Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Nephrologist on the case

It appears that erratic blood pressure may be due to a problem with Terry's kidneys. A nephrologist is working on this to see what can be done to correct the problem. Reduced blood flow through the renal artery causes the kidney to release increased amounts of the hormone renin. Renin, a powerful blood pressure regulator, initiates a series of chemical events that result in hypertension which can be very severe and difficult to control. Possibly the fluid retention in his lower body area contributes to the reduced blood flow, so as the fluids diminish, and with the xanax he is taking, there could be relief soon. Then Terry can get on with his rehab exercising, and be on the road to home. Our goal is home for the holidays!
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2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hang in there buddy! Good to hear they have found the cause and seeking the best way to treat it.

I was at the Runn on Sunday and heard you over the loudspeaker. You sounded great! All of your racer buddies are pulling for a speedy recovery. There were many guys who mentioned - "It just wasnt the same without you"

Your strong will is an inspiration for us all.

Get Well Soon.

Tony (ADE) and Family

September 2, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Anonymous said...

Terry,

I just wanted to let you know that you're in my prayers! I have faith that you will pull through this just fine with a full recovery! I know it must be hard, but keep your head up! We're all praying for you! Get well soon!! I miss you and the family!

Your Sister,
Lynette

September 3, 2008 at 3:11 PM

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What Happened?

On Saturday, August 2, at approximately 11:30 a.m. Terry McDowell was involved in a head-on collision on Ormond Road in White Lake Township, MI.

An unknown young-adult fell asleep at the wheel, crossed over into the opposite lane, and struck Terry's van head-on. Police are still investigating.

Paramedics rushed Terry via helicopter to Beaumont Medical Center's Trauma Unit. He is in stable, but critical, condition and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit.

From what we know, there is no damage to the spinal cord or brain. He will undergo more X-rays and scans today to determine if there are further injuries. His injuries, as of Sunday, Aug 3 at 10:00 a.m. include:
> Broken right femur
> A compound fracture in his left femur
> A broken tibia
> A shattered ankle
> Slight cut to his liver
> Dissected aorta
> Fractured pelvis
> Unknown back injury
> Three broken ribs

Terry underwent 11 hours of surgery on Saturday evening. The first surgery was cardiac surgery to repair the damage to his torn, or dissected, aorta. They performed non-invasive heart surgery and used a stent to repair the aorta. The surgery was completed without complications.

The second surgery was orthopedic surgery to repair his broken bones. He came out of surgery strong, but remains in critical condition due to the complications that could arise from heart surgery and a compound fracture of the Femur.

He is expected to remain in the ICU for at least 48 hours.