Hey all, I don’t know what gives with this tavern fisaco so I’ll post this here and maybe I’ll get kicked into the tavern with it.
My father was apparently doing some work on an overhang on his house and fell off of the ladder yesterday afternoon/evening. He laid there through the night until a neighbor found him this morning at about 7am. He was very hypothermic with a body temp of about 80 F.
His heart rate was 35 bpm or so and breathing almost non-existant.
He was rushed by ambulance to the hospital where I spent the day in ICU with him. They slowly raised his temp until he was about normal before I had to leave at 8:30pm.
He suffered a concussion, all ribs on right side are fractured or broken as are the wings on 9 of those vertebrae. He has some bleeding on the brain but for now it is slight and should not be a problem.
The worst part now is that he is paralyzed from the neck down. They say there is a chance it may be temporary trauma causing this but no way to know other than time. he has a lightly fractured neck vertebrae and possibly a bruised or traumatized spinal cord.
They will try an MRI once he is stabilized either tonight or tomorrow so they can see better his spinal cord. They did a full CAT scan when he first came in and found the bone problems but nothing more serious.
He is passing a lot of protein through his
from laying there so long and his muscles breaking down, I am told.&
#160; This can affect his kidney function but we won’t know for a few days.
the good news is that by the end of the day he was alert enough to look at me and try to communicate for real needs. He was thirsty and then he was hot. Although trying to figure what he is saying is so hard because he is intubated <sp?> so all he can do is try to move his lips, no sound possible. he can’t write because he can’t move his arms.
dad is 71 and always working…. always busy.
I feel most terrible about so mnay things…. I coulda been there helping him, although I didn’t really know he was doing that , but I had taken my son fishing on an unusually nice day this time of year. Then I slept in my comfortable bed while he laid outside all night unconcious and cold and hurt.
This is really tearing me up on so many levels.
Thank god that this meighbor notived his radio playing early in the morning and thought enough to think that was worth looking into… it was unusual for his radio to be on at 7am…. and his garage was open which the neighbor knew he’d never do. I think of all the possbilities of what could have happened to make it worse. it wouldn’t have taken much longer for him to have died.
I guess if Ihave to ask one question, it would be about spinal cord injuries. How do they heal if they are just swollen or bruised? any personal experiences?
thanks and please send a prayer or good wish his way.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Replies
I have no answers aside from wishing you and your father good luck. My father, age 75, took a fall at the end last winter. He lost his footing going down his back steps, which are concrete. The worst injury was a gash in his head, which healed up fairly quickly after stitches. But he also dislocated his shoulder, which was reset at the ER.
The ortho said it could take up to a year of therapy before he got close to full range motion, and he may never get full range motion back. He's been in therapy since and that doctor seems to be on target. The old guys are tough but they don't heal like we all did when we were 21.
If your father is anything like mine he would have told you to go ahead and take the boy fishing, no reason to spoil a nice day. Vic
Pete,
I can relate as my Dad is in his mid 70s.
I will keep him in my prayers as will many of the other great folks here. I can't offer much more advice being I am not in your shoes...HOWEVER; please do not beat yourself up about this as its not like you intentionally neglected him. Think for a moment about all the things that have happened in your life that he wasn't able to be there to protect you from. He would have WANTED to be as your Dad but fate just didn't allow it. So do what you can for him now and don't second guess what you could have done.
Mike
I'm sorry, Pete. I'll be thinking of you all.
Pete... sorry for your Dad.... tell him Helen and Mike say hello and get better fastsend you guilt to me..... or hubcap... ... yeah.. hubcapMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
I'll send it to hubcap... I have to send you a check instead.
I'll get it out this weekend or beginning of next week.
Thanks for the support.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
dang Pete, so sorry to hear of this. Hard when it's all so fresh as it just happened.
Can't tell you anything about spinal injuries but you can't beat yourself up over this. Sounds like an energetic guy full of activities and that's what keeps him going. He probably has good bounce back potential.
I can relate some in that last year around this time my own dad, 76, was cutting wood for his wood stove. He was out on his land in the country off a rural route about 10 miles from his house.
He was cutting a tree down and somehow it got hung up alongside another and he hooked a chain to it to pull with the tractor, something swung, sprung and twisted so a large limb hit him in the back of the head, breaking his shoulder blade and giving him a concussion.
He had to walk a half mile thru the woods to his truck and drove himself to the local hospital where they transferred him to Erie Pa.
It was pretty rough there for a while, bleeding on the brain, him not talking right or recognizing things and the doc's not being sure, but he's since made a full recovery from the deal.
Back to driving, chopping wood and still climbs ladders. I don't like it but he's his own man and I'd rather seem him active than anything else.
It'll take some time and right now it's the hardest to deal with seeing things seem unknown. Being an active guy is a benefit.
Hoping for a good report.
Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people. [Theodore Roosevelt]
DAMN!!!!!
good wishes to you and your dad.....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
thanks everyone for your support.
right now I am just in a state of limbo... maybe depression... i don't know. I'm just here.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Just wanted to offer a bit of moral support, as others have. Not much else I can say.
thanks Ron
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
112602.53 in reply to 112602.47 I'm so sorry Pete.Let the guilt go because it doesn't do you any good, in fact it gets in the way of what you can do for your Dad. Neither of you has any time for that.None of this was any fault of your. Sh!t happens.Be there for him. He will come back, but he needs you there. 71 is not old.Take that tenacity of yours (you certainly have enough), and apply it to refusing anything except a total healing & comeback for him.I need to see that rowdy self of yours back here so I can feel my head explode once again.I will be thinking of you & your Dad.
hah, hah, hah..... gotta kick outta that screen name... maybe Pete will tooMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
actually I did get a chuckle out of it.
I gotta start getting ready, visiting hours start at 10:30
thanks again to everyone. I wanted to respond to everyone that posted and thank them for their support ... i know I missed a few of the first posters but many thanks to them as well.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Hang in there with him Pete, he'll be better off just knowing that YOU know you can't do anything but let the healing happen on it's own time.
Putting out the good vibes for ya all.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
BRING BACK SPLINTY.
Thinking of you, will say a prayer.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you........My BIL has been a Complete Quad C3 for the past 55 Yrs......Gunshot wound to the neck at age 15....Here's an Online Forum for SpinalColumnInjuries....try the "New SCI" topic....Register and ask your questions........you'll find help and support.......http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/
thanks
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Don't beat yourself up for not being there- you had no way to know that he would fall, so there's nothing you could have done about it unless you were there and if you had asked if he needed your help, he probably would have told you to take your son fishing anyway. You're just reacting to the shock of what happened. Just stay close and make sure he knows how much you care.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Pete:
First, let me give you my regards on your father’s serious injury. I will say a prayer for you and your father. Secondly, I am not a doctor and you will need to rely on all the good people who have dedicated their lives to medicine to help your father. The cold weather may have helped him survive somewhat. Here in N. Minnesota, there are often stories of those who have survived injuries partly due to near hypothermia. What you probably need from us is our genuine concern and support. I must say that you should not feel guilty for not being there. Older guys are often so tough and self-reliant. That’s how my father was. He could do anything and worked off a ladder all the time. As a man who has tried to be a good father, I urge you to never regret spending time with your son. Your dad will probably say the same thing when he recovers. I lost my mother in a house fire in 1979 and my father to a heart attack in 1981. I was in my mid-20s and had a lot of regret for not being there and for not spending more time with them. Since then, I realize I was doing what my parents always dreamed I’d do, working in my professional career. Hang in there Pete. You need to just live one day at a time and rely on the good work of the doctors.
Bob in Duluth, MN
Hard as it is to deal with, I'm guessing the doctors simply don't know, and won't for another 48 hours or so, to what extent your dad will recover. But apparently he's got a strong constitution, and that counts for something.
Pete,
I'm just chiming in with more of the same.
AFAIK, paralysis can commonly be caused by swelling around the cord. Once swelling is reduced(treatment, medication), nerve function can return quickly. By no means am I an expert on this, but I'm reasonbly sure.
He's in good hands now, and it'll be what it'll be. No amount of worrying will change it, and neither will beating yourself up about not happening to be there. I use the word "happening" for a reason, because there's no way either of you could've known what would occur. It would've been sheer luck if you happened to be there.
FWIW, I lost my father this June and mother in August. I know all about the "what if I had been there...I SHOULD have been there!" stuff.
