Sis. Dana Trachsel Collapses
Sunday the 28th of September at approximately 2:00 p.m. during our afternoon worship service, our Youth Pastor Steve Trachsel’s wife, Sis. Dana collapsed and lost all vital signs. After many attempts by our dedicated nursing staff and the use of CPR, Clawson Police with their defribillator, and the Lord’s intervention, they were able to revive her. As she was transported to the hospital she began to breath on her own.
Once they arrived at Beaumount Hospital in Royal Oak, she was immediately put on a ventilator and 100% oxygen; as her attempts at getting enough oxygen were not adequate. Tests revealed that she had dangerously low levels of potassium that could have contributed to her collapse and subsequent cardiac arrest. Doctors continue to run a battery of tests to narrow down the cause. In addition, they installed a port to allow an intravenous feed of saline solution to bring her core body temperature down. In addition, they are using an advanced form of cooling therapy called the Arctic Sun. Studies indicate this will prevent the brain and heart damage that could result with the cardiac arrest.
At approximately 6:00 p.m. Sis. Dana was no longer convulsing and was heavily sedated. They also admitted her to CCU (cardiac care unit) where she will be receiving around-the-clock care, and be closely monitored.
Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
Jeremiah 32:27
Visitation Guidelines
Effective immediately, ONLY IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS (Sis. Dana’s parents and Bro. Steve’s parents) WILL BE ALLOWED IN SIS. DANA’S ROOM. Recent developments in Sis. Dana’s care have resulted in stricter enforcement of the visitation policy. We’ve been requested by the family, as well as the hospital staff, to keep our visits to a maximum of 10 minutes. This is as a courtesy to the Trachsel and Campbell family, as well as the other families that occupy the waiting room whose relatives are also in the cardiac care unit and may not be doing so well. The Trachsels and Campbells appreciate all the visits and the support, and all are welcome to come to the waiting area, but please keep it to no more than 10 minutes. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
How You Can Help
In addition to prayer without ceasing, the following are some areas you can also be of help to Pastor Steve, Sis. Dana and their family…
-
Home Meals - Anyone interested in supplying Pastor Steve and Sis. Dana with dinners when she comehome, please sign up inthe foyer at the information desk. For questions contact Sis. Issy Ledbetter or Sis. MarcelBlaszyk.
-
Hospital Meals - Are no longer necessary. Snacks and drinks are welcomed, but Sis. Dana may be re-located soon and the excess meals won’t be necessary. See above bullet point about Home Meals which will be needed shortly.
-
Childrens’ Needs - If you’re able to donate the following items, please bring them to the church for those who are assisting with the care of the children.
-
Enfamil (Gentle Ease Powder Formula)
-
Diapers - Huggies Supreme Only Size 3 and Size 5 (other brands give them rashes)
-
Nursery Water for the baby bottles
-
Lincoln drinks Vitamin D Organic Milk
Thanks from the Family
The family wishes to thank each and everyone for their continued prayer, love, and support. We will try to provide details as they are available. The need for prayer is still paramount. Please continue to hold up Sis. Dana AND Bro. Steve Trachsel in your prayers during this very diffcult and traumatic time.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Rodger Mangold
Updates
(NOTE: New format - the updates are organized now from latest to oldest)
Additional Note About Updates
Please routinely visit this website for updates. I will put the date and time so you will be able to read up on the latest details of Sis. Dana’s recovery. With as many people that are praying, phone calls are not feasible, but this website will be as up-to-date as possible. Thanks for your understanding.
NEW 10.08.08 DANA’S GOING HOME!
Yes, you read it right…DANA’S GOING HOME TODAY! PRAISE THE LORD! His wonders never cease. She is doing so well, and we are so proud of her. Just 10 days after a total collapse and loss of all vitals, she’s heading home. Please keep her in our prayers. She has a long road to recovery ahead of her.
10.07.08 10:00 a.m. Dramatic Progress
I am so pleased to announce that Sis. Dana’s progress has been quite dramatic. Her procedure was a great success yesterday. She’s still resting comfortably, and is in good spirits today. I just spoke with Pastor Steve who was very upbeat about the progress Sis. Dana is making.
That being said, the updates may not be coming as frequently as they have been because as her condition stablizes, there will likely be less to report on. However, as she makes the transition to home soon, we will be utilizing this website to keep you informed as to not only her progress; we may even be able to have entries from her!
We will also have to coordinate a visiting schedule that will not be over-taxing to Sis. Dana. Rest is going to be the key to her overall recovery, in addition to our prayers, love and support. More on this in a later posting.
10.06.08 5:00 p.m. Procedure was a Success
Again, Sis. Dana has come through with flying colors. She is recovering nicely in her room in CCU. She is in slight pain, but nothing serious. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and concern. This may be the last update tonight. Please don’t stop praying for Sis. Dana and Bro. Steve. It’s working! Blessings!
