the ball playing with her ha ha – I guess you will understand when you are bigger!! So, I think the two Jarrod/Jared’s must get together when you are better and a little older and you can have some tennis lessons from a really cool coach 🙂 Praying for you big boy, and for your Mom and Dad. You are all so very brave. I would love to hear you singing to the ipod one day – Daddy can’t you post a voice recording for Jarrod’s friends?? Would be so nice to hear your little voice Jarrod 🙂

  6. Cazpi says:

    O my word – poor sausage! I am so sorry I missed this yesterday. Our prayers are with you and your family right now. Sending love and light

  7. Yolandi says:

    Good luck to the three of you; I’m sure all will be fine! The angels are watching you and guiding teh doctors. Sleep it off over the weekend! Kindest Yolandi

  8. stacey says:

    hey pumpkin….u take care and bounce back to love that awesome mom and dad u have. Prayers, love, light, hugs ad kisses.

  9. Brent Lindeque says:

    Hey Jarrod,
    You sound like the most incredible kid in the world… and the bravest. You, your mom & dad are in my thoughts & prayers.
    Get better soon boytjie & if you guys need anything – you have one more guy part of your support group!
    x

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