Accidents happen Pete. Even if you were standing there holding the ladder, he still could've fallen and been just as badly injured. He could have been killed by the fall itself. Be glad for him that he was unconscious, and not laying there in pain. Even if you were hovering over everything he did, there may well have been nothing you could have done to prevent it.
Be there for him now, this is what counts. Not out of guilt, just love and compassion.
You and your dad are in our thoughts,
Mike
Pete, I have been in a wheelchair because my spinal cord was pinched.
Pretty much the same deal. I had actually broken my back, and had to wait 18 months for the bones to heal enough so they could operate. (And put those metal plates in my back.)
During that time, the stuff that surrounds the spinal cord became inflamed several times, and pinched off the spinal cord. When that happened, I might as well have had no legs at all, for all the good they did me.
My spinal cord came back. That's no guarantee that his will, but it shows that it happens.
I'll be saying some prayers for your dad.
Luka, thanks for chiming in. Thank you also for the insight from a guy that has dealt with this.
you know, my dad was paralyzed when he was in his 20s. broke his lower back and was told he'd never walk again but he did. He has always had back problems but it never stopped him from being very active and even playing some sports (volleyball, basketball, handball, stuff like that... even wrestling with all the kids in the neighborhood, sometimes at all at once, and kicking our azzes... lol)
thank you
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Splintergroupie here...yeah, that Tavern BS.
I had a back injury several years ago from lifting a table at an art fair. For several months after i got to walking again i'd get a watery feeling and loose the ability to stand. I'd lie 5-10 minutes and be able to stand again.
I fell last spring on my stairs and couldn't really move for days. Lots o' painkillers got me through until i could begin doing a little yoga and see a chiro. In six weeks i went from being unable to get out of bed to feed my animammals, to starting my hoophouse.
I came back from both traumas completely, good as new, though i was scared spitless both times that life as i knew it was over.
So...give yourself a big dose of patience, right now, and let go of the self-blame; it's a distraction, won't do your Dad any good, and this isn't about you anyway. Help him keep his spirits up; don't make him help you keep yours up. That's our job. Good luck.
thank you. dad is a fighter and stubborn as can be. probably has a lot in common with you... lol.
he has had an amazing life of adventure and, of course, injury. he is no stranger to pain and overcoming odds.
I do worry about how he will handle it if "life is over as he knows it".... i know how he is and not being able to do for himself would be worse than death for him.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Pete- sorry to hear about your dad.
I incurred a spinal injury 25 years ago, when I fell off a roof. My dad was on the ground, and watched me fall. I broke my back in 2 places, and needed 9 hours of surgery to repair things.
Like others have said, don't beat yourself up about this. Chances are he would have been on that ladder whether or not you were around. But you can give him the support he'll need during rehab. THAT'S gonna be tough, especially for an older guy. Get him into the best rehab facility you can. the docs can only do so much. Good rehab could give him back his life.
I was 29 y.o, and I sweated (and hurt) more in rehab, than I did with most of the construction work I've done.
IIRC, it'll take a while before the swelling/injury goes down enough to assess any permanent damage.
If your dad's a fighter, he should do pretty well. The important thing is to keep him from becoming too depressed. Believe me, he will be depressed, especially if recovery doesn't go as fast as he thinks it should. But a positive attitude will make a big difference in his recovery.
Don't get his hopes up too much, at least not until the docs give their prognosis. But also make him realize that while this may require him to make some adjustments in his life, it's not the end of the world.
I don't mean to a downer about this, but it's important to be realistic about the future, so any important decisions can be made with a clear head.
I'll be keeping you, your dad, and your family in my prayers.
Two things to be vigilant for in this sort of situation are pneumonia and bed sores. Being bed-ridden with very little motion (and likely a weakened cough reflex) causes mucus to build up in the lungs, creating a good environment for pneumonia to catch hold. Even a mild case can be life-threatening, when the cough reflex is weak.And the same lack of motion of course can lead to bed sores. These can get serious to the point of being life-threatening, especially when infected, and even less severe cases can lead to permanent disability if muscle tissue is seriously affected.All hospitals are alert for these hazards, but sometimes not quite alert enough. Be prepared to make a ruckus if the staff doesn't appear to be taking appropriate precautions, or if you notice signs of either condition.
Conscience is the still, small voice which tells a candidate that what he is doing is likely to lose him votes. --Anonymous
"The important thing is to keep him from becoming too depressed. Believe me, he will be depressed,"That is one of those things that belongs under "strange, but true".You injure your back, you will get depressed.It's a sure thing.The doc who put the metal plates in my back, told me that.
before you post it, ask yourself this question: Would my grandma twist my ear off for saying that? If the answer is yes, ditch it.
~John Kelso
When I was well on the road to recovery, but my legs were still very weak...
sometimes I'd trip and fall over almost nothing. Several times I'd just lie on the floor and cry, until I got so mad at myself that I'd claw my my back to verticle.
If someone's never been thru a dibilatating injury, they really don't know how it can affect you, both physically AND mentally.
BTW, sorry for the hijack, Pete. I hope your dad's doing better.
Shep, I have been there too. it took me a month to walk again after I was shot. and my first attempts were so frustrating and emotionally challenging. I remember it well. I specifically recall the point where I turned my frustrations into anger and determination and just "made it happen". I don't mean to say that recovery happened overnight but I finally realized I couldn't let defeat be considered.
I know it will be a long road with my dad... I am just thankful that he has made it to the road.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Edited 11/11/2008 11:23 am ET by PeteDraganic
Pete- I lost my dad 12 years ago, when he was 68 years old. I still miss him almost every day.
However much longer your dad's around, enjoy that time.
And I think that if you keep whispering into his ear that you can take him, he might just have a little more incentive to get up and whip on your butt. LOL
Heck, If you, Shep, and Uma Thurman ( Kill Bill) can claw your way back to verticle, so can your Dad, right?;)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
is this new you the same as the old you? :)
love you
p
Really sorry to hear about your Dad Pete. Like others have said here, it's still early and to get banged up that bad it's just gonna take time to know. I've had close calls, not as bad as this, but injuries that looked pretty defeating. The swelling around the spine takes time to ease.
I fell off scaffolding over a month ago I was lucky all I did was dislocate my shoulder, fractured my humerus,twist my knee and back. But as I woke up after the fall I was very disoriented and not sure I could move. It took a few minutes to get up. My shoulder is still is causing me pain.
My fall is nothing compared to your Dads but mine has made me realize I'm not a young man anymore and I won't get many more do-overs.
I hope your Dad gets a do-over and you can talk him from future ladder work.
I am sorry to hear about your dad. Blaming yourself is just a way of trying to control a situation you have no control over. Drop that and stick to the business of supporting him till he gets better. We will keep him and you in our prayers. Call if you need anything! DanT
thanks dan
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
I hope he gets a do over too.... I stealing all his ladders after this.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
I'm so, so sorry to hear about your father's accident. I can imagine how hard this is for you and your family. Don't beat yourself up about it. You didn't do anything wrong, you were with your son.
As for the spinal cord injury, I don't know alot but I do know that they can recover alot. Unfortunately, alot of the reason for recovery is quick and early treatment. My riding instructor had a nasty fall off a horse and broke her T3--just like Christopher Reeve. But, unlike Reeves the EMTs in the ambulance gave her steroid right away to bring down the swelling in the spinal cord, which minimized the damage. They didn't know about that when Reeves had his accident. Then, there have been alot of advances in rehab therapy. My riding instructor was able to benefit from the research of the Christopher Reeves Foundation and used that harness for simulating walking. She said that really helped. She can't ride (she has balance problems) but to look at her walking around, teaching lessons, etc., you'ld never know she almost ended up like Reeves. So, there is hope. There's always hope.
Just be there for him, keep him motivated to do his therapy, etc. My instructor said she was amazed at the other patients in rehab who didn't want to be bothered with doing the exercises and the rehab. She told her therapist that if she was sleeping when he came to get her, he had better darn well wake her up! That's the kind of attitude that gets a person on the road to recovery. It won't be easy. Depression will probably be a big problem, but do your best to keep him going.
Oh, one other thing, over on CT (Cooks Talk) where we seem to have accumulated many Tavern refugees, we do have a former doctor (I think he was an ER doc) who we often use as a resource for medical stuff. You might pop over there and see if he can point you in the direction for info.
I'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted.
