December 12, 2007
Bryce Update
imagined by: James Mathias
As most people know that Bryce my 5 year old son had a seizure in his sleep and went to the hospital last night, I thought I’d make a central update post to give everyone a single place to get the latest scoop.
First a recap.
Last night I was heading to bed when I heard Bryce making a small whimpering sound like when he was having a bad dream. I peeked into his room and noticed he was twitching and whimpering and as I got closer I realized he was foaming at the mouth and his left side was convulsing. He was having a seizure.
I knew what was happening, I’d seen it before, I used to work with disabled folks and saw quite a few seizures.
My brain refused to compute this as it was happening to my precious baby boy.
Bryce is the heart of our family and anyone who has had the distinct pleasure to meet him knows that he is pure love and hugs and to see him in this state is the definition of heartbreak.
I realized that my boy, helpless and twitching was in fact having a seizure. I tried to rouse him, he was unresponsive. I ran to my room and yelled for Amy to come quickly. She rose from bed without hesitation and was by Bryce’s side in seconds trying to coax him back.
I called 911 and went out in the snow to wait for the ambulance. It came and I guided them into the back bedroom, where Bryce was now responsive but unable to feel or move his left side. The paramedics wasted no time getting him loaded and to the ER. Amy accompanied him.
I stayed behind with Liam and Cameron.
The ER docs didn’t know what caused the issue, partly because he was back to 100% by the time they got to the hospital and partly because he hasn’t showed a symptom or issue since.
They kept him overnight and gave him a CT scan this morning. It appeared to be abnormal, so they ordered an MRI and sent Amy and Bryce south to the nearest city.
The MRI, Blood and Urine labs all came back 100% perfect and normal.
This was a relief, as a tumor or other operable brain issue would have been terrible news.
Unfortunately, he still needs to see a Neurologist and get an EEG to further diagnose the issue. It is a huge possibility that he may have Epilepsy, but there is also a small possibility of it being a fluke one time occurrence—one can hope and pray.
So Bryce and mom are home now, Bryce is Bryce, back to normal, tired but completely fine. Our appointment for the EEG is set for the 26th of December.
I’ll keep everyone informed and updated as we go through this trial.
Please know that all of e-mails and comments I received throughout the day are appreciated more than I can ever say. Some days I doubt this thing called the internet as far as building friendship and relationships that are real. But nothing will ever convince me that it’s not real after today’s outpouring.
Everyone of your prayers helped me, my son and my family. And I owe you each a hug or a handshake if that makes you uncomfortable.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping this dad make it through one of the toughest days in his life.
Love is returned ten fold, so I owe you all big time.
Bryce Update
- 12.12.07 at 11:10pmthrown down:
- James Mathiasimagined by:
- Tripping the Life Fantasticstored in:
- 854 peeps, 34 of whom commentedenjoyed by:
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34 comments
Dec. 12, 2007 (11:17pm) [#1]
Diana
James, thank you for the update. I can’t even imagine going through that. I really hope it turns out to be a fluke occurrence.
All the best, and we’ll keep you and your family in our thoughts.
Dec. 12, 2007 (11:18pm) [#2]
Anton
Dude, you’ve hit upon one of my Biggest fears. I hope that they figure out why it happened to him, to help prevent it from ever happening again.
Dec. 12, 2007 (11:25pm) [#3]
Sarah Allison
You have no idea how relieved Jamie and I are to know Bryce is okay. It breaks my heart that you and Amy and boys had to go thru this. We are looking forward to seeing you guys tomorrow and giving you all the hugs you need.
Dec. 12, 2007 (11:40pm) [#4]
V’rino Chrissie
I’m glad I got to read a follow-up…. I know two people personally who each had a seizure once and it never happened again. Hopefully this is the case with Bryce.
Dec. 12, 2007 (11:41pm) [#5]
Lisamac
OMG. Sending HUGE virtual hugs and support your way. I’ll be thinking about you guys for sure. Best to both you and Amy, and to the little ones. Good luck on the 26th! xoxo
Dec. 12, 2007 (11:45pm) [#6]
Melyssa
So glad he’s home and doing better. Thank you for keeping us in the loop. My heart skipped a beat when I read your twitter this morning so it is good to know that things are stable.
You and your family are in my prayers and I am glad you reached out - we will always be here for you.
Dec. 12, 2007 (11:53pm) [#7]
Renaud
I like to think prayers healed your Bryce! We are hoping upon hope that prayers have been answered. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers.
Also, totally unrelated, you have a gorgeous web home here. Beautiful design.
Dec. 12, 2007 (11:56pm) [#8]
peroty
Good to know he is ok! It is hopefully just a fluke thing. Or so we can hope. Take care and a clean bill of health would be a very merry christmas indeed!
Dec. 13, 2007 (12:08am) [#9]
Shawn Grimes
James, it sounds like you had a horrible day, one that I can only imagine. Being that I have two boys myself this is always one of the biggest fears looming in the back of my head. I wish you and yours all the best and hope and pray that all is well on the 26th.
Dec. 13, 2007 (12:39am) [#10]
Justin
I got chills when I read your first post on Twitter. So glad things are looking up.
Dec. 13, 2007 (12:41am) [#11]
David Sissitka
Oh man, I can’t imagine what you and your family have been through the last couple of days.
