Nancy’s Back in Cardiac ICU – This Time in Seattle

CaringBridge journal entry by Stephanie Fay 

Dear Friends and Family,

Nancy and I arrived in Seattle yesterday morning to attend the Cardiac Arrest Survival Summit (google it — awesome conference!).  After a wonderful and busy weekend celebrating Andreas and Greta’s wedding in Minneapolis this past weekend, followed by a day of packing on Monday and a morning of flying on Tuesday, we were both looking forward to a long, solid night of sleep last night.  About an hour into that, around 11 PM, Fiona (N’S internal defibrillator} fired yet again.  We came by ambulance to Harbourview Hospital in Seattle, just a mile from our hotel in downtown Seattle.  

It was a chaotic and scary night of Fiona firings (40+) and other medical instabilities, including 20 minutes of CPR after Nancy “coded” in the cardiac ICU here around 2:30 AM.  But they brought her back.  Her vitals were unstable off and on after that.  Around 10 AM she went down to the cath lab for testing (still zero heart disease/blockages), and they inserted a balloon pump to support her heart and help it rest and recover.  She had one of these pumps for about 24 hours during her initial arrests in Minnesota in 2016.  She’s more stable now this afternoon.  She’s intubated and sedated but can respond to our Yes / No questions when we wake her up a little.  The shocks were not the least bit fun for her but hopefully they gave her meds that will help her forget most of them.  All other times she’s nodded “Yes” when I ask her, “Are you comfortable?”  

Nancy’s daughter Tina lives here in Seattle and has been down at the hospital since this morning.  Her spouse Jessica is also here.  We have additional family arriving later tonight and tomorrow.  Both Nancy and I are grateful for this “on the ground” support. 

From all we hear, this hospital has a sterling reputation.  My sense is she’s in extremely capable hands.  Hopefully, like her other “events,” she has rounded the recovery bend and is making her way back to health — and to us.  Let’s all hold that thought and prayer out there together, shall we?

Thanks for all the love and support.  As always.  Every time.

Love, Nancy & Stephanie 

____________________

Jen R. | Dec 13, 2019
Holding Nancy and you in my prayers.  

Kirk & Jill W-M. | Dec 12, 2019
So sorry to hear about this, but glad that Nancy is on the road to recovery! Sending all good thoughts your way. We’ll keep watching for more good news. ❤️

Shelly G. | Dec 12, 2019
I’m so sorry to hear that Nancy is going through this again. Sending hugs and prayers her way!! 🙏🏼💜

Maureen R. | Dec 12, 2019
Steph and Nancy,
So sorry, lots of hugs and healing prayers coming your way.
Your cousin,
Maureen

Pat H. | Dec 12, 2019
I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts! You are in good hands. Speedy recovery, Nancy!

Linda S. | Dec 12, 2019
Stay strong, you two! You are in a good place. Thinking of you both.
Love, Linda and Spence

Liv D. | Dec 12, 2019
Thinking of you both and praying that this “event” will soon be over. All the best to the two of you.

Patricia S.| Dec 12, 2019
Sending love and God’s strength to both of you! We are so glad you are safe in an exceptional hospital with strong medical support. Please know we are hugging you virtually and praying!
Roger and Pat

Jennifer B. | Dec 12, 2019
Prayers for healing and peace…💕

Lynda H. | Dec 12, 2019
I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through this again, but glad that there are good hospitals around when needed. Sending positive thoughts and hugs your way. Lynda

Roberta S. | Dec 12, 2019
I’m so sorry that you have to go through this, but glad that you can face it together and be surrounded by family and excellent medical care.
I’m keeping warm thoughts! Love, Roberta

Ann D. | Dec 12, 2019
Constant positive energy being sent your way for a good recovery. I’m so glad she is at a well-renowned hospital in a city where family lives. Hugs and love to you both. Ann

Martha M. | Dec 12, 2019
You said it to me just the other day, Nancy is a miracle! I am sending my love to you and Nancy and Tina and Jessica.

