By Jennifer Goode
Eric Garrard still remembers the panicked cries from his wife, Deana, Dec. 8. “Eric! Eric!”
Deana was already in bed after having spent a day shopping.
By the time Garrard reached their bedroom, his 24-year-old wife was unresponsive and was having difficulty breathing. Being a physical therapist, he knew she was in serious trouble and something was wrong with her brain.
“I freaked out because I knew it was something neurological,” he said.
Garrard attempted to help his wife breathe after calling 911. He estimated his wife was only breathing two to four times a minute on her own.
Paramedics took Deana to Shelby Medical Center in Alabaster, where X-rays revealed brain injury, accompanied by swelling and bleeding. A neurosurgeon was called and she was transferred to Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham.
The neurosurgeon determined Deana had an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a type of hemorrhage in her brain caused by a malformation of blood vessels. Patients who experience AVMs are usually born with them, but Deana never experienced any warning signs such as headaches.
Doctors removed the part of the cerebellum that had bled, a portion of the brain affecting balance and coordination during a nine-hour surgery Dec. 16.
After a successful surgery and 16 days in intensive care, she was moved to a room. Four days later, she was released to the care of Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital for 10 days.
While in the surgical intensive care, Deana said she experienced anxiety attacks. Lorraine, a nurse, told her to quote Psalm 23.
“This peace would just come over me from up above (when I quoted the Scripture),” Deana said. Since then, when she gets stressed, she quotes what she calls her “stress reliever.”
Since then, she has completed her speech and physical therapy. Physically, Deana says she feels 90 percent recovered and is close to that mentally. Although she cannot drive for a few months or return to work, the pharmacy school graduate anticipates full recovery in six months to a year.
“We are all very impressed with Deana’s speedy recovery,” said Dr. Sean O’Malley of Alabama Neurosurgeons. “It’s been much quicker than the average person.”
O’Malley attributed this success to Garrard’s age and state of health. He also said her faith helps her, too. “There were a lot of people looking out for her and praying for her,” he said.
For the Garrards, who are members of First Baptist Church, Pelham, the experience has also brought them closer to God.
“We were always religious and grew up in church,” Eric said, “but never really have been spiritual.”
“My faith has increased,” Deana said. “I have so much more faith in God. Every time I got a phone call, people would tell me they were praying.
“God is truly the physician. God made this body. He can change it. He can heal it,” she said. “God is just so good. God has carried me through so much.”
The Garrards were able to keep loved ones across the country informed and updated through their personal Web page. They received more than 100 e-mails and have 40 messages posted on their Web site message board.
The first note was posted on their Web site Dec. 16.
Eric wrote, “I’m sure if you’re reading this you know about Deana’s trouble. Last Wednesday night she suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage as a result of a congenital circulatory abnormality called an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).
“Since then we have marveled at her progress. She was on a ventilator for two days but has since been talking and has been more alert. Last night she was taken off the feeding tube and has had a healthy appetite today. She still has a drainage tube relieving pressure from her brain which will require her to stay in surgical ICU through this weekend.
“Surgery will eventually be needed to remove the AVM, so please continue to pray for Deana’s complete recovery. She is a living, breathing miracle who is touching people and changing lives on a daily basis. Thank you for your prayers and keep them coming,” the note read.
More recent messages include: “Deana’s still doing terrific. I expect her to finish up her therapies next week.
“She wants to drive but can’t for another month or so. Thanks for the prayers.”
Another says, “Deana came home Friday and has been doing great! She is getting around much better and has begun outpatient physical and speech therapies.
“She has an appointment with her surgeon Friday. When I spoke to him a week ago, he asked if Deana was walking. I can’t wait to see his face when he sees her march into his office. I can’t begin to express all the gratitude in my heart for the support all of you have offered us. Thank you all and may God bless you.”
Mack and Dixie write “We just want you to know that y’all are in our prayers daily. God is a God of miracles, and I know He is working one in your lives right now. Just know that He is right by your side every step of the way and will never leave you.”
“We rejoice with you in Deana’s progress. The Lord has truly answered prayers,” said a note from Sara, Hooty, Neil and Kimberly Allen.
“It is a miracle — that’s for sure,” Eric said. “From the minute I found her, everything was positive and so put together.”
“It is really a miracle,” Deana added. “Hopefully through this (someone) will really come to know Him.”
Currently, the Garrards are applying with the state for a new charity — Deana’s Hope. This charity for acute neurological patients and their families will assist those in Deana’s situation through prayer and financial support.
For more information on the Garrards, visit their Web site at www.geocities.com/eric_deana.
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