"The elders were wise. They knew that man's heart, away from nature, becomes hard; they knew that lack of respect for growing, living things, soon led to lack of respect for humans, too." Chief Luther Standing Bear, Lakota Sioux
Thank you ann, that is very reassuring. Dad is definitely one to take this by the horns if he is at all able.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
No experience here, just chiming in for moral support. Be patient, positive and supportive. If your dad's anything like you, he'll be up and roaring in no time.
Kind of puts all the other BT silliness of late into perspective.
Pete - No advice or experience here, but I just wanted to say that I'm very sorry to hear what your father, and you, have been going through. I really hope that it turns out well for him.
Jeff
If I were in your situation I would do all I could to see dad was comfortable.........watch and don't take for granted the hospital staff will always do that, cause well, they are human and they mess up some times. (I know this for a fact.)He could come back on his own, but even if he does he's got a long road ahead of him cause of his age.So just realize that you guys are in for a long haul regardless how it turns out and when it comes to your own feelings and emotions? You just gotta take the pain, let it pass through you and get on with doing the best you can in a really bad situation.............don't even allow the self pity/guilt stuff to take root..Good luck.My Blog
thanks jj
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Your Father sounds like a tough guy Sometimes that is what will get him better. Spinal injuries are tricky Some in time get up and walk again. My Prayers are with you and your family.
thank you jeff
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Perspective, that sure is the truth. Nothing else matters right now.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Sorry to hear about your Dad, Pete but don't kill yourself with guilt for things your not guilty of. Your Dad would've wanted you to be spending time with your kids instead of helping him on mundane house projects. What he needs now is a son that's not overtaken by his own guilt trip (unnecessary at that) and company and support while he recovers.
My Dad is 76 now. A few years ago he asked me to ship him my tree climbing gear so he could drop an old elm that was dying. I sent him a package alright but it in was a check for an old friend of mine to drop the tree for him. Sounds like your Dad is active like mine which will be in his favor for his recovery.
You and I defnitely have the same kind of dad.
"send me your tree climbing gear"... LOL, I am sure you drives you as crazy as mine does me.
A mind of a 20 year old is a dangerous thing for a guy in his 70s, isn't it?
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
>A mind of a 20 year old is a dangerous thing for a guy in his 70s, isn't it?<
That's exactly what it is. I hope I'm as dangerous when I reach that age.
Will add your dad to our prayers..
DW saw me just about kill myself 35 years ago, she still shudders thinking back on the event, probably would have bled to death if she had not been nearby.
Others have said it will be a long haul emotionally; try to avoid the 'what if' thoughts, the past cannot be changed.
I almost died 16 years ago and put dad through hell... I think he is just getting even with me.
It is tough kicking the "what if" thoughts on many different levels. It is just so amazing that luck, as if this is a lucky event, played out like it did. had it happened the following night or had he not been found for a couple more hours, that could have been it.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Sorry to hear about your dad. My best wishes for a complete recovery.
My dad is also in his 70's... well, at least his body is. In his mind, much like the rest of us, he's still a young man. He will tackle things that his body is just not up to. We have a large family and there's usually someone around to help, but we never know when he's going to get in over his head without asking for help. So far, everything has been working out, but there's not much I can do if he doesn't ask for help. And I don't want to hold it against myself if something happens that I couldn't have stopped.
My dad is also in his 70's... well, at least his body is. In his mind, much like the rest of us, he's still a young man.
you've hit the nail on the head.
thanks for the support
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Damn Pete. There's nothing I can add to any of the above. I'll add you and your family to my prayers. Try to focus on the positive. He's had a terrible ordeal, but the healing has begun. Hope is a powerful thing sometimes.View Image
thanks Grant.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Pete,
sorry to hear this,best wishes to your dad.
As to you,yes, you shoulda been there, yes ,should be doing everything for dad, cleaning gutters, fixing soffets, cooking meals, washing clothes, driving his car around.
Get over it, he doesn't live in your pocket,71 ain't that old buddy. No guilt, this is not about you,concentrate on helping him get well,focus.
Vince Carbone
Riverside Builders
Edited 11/8/2008 8:09 am ET by VinceCarbone
thanks Vince.. you kind of caught me off guard. I still feel so guilty.
I could have made more time to go help him do this siding... that of course doesn't need to be done. but when dad gets a bug to do something that is it.
A couple weeks ago we completely tore off his roof structure (rafters and all) and rebuilt it completely. (his house was built in 1861) I had to do most of the hard stuff, both mentally and physically... and I really got a glimpse of how much less he is able to do.
now that this is rebuilt he wants to finish the siding that has been half done for 8 years or so. we had a couple nice days so he was going to "do what he could". He was only supposed to do the low stuff but I knew better.
I do try to make as much time for him as I can.... which is usually just coffee and bs between us either here or at his house.... or breakfast at the corner restaurant. I have a lot to do here and I know he doesn't always understand it when he wants to come over and hang out for 3 hours but I do my best to make time anyhow, even if I don't get everything done that I need to.
Dad was always the toughest guy and the hardest worker. He could work circles around anyone, he was something else. It is tough enough to see him not be able to handle the things he once could. He had a stroke about 6 years ago and that affected him a bit with his strength and his ability to think about complex things even though he still does pretty good for himself.
He can be the most difficult guy on earth at times and a real pain in the #### but I love him very much. this is so tough.
He still live in our old neighborhood, not because he can't afford to leave but because he wants to. the area has gone downhill so much that it is currently one of the worst and most dangerous areas in all of Cleveland. he refuses to leave becuase he loves where he lives. he has an acre right in the city, the neighborhood was built around his property many many years ago. I've been on him forever to move but he won't hear it.
anyhow, thanks for caring and for letting me talk.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Pete, I'm really sorry to hear about your dad. My dad was helping with some work on my house and I made him mad for telling him to stop the circus acts while on an extension ladder. Like bouncing it over a few inches, leaning way too far out while painting, he even crossed from one ladder to another 20 feet in the air. I was a wreck, if he fell I would have blamed myself for it. He's 80, and a working fool, you can't stop him.
Anyway, don't blame yourself. Best wishes for your dad, may he recover fully.
LOL, yeah, and I bet the best way to get him to do something is to tell him not to do it.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
You got that right.
Man sorry to hear... thank god for the neighbor... he must have been god sent...
had my best friend (ex racecar driver) go through a closed head injuriy... was a long recovery but everyday brought better news... I prey this is true for you also... as far as medical care you really need an expert... someone very experienced in this type trama... (the first doctors/hospital gave up on my friend) and he's very much ok today...
man do not beat yourself up... there is very little in this world we can change... and not much that we would if we could...
god had you fishing with your son for a reason.... accept that as fact...
you are in my prayers
p.... uuuuu i mean j (tavern bs)
Best wishes to your dad, Pete. We'll be praying for him in my house.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and you Dad.
Pete,
I am really sorry to hear about your dad, and all of you will be in my prayers.
darcy
Matt Garcia 1986-2008 22 yo Fairfield City Council Member, shot 09/01/08 RIP
You and your family have my thoughts and prayers.
In all of this do not forget to spend time with your children, they will sense the upset as well.
Speedy recovery for Dad.
Pete -- may your dad and the rest of your family feel God's healing arms holding you up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kuBgh0VCqI
"We live we love
We forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
And today we remember to live and to love
"Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive... then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
Howard Thurman
Edited 11/8/2008 10:15 am ET by rjw
Pete, sorry about your Dad
Best wishes for his recovery.
Don't feel guilty.
I'm sure your Dad couldn't ask for a finer Son!!!
almost didn't see this..
2 much time in the tavern.
.
.
"After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion"
-Neil deGrasse Tyson
.
.
.
If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???
Sorry to hear Pete, hoping your dad has a speedy recovery.
I once fell off a ladder too, but did not sustain serious injuries.
"We don't throw the first punch, but we'll throw the last" Barack Obama Oct.2008
I'm sorry, Pete. Don't beat yourself up over this. Older people have a lot of resilience and he will be ok. Is he in Parma Hospital?
Take care.
Pete,I hope both you and your dad make a quick recovery. I'll put you guys in my prayers.http://www.josephfusco.org
http://joes-stuff1960.blogspot.com/
Pete,
That is terrible.
I will keep your dad and your family in my thoughts.
Pete,
I'm so sorry to hear of your father's accident. My thoughts with you and your family.
My father had a very very similar accident and experience as your Dad.
My dad was a housepainter for 25 yrs and never fell once. Then about 6 years ago, he was painting their own place to get ready to sell and finish their retirement home in another state.
