Eddie's story

Pearland, Texas, United States 

Tell us your anoxic injury story, including how anoxic brain injury occurred. 

On March 28th our lives changed in a way we never could have expected. My husband Eddie suffered anoxic brain injury after going into cardiac arrest 6 times in one night. We later found out he has Brugada Syndrome. Brugada is a deadly arrhythmia that can occur when someone is sleeping, very ill or it can be agitated by certain medications. Most people don’t survive this deadly arrhythmia when it occurs unless you have an AED or ICD. Eddie received his ICD after 7 weeks of being in a minimally conscious state. He then went on to TIRR where they were able to help him relearn to walk, talk and do basic life skills. After 3.5 months, Eddie was discharged to come home where he has continued to make a miraculous recovery. One of his biggest deficits is Cortical visual impairment due to damage to his occipital lobe. He continues to receive therapy to help him relearn numbers, letters and words. We are incredibly grateful that he is still with us, fighting to get better everyday. 

What do you want people to know about you (if you are an anoxic survivor) or your loved one (if you are caregiver or family of an anoxic patient)? 

We (Eddie and I) are fighters. We don’t take no for an answer and we are determined to beat the odds. So often, these type of brain injuries can rip couples and families apart. The statistics of how many couples fall apart after ABI is staggering. But, we are determined to show that it is possible to over come the odds and come out stronger on the other side. It hasn’t been easy. Our relationship and marriage has changed drastically over the last year but with that, we’ve learn to adapt. Seeing Eddies strength and desire to fight to recover has lit a fire within me. We hope to inspire other couples not only to fight for recovery but to fight for their marriage and family. 

What do you want people to know about anoxic brain injury? 

Recovery is possible! Do not take no for an answer when the doctors try and tell you there is no hope. Stay firm in your beliefs, find your support tribe, and fight like hell.