Penny F. | Dec 12, 2019
Dear Nancy and Steph. We are in Havana now for 3 months with Anne & family. We hope you are recovering at Harborview. Will follow your progress here on Caringbridge.
Stor klem
Penny, Kjetil, Anne & Ingela😎😍

Allen Z. | Dec 12, 2019
The two of you, Nancy and Stephanie, are an inspiration. A delightful couple. Phyllis and I enjoy watching your interaction with folks in the Pilgrim Lutheran community. You are kind, gentle, and show that you truly care for others. We wish you the best as you work through these medical issues.

Nancy H. | Dec 12, 2019
Sending lots of healing energy and hugs to both of you.

Sveinung S. | Dec 12, 2019
We’re so sorry to hear about this new event. We trust that you will both pull through. Love from Norway.

Shelley P.| Dec 12, 2019
Nancy is in our prayers for a full recovery. You truly are at an excellent facility. May you both soon get that desired good night of rest. Much love 💕

Kris D. | Dec 12, 2019
Gus and I are sending love and every ounce of good energy to you and Nancy.

Liz H. | Dec 12, 2019
Our love to you all. Take good care.

Jonathan O.| Dec 12, 2019
Sending you both love and great big hugs (but very gentle ones for Nancy). Holding you in my heart with thoughts of healing and strength. We love you.

Sarah M. | Dec 12, 2019
Isaac, Olivia, and I are sending you both our love and support. We wish Nancy a swift recovery and look forward to seeing you both soon. We miss you!

Anne S. | Dec 12, 2019
Yes, I’ll hold on very tightly to that thought and prayer! Sending so much love!!

Tim B. | Dec 11, 2019
Good luck! Hang in there.

Kathy O. | Dec 11, 2019
So sorry to hear that Nancy is back in the hospital! So scary for both of you. I’m glad Tina and Jessica are able to be with you and Nancy. It’s good you were so close to Harbourview also. Prayers for a quick recovery.

Jan E. | Dec 11, 2019
Please let Nancy know we are all here for you both. Love and hugs for a speedy recovery.

Sean H.O. | Dec 11, 2019
I’m so sorry to hear about this. I’m thinking about you, Nancy. Hope you recover soon.

Kris G. | Dec 11, 2019
As important as Fiona is, I want to give her a most stern scolding right now. That is just something else.
We’re thinking of you both, along with your families near and far. Take care.

Debra T. | Dec 11, 2019
Thanks for letting us know. Hoping for a rapid and complete recovery.

Diane L. | Dec 11, 2019
You and Nancy are in my prayers tonight.

Joan H. | Dec 11, 2019
I am so sorry to read! So glad so much love is surrounding you both! Sending healing prayers and Advent blessings.

Patti P. | Dec 11, 2019
Sending prayers and peaceful thoughts for recovery and health!

Helene M. | Dec 11, 2019
Thinking of you both and sending thoughts and prayers.

Marcia S.-S. | Dec 11, 2019
What a scary night for you both. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers.

Keith H. | Dec 11, 2019
I will mention you all in the prayers of the people at Solor Lutheran Church on this Sunday – prayers for recovery and return to health. But, I’m not waiting until Sunday, you will be prayed for from now on until then. Blessings! And, I’m thankful you are in a good place with lots of helpers to guide you through this ordeal.

Marsha F. | Dec 11, 2019
I am holding you both in the light and trusting that there will again be a strong recovery. Good to know that you are in a fine hospital with family nearby during such a stressful ordeal. Thank you for staying in touch.

Kim H. | Dec 11, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I send hugs filled with energy and health!

Gloria B. | Dec 11, 2019
Thoughts, prayers, positive energy. Wishing for the best care possible for Nancy!

Mary B.-J. | Dec 11, 2019
Sending all the strength and courage I have in my heart. Love to you both!

Deb F. | Dec 11, 2019
Thanks for letting your Pilgrim friends know about Nancy’s latest challenges. Prayers for both of you.

Su S. | Dec 11, 2019
Oh, Steph, I can’t imagine what you’ve been through emotionally. Thank you for sharing this information. I’m praying for Nancy and you, and everyone tending to her (and you, I hope).