He fell about 25' onto hard ground and broke all ribs on one side and his pelvis. He was alone, midday, and dragged himself up and around to the front door and to the phone where he was able to call his mom, my then 86yr old grandmother, who called 911 and he was flown out in the helicopter.
His recovery has been long and hard, with lots of nerve damage in is pelvic region requiring lots of pain and nerve meds that, on their own, have made life not quite what it was.
I'm happy to report that he's steadily improved over the years with careful rehab, diet and exercise and he's off the pain meds and now says he's about 90%.
Recovering from an accident like this is an immensely trying experience for everyone and family and friends become so important. I'm sure things will turn out ok in time. Be patient and hopeful.
Best wishes, kindest regards,
Pat
Hi Pete,
Please don't beat yourself up about not being there. I'm sure that, in the past, you've told your dad to call you when he needs to do this kind of job so that you can arrange to be on hand.
We should all have the sense not to work at heights alone but I'll bet that most of us don't always adhere to it.
Offering prayers for his quick and complete recovery.
wow sorry to hear that pete, I hope he pulls through with a speedie recovery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If an opinion contrary to your own makes you angry, that is a sign that you are subconsciously aware of having no good reason for thinking as you do.... Bertrand Russell
http://www.drawingwithlight.smugmug.com
Pete, I am sorry to hear of this horrible accident.
A similar thing happened to my mother, she suffered a stroke and was alone in her house for a full day. We had tried to have someone with her, but she kept firing them and claiming independence.
It is a terrible feeling to know a loved one is suffering. My mother's case was the start of her decline, sadly she never regained her independence or strength.
This is the time for the child to be the father to the man.
Thoughts are with you.
Mike
Small wheel turn by the fire and rod, big wheel turn by the grace of god.
My thoughts and well wishes are with you and your family.
sorry to read this, Pete -
sincere best wishes for a positive outcome -
a big change in life for him and for you, I'm afraid -
will you be responsible for his day to day issues? paying the power bill, things like that? - do you have power of attorney?
I know the shock of the situation is numbing, but I have observed the world will not stop during times like this - under the best of circumstances dad will need much assistance for several months-
good luck to you and your family -
Yes, power of attorney is something to think about. If you don't have one already, talk to an attorney. If your dad isn't able to physically sign a document there's probably some way for witnesses to attest to the document if he's able to express his wishes somehow. In the worst case you can get yourself appointed his guardian, but that's a bigger legal hassle.You need the POA to pay his bills, etc. Even if he bounces back fairly quickly he isn't going to be in much of a position to worry about that stuff.
Conscience is the still, small voice which tells a candidate that what he is doing is likely to lose him votes. --Anonymous
I am so sorry about your father. I recall how my stomach turned when my father (then in his 80's) stumbled while walking to his hotel room. He was fine, but I still feel that emotional wrench when I think about it.
That said--there is a fascinating article in this month's AARP magazine (november/December 2008) entitled "Super Healing" on page 64. Short answer: Nutrition, rest, exercise, and positive mental attitude.
Nothing special or unusual, right? And I agree. But this article also has specific documentation showing HOW effective these items can be. Especially the last. Previous posters have related how the "if I don't get up, nobody will do it" attitude is so helpful.
Pete,
So very sorry to hear the awful news. Hope things go well from here.
All the best,
Brian
I'm just starting this thread Pete, and have in-laws coming over soon, so if this is redundant, sorry, but wanted to add my prayers and best wishes..
It is not uncommon for the swelling to put pressure on that spinal column so as to cause temporary paralysis that goes away as the swelling reduces.
The extra load on his kidneys sounds like a big challenge to overcome at his age too. I saw some of the numbers on Mom's chart and asked about them being too high and the doc answered, "Listen Son, any body over seventy is already in renal failure to some degree, so high numbers are not something to worry about all by themselves"
At least he is in good care now.
It'll be a good time soon for you two to get closer. That has been the positive of all Mom's emergencies.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
Prayin' over here too.
JPOLE ...Jeff Prayin'On lake Erie
Hey Man.
Prayers from our family to you and yours.Russell
We're sending more positive energy your dad's way. Now you see this one-eyed midget
Shouting the word "NOW"
And you say, "For what reason?"
And he says, "How?"
And you say, "What does this mean?"
And he screams back, "You're a cow
Give me some milk
Or else go home"
Pete,
Terribly sorry to hear the news about your dad.
I do hope that no matter how tempting it is you won't be too hard on yourself. Channel that energy into taking care of your dad instead.
I'm sending all the best wishes to you, your dad and your family. Keep your tagline in mind if things aren't as positive as they could be.
Steve
View Image
We're so sorry to hear this, Pete - DW and I are thinking of the both of you.
When I had broken my arm, I wasn't able to move the three fingers on my hand controlled by the ulnar nerve, and they thought it had been cut by the fragments. When they took the metal out after the bone had healed, they checked and the scar tissue had just formed around the inflamed sheath of the nerve and stopped it from working - it wasn't cut, so no wait for it to grow back - just the time exercising the muscles that hadn't fired for six weeks.
After another few weeks, I could squeeze toothpaste out of the tube.
We're hoping that his cord is just traumatized and not cut.
Forrest
"After another few weeks, I could squeeze toothpaste out of the tube"
I
After a serious injury, isn't it incredible how we can become so grateful for the smallest things?
!!! yep!
I went to a swanky party after I got the fixator off, and looked pretty normal in a suit, and we had STEAK! I leaned over to the guy next to me and murmed, "Hey - It'd be pretty sexy if you cut up my meat . . ."
Forrest
so? - - finish the story - did the line work for you?"there's enough for everyone"
I wonder why he waited weeks to brush his teeth..ewww.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
BRING BACK SPLINTY.
He did a very nice job, I'll have you know!
Forrest
Sorry to hear about your dad's injury. I'll include him in my prayers. Don't feel guilty about the past; do what's right now. Spend some time with him and let him know that he matters to you. When I had my aneurysm five years ago, my daughter took a family emergency leave of absence and spent a month with me, teaching me how to walk again and helping me regain a normal life. I can't tell you how much it meant to me. God bless your dad.
My prayers are with your dad and you.
[My dad is staying with me right now after having two strokes a week apart (fortunately was staying with me after being discharged from the hospital from the first stroke when he had the second stroke while getting ready for bed). My dad is progressing well--no paralysis only slight speech problems. Dad lay on the floor at his house though for four hours after the first stroke before he could remember and dial my number (he has a rotary phone, which is one of the first things we are taking care of before he returns home--also getting a one button emergency alarm that he can wear). (Thank God I wasn't on-line here that morning!) My dad is 89 and had a stroke 9 years ago too.]
No advice Pete.... I'm just so sorry to read this. What a terrible thing to have happen. My prayers are with you and yours.
hey, brian.....if you get a chance... post a copy of your McCarthy logo in the logo business thread
you can post a red sox logo there too
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=112588.52
Mike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Edited 11/8/2008 11:35 pm ET by MikeSmith
hey everyone... sorry i don;t have the motivation to respond individually like I did earluer.
and screw the typos as i dont really care
terrible news today. the MRI is done and there appears to be serious spinal cord injury
they want to operate to open his vertebrae in the neck to allow room for sopinal cord to swell and possibly heal. no operation means virtually no chance of recovery. the operation means that he MAY recover to some degree. however he may not recover at all. THe most they would expect him to recover would be use of arms which would be huge according to the surgeon.
problem is this.... i cant let him live in bed paralyzed.... i am pretty sure he'd rather be dead. the surgery needs to happen sooner than later.... although he is at high risk of death fro surgery due to a number of circumstances.... and of course the surgery is no guyarantee he will improve.
they will need to do a trachyotonmy for his breathing and he will be on a respirator, unless he really improves later in which case he could come off the machine... the machine means that he cannot live with me, he will need a nursing home. I am told by the docs that there is really no way I can provide the care he needs.
i am sick over this.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
he's a great guy , Pete......take your kids to see him...... grampas are specialMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Pete,I'm so sorry to hear of this. I remember your Dad well. A terrific guy. I wish I could say something more helpful. All I got is that you do what you can do. Sometimes that's enough.I will be thinking about all of you.Best,Rich
awwwwwwww man.....
more hope and wishes to you and your dad....
and screw the individual resposes....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Good thoughts to you and your family in this tough time.soj
Oh, Pete - we were all hoping for a better outcome than this. Prayers for all of you. I'm sad.Greg
I'm saddened to hear this latest news. No need to reply to each of us individually, but please keep us updated since there are so many of us wishing for the best.