10.06.08 8:30 a.m. Medical Procedure
As of this morning, Sis. Dana was in good spirits, and her vitals were all normal. Pending her vitals remain stable, she is due to have a medical procedure this morning at approximately 11 a.m. We’ve been asked to have everyone continue to pray earnestly for Sis. Dana’s continued recovery from the episode and from this procedure.
10.04.08 10:00 p.m. Minor Set-back
Sis. Dana had a rough morning. She had a bout with her heart rate dropping dangerously low while being given a shower. She went from being on a portable monitor to a permanent monitor. This caused a stricter enforcement of the visitation policy (see below). Nothing more prayer and rest won’t take care of.
10.04.08 11 a.m. Getting Better and Better
As of last night, Sis. Dana was walking and getting around with a little help. Only good reports have been coming out and we are so pleased at how far Sis. Dana has come in such a short time. Please continue to pray as stated in yesterday’s update. Blessings to each of you.
10.03.08 - 11:00 a.m. She’s Vertical
More great news coming out of Beaumont for our Sleeping Beauty - with help, she’s able to go to and from the bathroom. This is a MAJOR milestone! She’s still quite weak, but the fact that she’s able to walk, even with help, is a miracle!
10.03.08 - 8:30 a.m. Morning Check-in
Just spoke with Bro. Jacob Blaszyk (RN) and he stated Sis. Dana is doing well this morning. Her EKG results came back stellar. Her heart rate was still slightly elevated this morning so keep praying for that to come down. Pastor Steve is doing well too. He did go home this morning at about 6 a.m. to rest.
10.03.08 6:00 a.m. - Fish Sandwich and a Milk Shake?
As of last night Sis. Dana was still slowly improving, and we are so very grateful to the Lord for all He has done and has yet to do. Her appetite is returning. Yesterday she asked if she could have a fish sandwich and milk shake! Unfortunately, she is still only on soft foods and that will have to come later. NO contraband allowed. :)
Medically Speaking - All of the I.V.’s and the port that were previously put in for the saline have been removed, and the only medication Sis. Dana is on at the moment is Tylenol, and an anti-biotic to treat the pneumonia. In addition, the doctors have ordered an additional CT scan to further assess if there is any heart or brain damage as a result of her collapse. This cannot be done until her heart rate drops to a safer level.
Targeted Prayer Needed
As you continue to pray here are some specific things we need to pray for with regard to Sis. Dana’s recovery.
- Heart Rate - Sis. Dana’s heart rate is still elevated. It could be related to her condition or just be a result of her being excited to see family as they come to visit. The doctors do not want to medicate for this condition as her blood pressure is perfect and could adversely be affected by the medication. Pray that is will come back down to a safe level without the use of medication or any further procedures.
- Mobility and Motor Skills - She has yet to actually be able to get up and around. Please pray that her motor skills fully return and that the progress continues as the sedative wears off.
- Peace of Mind - There is still a great deal of uncertainty with the diagnosis and the prognosis. Pray that God grant not only Sis. Dana, but her entire family comfort, and a peaceful state of mind. As to be expected, Sis. Dana is given to emotional moments as she comes to terms with what has happened, and what may lie ahead in terms of recovery.
10.02.08 7:30 a.m. - The Barbie Doll of Beaumont
Just moments ago I spoke with Pastor Steve and he had more encouraging news about Sis. Dana’s condition.
- She apologized for what happened - Pastor Steve reassured her there was no apology necessary.
- She asked about the kids - How they were? Who were they with?
- She asked how this happened.
- When told she was going to get an EKG, she asked if it would hurt.
- She’s smiling alot, but with emotions is understandably prone to some tears.
- She’s has some minor pain in her neck, but other than that she is comfortable.
- Her nickname with the staff is, “Barbie Doll.” (I personally like “Sleeping Beauty” - RDM)
10.02.08 5:00 a.m. Ice Cream Anyone?
For the first time since Sunday’s horrific collapse, Sis. Dana has eaten something; ice cream! This may sound like a small miracle, but each step she takes toward recovery re-solidifies our faith in God and the power of prayer.
Speaking of prayer…Last night the Carson’s preached a dynamic message at church and we had awesome prayer for the family. This of course was in addition to the 24-hour prayer chain, and the prayer meetings we’ve had at Grace and other churches throughout the globe since the incident. The family has asked us again and again to NOT stop praying for Sis. Dana. Let’s do all we can to honor this request. It adds faith and power behind your prayer as you see each milestone met by Sis. Dana with such bravery and fortitude.
10.01.08 10:00 p.m. Sleeping Beauty Speaks!