Jeanne E. | Dec 11, 2019
Jerry and I are so sorry to hear. I’m glad things are under control and hope Nancy is as comfortable as possible. She is really a trooper. 🙏🏼

Claudia B. | Dec 11, 2019
Thinking of you and saying prayers. Good you and Tina and others are with Nancy now. May our thoughts and best wishes give you all strength.

Susan D. | Dec 11, 2019
Stephanie, I am so glad Nancy is with you. Hoping for a quick recovery. All my thoughts and prayers are with you. And so much love too.

Sandi P. | Dec 11, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Kathy T. P. | Dec 11, 2019
Oh, no! Sending all best wishes for skilled doctors and nurses, and peace to all caring for Nancy.

Brandon F. | Dec 11, 2019
Thinking of you and hoping for a quick recovery!
Love, Brandon

Robert E. | Dec 11, 2019
Best wishes for a complete recovery!

Carl H. | Dec 11, 2019
Hugs to you and prayers for you all!

Betsy A. | Dec 11, 2019
Hi Steph-
Thanks for the update. You both looked GREAT this past weekend & we are hoping for a speedy recovery for Nancy. Love, Betsy & Peteh

Michael S. | Dec 11, 2019
Hang in there. You are both in my prayers.

Bobbi B. | Dec 11, 2019
So sorry hear this. Keeping you all in my thoughts. Speedy recovery.

Roberta L. | Dec 11, 2019
Hugs and prayers for another speedy recovery. It was great to see both of your beautiful smiles this weekend! Glad you are close to family in Seattle.

Hanna E. | Dec 11, 2019
Dear Nancy, Stephanie and Family,
I am thinking of you and sending healing thoughts ❤️

Lynn D. | Dec 11, 2019
Dear Nancy, Stephanie and Families,
I sending you all love and healing thoughts. Thank you for keeping us posted on Nancy’s progress. I will be keeping you all in my heart during this difficult time.

Dolores P. | Dec 11, 2019 
Nancy & Stephanie & Families,
I am so sorry to hear this. I’m holding you in my heart and am sending all good wishes your way. I wish there were more I could do.

Jane S. | Dec 11, 2019
Gosh, so sorry to hear this. Will be sending love and prayers out for both of you.

Felicity E. | Dec 11, 2019
Thinking of you both very specially💖

Kari L. | Dec 11, 2019
Let me know if y’all need or want a pastoral visit.

Pat S. | Dec 11, 2019
Thinking of you and wishing for the best… Glad your siblings are coming. Please keep giving us updates!! Much love

Eric S. | Dec 11, 2019
Love you both.

Dana W. | Dec 11, 2019
Thanks so much for this update. So, so sorry. Very scary. I am just south of Seattle and if there is anything you need, please let us know! Harborview is an excellent hospital.

Pete N. | Dec 11, 2019
Thank you for the update. Heal up!

Jason M. | Dec 11, 2019
Get well soon, Nancy! It’s scary when Fiona gets crabby. All the good thoughts are coming your way…

Mary M. | Dec 11, 2019
Praying for you all!

Connie F. | Dec 11, 2019
Oh, my heart nearly stopped when I saw that there was a post for Nancy. Prayers of healing, courage and comfort for all of you.

Improving each day!

CaringBridge journal entry by Nancy Aarsvold — 8/13/2016

Hi all!

This is Nancy writing for the first time. Well, we don’t have a lot of exact information about why I had two cardiac arrests on Friday, August 5, but here is what I do know. Stephanie saved me for sure by giving me CPR at home until the ambulance with the paramedics arrived, and later the excellent staff at the University of Minnesota Medical Center revived me again. During these past 8 days, we have been surrounded by the love and support of our family who have arrived from near and far, and by the care of the doctors, nurses, and physical therapists at the hospital.

circle-of-trust

I feel a little better each day and have been enjoying visits with friends and family, as well as receiving various types of physical therapy and care from the staff here. Here’s a picture from a morning visit today with a group of women from our church. Amazing how much better you can feel when sitting out in the sun, wearing your own clothes instead of a hospital gown, and surrounded by close friend!

Hope to have a cardiac MRI and get an implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) sometime during the first part of the coming week!

Much love to all!
Nancy, Stephanie, & families

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