I'm sure you'll be faced with some difficult decisions in the near future. I can only imagine how hard it will be so my best wishes for both of you.
I'm so sorry.
Pete, don't know much about spinal injuries, but did lose my Dad last Christmas after he had spent a couple of years in a nursing home because of a fall, spinal injury, etc., all complicated by dementia. Saw him go from being a big tough guy to looking like a death camp survivor with no nderstanding of his surroundings....it's hard, really hard, and all you can do for him is your best, and I know you're doing that. I bet he does too. Knowing you guys are there for him is really important.
Best wishes.
Cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Please keep us posted and hang in there."Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For Thou art with me."
The 23rd Psalm
Pete,
I just went through this whole thread with Kathy. We are so sorry to hear about your Dad's injuries.
Look at the up side of the diagnosis. The doctor has to talk about the worst case scenerio. When Kathy broke her back in a fall from a roof 18 years ago they speculated paralysis for life along with an operation on the spine - from the front - to maybe fix the spine. She did alright and so will your Dad.
Our prayers are with you, Pete and your family.
Oh, Pete.
That sounds so dire.
Stay strong and be there for him - and keep some hope in your pocket, thing may turn out better then you think -- and he'll need to know you have hope.
Pete-
I said a prayer for you and your dad today at church.
Hang in there.
You have a very difficult decision Pete , i hope for the best for your family. May peace of mind and order be restored to your life as soon as possible.
Thanks again to all of you.... you have no idea how much your support and caring means to me.
Dad had surgery this morning and he handeled it extremely well. It is very reassuring to see him progressing and surviving.
he is still paralyzed but now there is the possibility for recovery.
all we can do now is wait to see how he does.
He survived his initial ordeal and a night in the cold. he survived the first day in the hospital and his vitals returned to normal, even though the docs didn't think he'd live through the day. he remained stable all through his surgery. He has been impressing us and giving us hope all along. I hope and pray that he continues to do so.
I've been finding a lot of comfort in stopping by his house every evening to check on things and sort through stuff. looking around at all his junk and thinking about how he does stuff there and all the crazy things that mean so much to him all make me feel very comforted and close to him. I feel more comfort and closer to him at his house than I do next to him at his bedside, which I find bizarre.
please keep the support and prayers coming... he needs all he can get.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
thanks for th eupdate, sonding better than a day ago.
Was that the house you grew up in or just your Dad's house?
His current house is not the one I grew up in... but i was raised by my father alone since the age of about 6.
He moved up the street to a house he has wanted for a very long time. One the first homes in the area and it still has an acre of land and a 2-story barn. he loves the place. He has been there about 14 years now.
this is right in the middle of a real city of Cleveland neighborhood... but to be in his yard,the way it is arranged, you feel as though you've been transported somewhere very different.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Edited 11/9/2008 10:03 pm ET by PeteDraganic
I figured when I saw things this AM that he might be in surgery then.been waiting and hoping all day to hear this good news.
Times like this, you realize every day is a gift.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I am glad to hear that hope has the day, I am pulling for you all.
Pete,
Just saw your thread, and I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad's injuries. Just remember that statistics on these things are never 100%. Even if they give him a bad prognosis on paralysis, there are people walking around the world who were never supposed to walk again. Also, your Dad sounds like a strong man. Even though his life changes, he can still give it meaning and live a great life. As long as he has a mind, that decision is up to him.
Good luck and best wishes to him for a full recovery.
It seems like every day is a 'Good News/Bad News' day. Here's hoping all the coming ones are all 'Good News' days. ~splintey
Let me share the high point of my day yesterday.
My uncle and I were talking in the waiting room about my dad and the hell he has raised. He really was one tough SOB.
so, once he was back from surgery I went in to see him with my cousin Christy and my youngest son, Petey.
Dad was totally out of it, not responding yet to anything so I took the opportunity to share some fo the stories in ciondensed version with the male nurse there. when I was done, I looked down at him and added.... "yeah, well I could probably kick his #### now"... and my dad, in his truest form, gave a slow and deliberate "no" with the movement of his head and that subtle twist of the face that says "not in a million years, buddy".
I laughed so hard at that... and I said "that's my dad", my cousin followed with "that's my uncle" and Petey followed with "that's my Grandpa".
You couldn't have written a funnier script at that moment. It was just perfect.... and a perfect illustration of the way dad is... even on the hospital bed, seemingly oblivious to the world, he wasn't letting that one slide.
Thinking about it today I am glad to know he is still of the state of mind that he's the same tough guy he has always been.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Edited 11/10/2008 8:41 am ET by PeteDraganic
pete... shoulda taped it... good story..... thanks for sharingMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
There was a guy, on another forum, who was NOT driving a green tractor, that wanted to send his best wishes for you and your dad. He's thinking of you.
Wadda ya' tryin' to do - get this thread deleted? Like anyone doesn't know you're talking about that highschool guy.
Sheesh.
Forrest
Pete, I am so very very sorry!Life has changed now for your family. It will never be the same, but I hope you and Dad and his grandkids can still have much love and laughter and good times together. He will need you all and your love.Fifteen years ago both my in-laws fell down, somehow, we never knew how, on the floor of their bedroom. They were there for four days before we knew. My own guilt and sadness have lessened tremendously since then, but it is still there a little bit. Yours will lessen too. It wasn't your fault, even though I know you wish you could have prevented this.Just love him, and keep reminding him that he is still the incredibly important man to you he always was.l
Just read this thread. I am praying for your father and you. I will add you to my prayer list.
My families thoughts and prayers are with you and your Dad. Please try and remember to take care and be kind to yourself. You have been through a lot in the last few days too.
>>"I've been finding a lot of comfort in stopping by his house every evening to check on things and sort through stuff. looking around at all his junk and thinking about how he does stuff there and all the crazy things that mean so much to him all make me feel very comforted and close to him. I feel more comfort and closer to him at his house than I do next to him at his bedside, which I find bizarre."And even though he may not be able to talk to you, you can talk to him about the things you have seen there -- how you now know even more about him and how he 'does'.It's been more than 35 years since I lost my dad to a five year battle with cancer. And the first aspect of him to go was his sight. So, for five years, my brothers and I got to (had to!) help him understand the world around him. I was a naieve 13-year-old kid at the time. It was very painful, very tiring, emotionally exhausting -- and something that I cherish to this day as great memories.My thoughts are still with you. And your Dad is still in my prayers.
.
Pete--
So sorry to hear this, man. I am just aching for you guys. You have my number; call anytime you need to....
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
Pete,
Just saw this one.
Hope is what were sending your way!
Hope your Dad is up & about quickly!
Pete, i'm sorry to hear that.
You really have me concerned for my dad now. He's 67 and doing what you and I do for a living.
He made a bad business move in the 80's that pretty much damned him to working till death. When he works on my sites, I dont let him get into dangerous stiuations, but is boss thinks he's 20 and has him do things i'd never let him do.
I tell him not to do some of those things but he has a poor mentallity, he thinks he's lucky to have a job and does what his boss asks.
I worry about that alot. I hope your dad recovers.
Family.....They're always there when they need you.
Pete,
Hope your Dad recovers and everything works out. Hang in there, you'll be in our thoughts.
Pete-
I just saw this.
Really sorry about the news. Anything I can do to help- just sing out.
Like Mike said- take the kids to see him when you can.
Sending prayers
HubNo Tag
No personal experience but yes as long as the cord is not severed it CAN heal. May get use back after swelling subsidesand there is some blood supply going to cord. You would have to Google it but I remember ABC News doing a segment on spinal cord injuries being treated w/ antibiotics with good results. Sounds odd I know. However, a factor was how quickly it was done after injury. It was being done primarily in Israel. Shepard's Spinal Clinic is here in Atlanta. Perhaps they could give you some guidance. Their ph # is (404) 352-2020 or e-mail them at [email protected] Wishing your father a full and speedy recovery.
Thank you for that info!
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Oh, yeah, Pete-
don't forget to take care of yourself and your wife and kids during this time.
Sometimes we can get so focused on one thing, that we can forget that other things are important, too.
Be well.
Good Lord - what a horrible experience. I don't want to give medical advice as false hope can be dangerous. When I was 18 I was run over by a truck and broke five of the transverse off the sides of my vertebrae - I was also badly bruised. I was paralyzed for about 5 hours but when the swelling came down the sensation came back. I recovered fully -that was 20 years ago. They can do a lot these days and miracles do occur - so don't give up.