I hope that the little guy is alright, I’ll be praying for him.
Dec. 13, 2007 (12:50am) [#12]
Melina
Thank you for the update on your sweet son Bryce.
Let’s all continue to pray for a clean bill of health following Bryce’s EEG.
Best to you and your wife and boys.
Dec. 13, 2007 (1:17am) [#13]
david.bean
James, you have tons of people praying for Bryce, you and your Wife. You seem like a great dad, which means you’re tops in my book.
I look forward to hearing great news.
Dec. 13, 2007 (1:49am) [#14]
Joshua Blankenship
So good to hear all is well. I’m looking forward to hearing that Bryce is completely ok on the 26th.
Dec. 13, 2007 (2:17am) [#15]
Revgoomba
I’m so happy to hear things are looking better for you and your family. Hope to see your beard again soon.
Dec. 13, 2007 (8:01am) [#16]
Ryan (C)
Glad to hear that things are returning to (semi) normal and Bryce is doing ok. I’ll be thinking of you guys on the 26th praying that everything goes well. As always you know how to reach me if there’s anything I can do.
Dec. 13, 2007 (8:05am) [#17]
Ben Gray
Oh man, that’s tough to handle. I can’t imagine seeing my son in that state. I’m glad to hear he’s alright though. Y’all will be in my prayers and thoughts.
Dec. 13, 2007 (10:41am) [#18]
Michael Boutros
Wow James, I’m glad Bryce is feeling better, and I do hope that it was just a fluke.
I’ll keep you all in my prayers tonight
Dec. 13, 2007 (10:48am) [#19]
Sulcalibur
Alhumdulilah he is ok. I saw your twitter posts on my mobile and meant to get in touch but then thought best to leave it a bit. As a father I fully understand how things like this truly shake your world apart.
Dec. 13, 2007 (10:49am) [#20]
Geof F. Morris
James, y’all are in my prayers. These things are terribly scary.
Dec. 13, 2007 (10:53am) [#21]
Chris Fehnel
I’m glad to hear he is back and doing better. I hope everything turns out for the best.
Dec. 13, 2007 (10:55am) [#22]
Luke W
Glad to hear he is doing better mate, I had a similar experience as a child, nighttime seizure at 8 years old, no serious damage and it all turned out ok
. There are some forms of epilepsy that a child grows out of, like I did, and they only have 1 or 2 seizures. Thought you might appreciate a bit of knowledge from someone in a similar condition 
All the best.
Dec. 13, 2007 (10:57am) [#23]
Jonathan Christopher
James, I can’t imagine what it’s been like for you. It is a relief that your boy is okay. Please keep updates coming as they’re available; lots of people care what’s going on. Your family is in the prayers of many.
Dec. 13, 2007 (11:13am) [#24]
Aunt Rob
Oh….James, I am thinking of you and the family. Try to enjoy the holidays, even though this will be in the back of your mind. Give everyone a big hug for me and tell them all I love them.
Dec. 13, 2007 (11:45am) [#25]
Veronique
Oh wow. That sounds so terrifying. I’m sending good thoughts your way. xo
Dec. 13, 2007 (11:45am) [#26]
Nick Shepherd
I can only hope the best for Bryce and you and your wife James. All of you are in my prayers…
Dec. 13, 2007 (12:33pm) [#27]
Wells
We’re all still thinking about you and your family in Whiskerino world. So glad to hear that things appear to be looking up. If there is anything you need, we’re here for you.
Dec. 13, 2007 (1:14pm) [#28]
Mrs. Mathias (the wife)
Thank you to everyone!!!
Love hugs and kisses back to you all! 
Dec. 13, 2007 (3:32pm) [#29]
dogboy
My heart soars to hear that he’s back home. I will continue to pray for your family. Being a father, I know all to well the fears.
God Bless bro!
Dec. 13, 2007 (5:06pm) [#30]
Roger
With any luck, this will be a one time deal. However that being said, I’ve known many people who are epileptic and they would challenge you to define them as any less normal than anyone else.
Thank you for the update, and I’ll make sure not to miss any more days (a couple days away from the interwebs, and people’s kids start having seizures).
(Bad joke, but trying to lighten the mood.)
Dec. 16, 2007 (9:02pm) [#31]
Bonita in Pink
OH my GOSH!
I just got back home today. I was out of town all last week so I am behind on my online blogs. But do know I’m so very sad to know this happened to your precious Bryce but I’m also very glad and relieved to learn he’s ok now. God bless him.
My stepfather was diagnosed with Epilepsy but has only had 2 seizures his whole life and he’s pushing 50.
You’re in my prayers!
Dec. 19, 2007 (2:11pm) [#32]
rich
James, i hope that everything is ok. when i was 5 years old, i had a seizure on christmas eve and woke up on christmas day in the hospital. it was the only time i had ever had a seizure and it never happened again. i hope that this is an isolated incient for you guys as well… take care.
Jan. 01, 2008 (2:49pm) [#33]
David Myers
Wow James. You’ll stay in my prayers. What a scary situation.
Feb. 08, 2008 (7:11pm) [#34]
Aimee Weiss
This is the first time I have read this and it has made me cry. I don’t like for these things to happen to anybody. I love children and to see something like this would be sheer terror for me, not to mention what you and your wife must have felt. I am speechless. I am so glad to find out he is doing well.
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