More progress in Sis. Dana’s recovery! She was asked what her name was; she verbally responded correctly. When asked her childrens’ names she verbally responded as well. This is a tremendous step towards her recovery, but the urgency is still there for her COMPLETE recovery. Don’t stop praying please!
10.01.08 as of 5:30 p.m.
Sis. Dana’s condition has not changed. The doctors are waiting to see if she can converse. At this time she is not able to speak, but can understand what’s being said to her. She is still very slowly coming out from under sedation. It’s important to note…she is NOT out of the woods yet per the doctors and it’s VERY IMPORTANT that we continue to pray. The prayers are showing obvious results, but we absolutely must contiinue to pray and fast for her COMPLETE recovery and nothing short of that.
10.01.08 as of 9:30 a.m.
I just spoke with Pastor Steve, and finally, the tube has been removed! She is completely off the ventilator! Praise the Lord! Sis. Dana is still very groggy. Her heart rate is strong and she is breathing completely on her own. Later today they will be taking her in for an EKG for a re-assessment of her heart. She continues to rest comfortably. They no longer are suctioning the fluid from her lungs, they are allowing her to cough up whatever fluid may accumulate.
REVISED 9.30.08 11:00 p.m.
Sis. Shannon and I (Pastor Mangold) just went in a short time ago (8:30 p.m.) and prayed for Sis. Dana with her parents. Unfortunately, the doctors were not able to remove the tube as originally thought because the sedative has still not worn off. She is resting comfortably, but there is a likelihood that she may be developing some sort of infection. Her heart rate is up as well as her temperature due to this infection. *A recent chest x-ray revealed there is some fluid build-up in her lungs which is indicative of pneumonia. We’re told by the staff that this is common with Sis. Dana’s condition. So prayer and faith are still very important at this time. * RED letters indicate revision
9.30.08 - 12:30 p.m. - Spoke with Pastor Steve
Just moments ago I spoke with Pastor Steve - He said Sis. Dana is still gradually coming out of sedation. She responds very well when asked to squeeze your hand or wiggle her toes. She’s still quite sedated, but they allowed her to breathe on her own for 45 minutes and she was able to do it without any problem, and her blood tests came back showing signs that she is getting the exchange of oxygen needed when she was breathing on her own. They still have not removed the tube as a precaution. They’re trying to be absolutely certain that she is not so heavily sedated that she falls into an irregular breathing pattern that would not allow her the proper amount of oxygen.
Pastor Steve has been up at the hospital all night and is quite tired - so in addition to praying for Sis. Dana, please continue to pray for Pastor Steve’s strength and well-being, as I know many of you already are. Pastor Steve is surrounded by friends and family and is so very, very grateful for everyone’s show of love. He just can’t say enough good things about what everyone is doing. Keep up the good work prayer warriors!
9.30.08 - 9:30 a.m. The Tube is Coming Out!
The news keeps getting better and better. Sis. Dana is responding well and they are getting ready to remove the tube shortly from her throat, and get her off the ventilator in a couple hours. Things are happening so fast, we’re having a hard time getting the information, but keep checking back for updates!
9.30.08 - 5:00 a.m. Sleeping Beauty Awakens!
Praise the Lord! As of 3:15 a.m. Sis. Dana was awake and taking commands. Pastor Steve sent this message, “To all: I just held Dana’s hand. She responded by squeezing back. To God be the glory. Words cannot express my gratitude to all of you for your prayers and support.”
Your prayers are working and your kind thoughts and words of encouragement are a blessing to the family and the church at this time. We will continue to keep you posted as details arise.
9.29.08 - 9:00 p.m.
The timing to begin warming Sis. Dana up to her normal temperature has been put off until 10:00 p.m. from that point it will take 4-6 hours for her to safely reach 98 degrees. Once she is warmed properly, and her temperature is stabilized they will begin to wean her off the sedative. If all goes well, she should naturally begin to breathe on her own. This will be taking place over the course of the night into the morning hours of tomorrow. This is a crucial time and much prayer will be needed to ensure a positive outcome.
Thanks to each of you that have left comments. The family is so grateful for all the love and support you have shown. Special thanks to those who have helped with the children, with errands, and phone calls, and of course with prayer.
9.29.08 - 12:00 p.m.
Sis. Dana is still in CCU. Around 8:00 p.m. tonight they will begin to bring her body temperature back up slowly. They will also begin to gradually lower the amount of sedative to see how her vitals respond. Those that visit, please restrict your visits to the waiting room as the doctors are not permitting any conversations in Sis. Dana’s room as this could cause further cardiac arrhythmia complications.
Be sure to check out Sis. Dana’s miraculous story on your favorite news channel this evening, November 3, 2008. Here is the schedule