Well, we did get a bit of good news today.
dad is off of the blood pressure meds. he needed them to keep his pressure up and stable through the trauma.
Also, the physical therapists visited him today and say he is starting to gain some sensation in his arms, albeit very minor at this point.
I know these are very small things but I am happy with all that I can get.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Great news, Pete.
Thanks for keeping us informed. But, as I'm sure you already know, if it comes down to us, or your dad and family, please don't worry about missing a few days of updates here.
Believe me, discussing it here, getting feedback from others with similar experience and seeing the support everyone is giving are all very helpful with my handling this.
I actually was able to take care of some work that I needed to get done today. I started off a little slow but once I got in the groove, things went well.
we get 4 hours in the early part of the day and then 4 hours in the evening to visit... so today my sister took the early hours and I took the late ones.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
"...so today my sister took the early hours and I took the late ones."And don't underestimate how much good that does. I am convinced that lots of supportive (operative word there, supportive) family visiting time significantly contributes to recovery.Rich
Sounds like except for the initial news, each step along has been one in the right direction. Keep on keeping on.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
yes... they may be small steps but they are all in the right direction so far.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
they may be small steps but they are all in the right direction so far.
Beats the alternative. You are a good kid. Vic
there are no small things Pete
good for your Dad and good for youNo Tag
I hear you... these "small" advances are huge to us right now.
Part of me worries about getting too optimistic though. I am trying to take things with reasonable expectations and as they come.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Pete-
there's going to be highs and lows with your dad's recovery. And it'll be tough on the both of you.
But it sounds like the two of you will be able to handle it.
Sometimes it's worse for the loved one. I know I put my DW thru hell during my recovery. I'd take out all my frustrations on her, instead of the therapists or docs.
But she put up with me. And I'm forever grateful.
It has definitely been an emotional roller coaster thus far.
Dad has really been in good spirits these past few days... that really makes me feel better. he is doing his best to joke, even though he can't yet speak.
He's still a character.
Tomorrow they will be doing a tracheotomy so they can get the vent tube out of his mouth (and switched to his neck)... hopefully this leads us to improved breathing ability and eventually speaking again.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Dad has really been in good spirits these past few days... ...he is doing his best to joke,...
Pete, that is so, so important! Any doc worth his salt will tell you the patient's attitude is better than 50% of the result in cases like these. Good attitude=better result. Bad attitude ('why me?' 'I can't do it...')=a long, miserable slide into defeat.
I felt a twang when you spoke about coming back from being shot, and when Shep talked about his comeback.
I got run over by a drunk doing 80 miles an hour when I was 19 years old. '67 Buick against a skinny 135# kid. Broke my left femur in three places and shattered both bones in my left forearm to splinters. They tied me to the hospital bed in traction and left me there for the better part of 3 months. The arm and leg both had nerve damage; the arm was essentially paralysed for 2 months, and I was in a wheel chair or on crutches for a year before I took my first unsupported step. On that day, I stood there between the parallel bars in the physio gym crying like a baby 'cause I had made it the six feet from one end to the other without using my arms.
Thinking back on it all now, I can say that getting through that year and a half was definitely not fun. But it was so much better than the alternative that I never considered anything else.
I got a feeling from the way you describe him that your dad will do what it takes, too.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
Boy, do we have a lot of injuries amongst this crew.
Looking back, I was extremely lucky/blessed. I broke my back at 3 places, but I was only paralyzed from the waist down. I had full use of my arms and torso.
The second week I was in the hospital, this little occupational therapist comes in the room, and tells me she needs to check my hand strength to see if anything there had been affected.
Mind you, I'm not in the best of moods at that point, since I didn't know if I was ever going to walk again <G>
So I tell her my hands are fine, and there's no need for her to do anything. She insists, and I give in, just to get rid of her.
She tells me to squeeze her hand as hard as I can. I tell her,no, that would hurt you. Again, she's insistant. So after a short go-round, I do as she asks, because she's beginning to p*ss me off. But I only give her maybe 2/3 strength.
She winces a bit, and says your hand strength is fine. I tell her I've got more, and she says, no, that's OK, writes something down, and leaves.
Looking back, I know it was kind of petty. But I guess the point is that the caregivers should listen to the patient. We do know what's going on with our own bodies.
guess the point is that the caregivers should listen to the patient. We do know what's going on with our own bodies.
Yes, in spades. I remember along about week 4, after bone knitting had progressed a fair amount, they cut the top 9" off the cast, which until then had run right up into my crotch. 'My' doctor (mine against my will) told me to start flexing my quads to avoid too much muscle atrophy. He then stuck his hand on the side of my leg to feel me doing it. I flexed the quad--and only the quad--and of course he felt nothing, because the idiot had his hand on the wrong muscle. He then got insulted and left when I showed him I could flex each muscle independently of the others.
That guy was such a loser. I tried to fire him 5 times, but the hospital's chief administrator was a nun who happened to be the real-life sister of my boss, and she bullied me out of it each time.
I had had the bad luck to draw a very lazy Pakistani doctor from the on-call 'attending' doctors list when they brought me into emerg at 4:40 am. Seems he had a golf tee-off time at 6:30am and didn't wanna spend the time it would take to patch me back together. So he had me prepped for double amputation and was scrubbing up to do a quick chainsaw job when the senior orthopædic resident walked in with the x-rays in his hand and fire in his eyes.
The resident was a highly experienced Polish Naval surgeon who'd jumped ship, swum ashore, and asked for political asylum in the US. Quite the story, actually. He was re-doing his surgical residency to qualify in the U.S....and a good thing for me that he was. He chased that butcher right out of the OR then did the surgery himself, thus saving both my arm and leg.
I learned all this much later from the cute Irish nurse whom I had stayed in touch with and started dating after I got back on my feet. I was unconscious at the time it happened, of course.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
"the hospital's chief administrator was a nun who happened to be the real-life sister of my boss, and she bullied me out of it each time."LOL, it takes a very strong man to stand up to a stubborn Nun!
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
latest update: Doc came in today and said that dad is breathing pretty well and they want to begin trying to ween him off of the ventilator. Good news for sure.
still no movement but I'm being patient.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
"ween him off of the ventilator"good, he'll be able to complain out loud instead of keeping it bottled up.;)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I was thinking the same thing.
LOL, I already explained to the nurse that nobody loves to BS like my dad does... so not being able to talk is a real aggravation to him.
although, even with reading his lips he is driving me crazy with a million things he can't have.
Then to top it all off, he hasn't asked one important thing about his house or stuff, but yesterday he spent 5 minutes to get me to understand that he wanted me to take his milk home from his refrigerator.
he wants pop and coffee and a cigarette and a glass of water and yesterday he must have told me 10 times that he wants a steak.... and all i can do is stick a little sponge on a stick in his mouth with some water because he can't even swallow. I can just wet his mouth.
Once he can chew and swallow, I'll bring him a steak every night if he wants it.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
"nobody loves to BS like my dad does"There is something rattling around in my head about an apple and a tree, a chip and a block....LOL
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
No doubt one of the attributres I've inherited from him. Drives my wife crazy that I can carry on a 30 minute conversation with a complete stranger in the grocery store.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
They took him off the ventilator for a bit yesterday. he breathed on his own for an hour and fifteen minutes.... his nurse only expected him to last about five mnutes.
so, he did good. the sooner he can breathe completely on his own, the sooner he can go to therapy and talk and eat.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Pete,
that sounds great ,pop is getting himself back to normal.
it also sounds like you are getting back to your normal self too, good. hang in there. Vince Carbone
Riverside Builders
Franklin,NY
honestly I've been very depressed. however, I've gotten a little work done these past few days and find that once I can get my mind focused on the task at hand i do ok.... until I stop long enough to think about everything else.
Anyhow, visiting is beginning so i am off to see dad.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Pete,
I hope your Dad continues to surprise them. I don't know much about it, but I'd think that if the signal can go one direction (he can feel you), that there is a good chance the signal will be able to go in the other direction as well and he'll be able to move his arms.
I thought you said they were going to do a tracheotomy on him so he could breath and talk? Is he improving enough that they won't need to do that?
Pete,
Sounds like your dad is one tough SOB, reminds me of my grandfather, he's the same way, nothing will hold that man back. Keep your own head up and moving forward, if your Dad is anything like my grandfather he'd expect nothing less.
Glad to hear things are looking up, Your tag line is very fitting for his recovery and it sounds like he's moving in the right direction.
I hope things keep moving in the right direction.
Neil
finally his stubborness may pay off.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
just keep taunting with him about how you can finally take him...
that ought ot give him something to fight for...
just be careful after he's back...
I agree and also I've found that dad's attidtude does a world of good for the rest of the family too.
We all know that if there is anyone that can pull through this, he is the one.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Keep in mind that he may be struggling mightily to keep up a good front, while inside he's severely depressed. Don't assume that what he's showing you is how he feels.
The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable. --John Kenneth Galbraith
I've been thinking of that too.
if that is the case it is still a better sign than he has given up.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Edited 11/12/2008 10:02 am ET by PeteDraganic
True, but you need to be there for him and let him know (very gently) that it's OK to show his discouragement.
The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable. --John Kenneth Galbraith
Pete,
I'm glad to here your father is doing better. Don't blame your self for not being there when he had his accident. You can only do so much. My 78 year old mother called me up one day to tell me my father said it's OK to come over and get his 24 foot ladder. I said "mom I didn't ask for his ladder". She said "I know but I found your father using the ladder this morning to hang up his wind chimes, about 12 feet up in a tree". So I went and "borrowed" his ladder forever. Dad is an 85 year old veteran and even though he knows he's not 19, storming beaches in the south pacific he still wants to do things. He helped build his house after the war and he has, and always will work on it no matter what his wife or children say. If dad had nothing to do all day I feel he would have faded away a long time ago.I suspect your father is the same kind of man.Best of luck to you and your dad.Danny
From my family to yours..... We will be thinking of you and your dad through these difficult times.
When I told Ian about this all he could say was c r a p!!! He would be more than willing to give your daughter a hug if she needed!! But then she hates him---- LOL!!!
As for Father's pride? I've told my kids the same thing, I will have to be 6 feet under before they will ever be able to kick my butt!!
"Old age and dirty tricks beats youth and strength any day"
update...
Dad has been gaining the abilty to feel. he can now feel me touching his chest and even his upper stomach area. When he first came in, he could only feel down to where a necklace might hang.
he still cannot move anything below the neck but I suppose the ability to feel is a good indicator.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Great! Remember, University Hospital has a great spinal chord unit. Best wishes.
University Hospital has a great spinal chord unit
Is that a musical group? <g>
Dad had his hip replaced at UH and got great care. We'll see about our options for this.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Seriously, look into it. A physician friend of ours teaches at CWRU and he has nothing but great things to say about their unit. Anything is possible, and I wish the best for your dad.
I will... thank you
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
SOOOOOOO great news Pete!
Take every single improvement as a great moment
Yeah, that's a good sign.
The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable. --John Kenneth Galbraith
Great news, Pete. A good start to recovery.
he can now feel me touching his chest and even his upper stomach area
Pete, that is huge. It's sounding more and more like a lot of this is caused by spinal shock instead of a sectioned spinal cord. If that is indeed the case, his chances of recovering at least some motor function are way higher than they would be otherwise.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
his cord is severely bruised in the cervical area (neck area)
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Bruised is good, Pete. Bruises can go away.
I'm crossing everything I can cross that when the swelling goes down, your old man will get up and walk right outta there.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
Your stubbornness probably comes from your Pa. He's gonna be up again just to whoop yer butt like he said he could.Meanwhile, know that you had some one to one prayers to the Starkeeper come your way all the way from the shores of the Delaware River. They were mostly for you.You hang in there. You & he got some more fishin' to do.
Terrific news - we're all praying things continue positively ...
"Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive... then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
Howard Thurman
thanks
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Wow, how did I miss this thread.....
Hey Pete, keep your head up and know there are those that really care here and support you. Don't beat yourself up, stuff happens. As my own father know's when climbing ladders and such are required he calls me and I hope yours when he gets better will find another way to find his youth! It is awesome he is starting to get feelings back!!!!
You and your family will be in our heart and prayers.
Semper Fi, Eric
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.” Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
thanks
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Each day will get better, Pete. take care of him, but remember to take care of you and your family, too.
Dang! You are tough too.Bet you even outlived the truck.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Sorry to hear that Pete. My father just suffered a stroke on the 19th of October. He was blessed to survive it and is now in therapy with a long road in front of him. He is 78 and is everything to me as i'm sure your father is to you. Make sure your father knows how much you love him. I'll pray for your father and your family as well.
God Bless
You no it's funny, but almost a year ago to the day, my mother had a stroke. Long road back. Her mind still isn't 100%. (78 years old also)
Some days he is sharp as a tack and some days not so sharp. It's been really hard on my mom, she is almost blind and he is her eyes. He has been really healthy and strong and then this hits him, it was a shock to all of our family. I hope your mom continues to regain all of what she lost.
Pete
Just dropping in to say that your dad, you and your family have prayers being sent from Eastern Pennsylvania.
Jeff in PA
Thanks Jeff.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
A couple of things:
When I was a junior in High School, my dad fell off a ladder he was on. The only problem was that it was on the roof of the first floor reaching up to the gutters on the top of the 2nd floor. He landed on his head and arm. Spent three months in the hospital and was never the same. I can completely relate to how you feel. Bottom line to remember is that guilt doesnt help anyone...and someone needs a clear mind right now;
The spinal cord is very different from the rest of the body's cells when it comes to regeneration. Damage done in the first 30-60 minutes can be reversed under certain circumstances. Also, there are some AMAZING stories of recovery that confound all reason, (to the chagrin of those who ONLY believe in reason...) But at his age, it will be a tough road to travel down. The fact that he is still alive after sitting there all night is a testament that he is one tough son of a gun.
You will need to make some hard decisions for which there are no text books. Make sure you have some around you who you trust. Monday morning QBing is completely worthless. Listen to the facts, understand the alternatives and make your decisions. No one who has gone through this sort of thing has much confidence when it is THEIR dad or mom. But you still have to make the decision(s). Just don't 2nd guess yourself.
We in this forum who believe in the God who heals will pray for your dad and for you for wisdom. Hang in there.
"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
What were the long-term problems? short term? how was he never the same?
I have noticed that he isn't always making sense now... maybe some short term memory problems, inability to reason completely.... even when not on meds.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
1) He landed on his head and right arm;
2) He probably had an out of body experience, (death or near death)
3) He was jumbled in many ways, (he had trouble processing issues);
4) He was able to keep his arm, even though they wanted to amputate it;
5) At least he never got on a ladder again!“At its most basic level, capitalism offers people the freedom to choose where they work and what they do … the dignity that comes with profiting from their talent and hard work. … The free-market system also provides the incentives that lead to prosperity -- the incentive to work, to innovate, to save and invest wisely, and to create jobs for others.” -President George W. Bush
In other words, free-market capitalism is the best path to prosperity.
I've been noticing my dad is suffering some inability to process thoughts or reason clearly. Don't know if it will be permanent or if it is just a stage.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Is he loaded up on any pain meds? That could be the cause of his confusion or lack of focus.
Fingers and toes crossed down here Pete.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
He goes most of the time off any meds. he'd rather be clear headed than comfortable.... but he still isn't clear headed.
I think his behavior may be consistent with this type of trauma however I don't know for how long it may last.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
I have trouble processing and reasoning when dealing with pain or when covering the pain with drugs. Pain is a great distraction.not to say that there is not some brain trauma, but don't jump to conclusions this soon.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Also It would be fair to say he probably has A LOT on his mind lately.Pete; continued best wishes for your dad..
.
"After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
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If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???
If the damage is permanent, stem cells is the only answer, IMO.
I've been seeing a lot of promising reports on stem cells and spinal cords. intersting stuff but I don't know if it is beyond research yet.
It is definitley something to consider.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
hey pete, just wanted to add my concern and prayers for you and your dad.
no need to reply ... just feelin' some of your pain.
I'm pretty sure they are doing some research applications with some success, especially overseas. I heard today that there is some kind of new program that would allow mothers to donate some cells from their umbilical cords, which would, I think, have a large percentage of T-cells.
As a layman in this area, I don't have the knowledge to judge the value of the information I am exposed to, but, knowing that there is a lot of activity in this area, I am hopeful.
"I heard today that there is some kind of new program that would allow mothers to donate some cells from their umbilical cords, which would, I think, have a large percentage of T-cells."
Cord blood is a great source of stem cells, and the technology for harvesting them has been around for quite some time. The only real problem is that a mother has to be quite determined to donate the cord blood in order to accomplish it. When my daughter was born over 7 years ago I called a cord blood donation center when I was about 7 months along. They told me that I called too late in the pregnancy to donate because the paperwork takes longer than that to process. For my 3 year old I called right around 1/2 way through the pregnancy, and that time they let me. It was a very cool experience and I wish I could have donated for the first one. All during both pregnancies I was inundated with ads to store my daughters' cord blood "just in case they needed it". What a major scam.
I think what I heard about was making the process easier. They didn't specify how. It sounds like reducing paperwork would be a good place to start.
Pete - really sorry to hear of your Dad's accident and hope he continues to get better & progress; and you quit kickin' yourself for not being everywhere at every moment (as if you could).
And my, how strange to find this thread in this folder. But it seems I've missed a lot being absent the past few weeks.
Perhaps this thread being above the Tav will give the "typical BT poster" a flavor of the comraderie and support that used to be typically found in the Tavern threads.
Clara
"Be yourself...everyone else is
already taken." — Unknown author
very true about that lost comraderie.... it is nice to see it in here again... and to be honest, I am not missing the tavern at all.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
UPDATE:
they took dad off the breathing machine at 11:45 and he was still breathing rather well on his own when I last left at 8:45.
They'll put him back on the machine overnioght to give him more rest but hopefully he'll be breathing completely independently very soon.
This is the biggest key to his recovery, being able to breathe on his own.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Awesome. Very good news.
it has been a string of good things thus far, all things considered.
first they thought he wouldn't make it through the first day... and he did with very good vitals by the next day.
then his #### protein was off the charts high from muscle breakdown and they feared his kidneys would clog and be damaged..... but he made it through that without the slightest problem.
then they had very low hopes for him breathing on his own.... and by the second day of trying he went practically the whole day unassisted.
They also worried about his blood pressure not holding on the operatiing table and he held up like a champ.
Even with all of his strong and positive progress I still worry a lot about the rest. I can only keep waiting and watching and hoping for the best.
I do have to say this, he is getting more prayers and good wishes sent from all over the place than you can imagine. Breaktime alone is good for a few hundred or so... lol.
One of the nice things about this ordeal is realizing how many people everywhere care enough about me or my dad or our family to go out of their way to voice their support. A big thanks to all of you here who have helped us all along our way.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
+1 to what seeyou said. Good wishes continue.soj
now THAT is encouraging!
thanks for the update
will continue to hope and pray for the best
now YOU make sure you get some rest too Pete
"Be yourself...everyone else is already taken." — Unknown author
Pete - Baby steps are huge at this point. I think many of us are following along w/o butting in and praying and hoping along with you and your family. Keep us posted. We're here.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Thanks again.
I hate to get too far ahead of myeslf but if he can regain enough independence to live alone, I think I will look into buying the house that abuts my lot along the side rear. One story brick ranch, could put a gate through to my yard from it and then be in close contact with dad.
the owner is 88 and lost his wife last year. he is moving near his children so the place will be up for sale soon. I will miss him though as he is my favorite neighbor. He is the nicest guy and has a great family.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Pete,
Thanks for the update. It is great to hear more good news about your father. I wouldn't start to worry yet if he is getting confused and having difficulty following the tracks of his train of thought - he has been through a lot and is still adjusting to this reality.
Here's hoping that he continues to improve and is soon moving his arm to smack you.
Pete, FG here from Knots. So sorry to read about your dad's accident. You and your family (and he) are so fortunate he survived the experience. Please don't beat yourself up about not being there. With luck he will recover to a large extent, and for sure he will be more careful from here on out. JJ (above) was very wise to recommend close monitoring of the hospital staff. They are overworked these days, and it is simply too easy to make a mistake. The other cautionary note is, if they put him on pain meds and this, that and the other (multiple prescriptions), it is important that the internal medicine doctor in charge have experience and training in geriatric medicine. People in their 70's and above can react quite differently to various medications that those who are 30, 40, 50 years or so.
My father-in-law lived to be 102. We went through a handful of medical crises with him the last 20 years, learned alot!
Best to you and him, will send good thoughts your way daily!
thanks.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
The miracle of restoration, each and every day, one day at a time.Bart
Good to hear the news about him coming off the respirator, Pete. So far, it's just getting better each day....
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
Thinking of you yesterday Pete and reflecting on my own Dad, I don't think I had the close relationship with mine like you do with yours and it comforts me to witness this.Am so glad to hear the good news of his improvement. I know from my own experience, and others in here, that healing has its own time schedule and even though these positive signs seem so small, they are huge, and they are on time.Do keep us posted. You're right, this is much better than the Tavern gobbledeegook.
Pete, Will be sending some prayers your way!! Whats your dads first name? Hang in there! It seems as though he's getting better each day.
Lou
my dads name is pete as well. i am the third... my 12yo son is the fourth.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Oh Man!I can hear the wife calling the cat named Pete for dinner.
"Here Petie, petie, petie, Pete."Izzat how the wife calls all y'all to dinner?;)anytime you want me to knock it off and get serious, just say so. 'till then, doing my part to keep spirits up.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Glad to hear things are still going in the right direction.
Prayers and thoughts still with ya man from our end.Russell
big update today...
Dad was able to move his right arm. not a lot... very little actually, but he moved it. he actually was able to twist it back and forth a slight amount. He is left-handed although he had a stroke about 7 years ago and the left side is weaker I think now... so it makes sense that his right side would move first.
Yesterday I was so depressed again over some of the things he was doing (acting very delusional) but today I feel like a million bucks. what a roller coaster.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Again, I just wanted to thank all of you for your support... it really means a lot to me to have so many of you, quite a few that I've yet to meet, caring for my father, me and my family.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
My understanding is that it's not unusual for older folks to be delusional in a hospital setting, eg, expressing fear that people are out to poison them. Some of it's the drugs and anesthesia, I'm sure, but simply being there for days on end, largely immobile, drifting in and out of sleep has got to wear on you as well.
The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable. --John Kenneth Galbraith
the nurse was trying to assure me that it was likely the effect of sleep deprevation and meds causing the loopiness. Still, it is hard to witness this behavior when I know that he is not even close to that way normally.
My dad had cut and split more wood this year than ever and really has a good stockpile together. nearly enough for two seasons. he really busted his butt with it this year. and he won't even have a chance to use it. these are the stupid little things I think of all day long.
We used to meet for breakfast 2 or 3 times a week (unless I was really busy) which I really miss now.
He just rototilled his garden and got his onions and garlic planted for next year.
I know I am just rambling out random bits and pieces of stuff but these are the little things that were part of normal life for him then one slip possibly ends it all.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Yeah, I saw the same delusional behavior in a dear friend who I admired for her sharpness, so I know how scary it is. She pulled through fine, though (although that was years ago and she has since passed).
The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable. --John Kenneth Galbraith
Pete, how old is your dad?It's VERY common for older people to get disoriented in the hospital. Previously normal people, hospitalized for example for hip fractures, after about day three start trying to climb out of bed at night, thinking they're at home and forgetting that they can't walk any more. An occurrence known as "sundowning."In the hospital, especially if confined to bed, there is a sensory deprivation that the brain automatically and subconsciously tries to fill in with with something plausible. There is even a name for it, in the extreme case of people in the ICU on a ventilator (regardless of age) - "ICU psychosis."ICUs are noisy places, filled with mostly white or otherwise meaningless noise. They are bright places, filled with white surfaces, fluorescent lights, and meaningless equipment. Pain outweighs most other tactile sensations, which are otherwise mostly limited to the sensation of lying on the bed covered with a sheet. There is a characteristic odor that permeates everything. There's got the taste of the endotracheal tube in the mouth and no ability to eat or drink. Visiting hours and the ability to communicate are typically limited, so there's virtually nothing to engage his brain.If your dad is lucky, there may be a clock on the wall that he can see, and if he's *really* lucky, someone will post within view on a daily basis, what date and day of the week it is. If he's not so lucky, and gets confused enough to start pullng on tubes, he may find himself with wrist restraints, further limiting his sensory input.Periods of hypoxia (not enough oxygen) will aggravate disorientation, and confusion. So, although getting off the ventilator and out of the ICU as soon as possible is the best thing for him, you obviously don't want to do before he's actually strong enough and with pain well enough controlled to take the deep breaths that are necessary to oxygenate his brain.Try to give him as much control of his surroundings as possible. That will help keep him engaged.All my best. I'm glad to hear he has some recovery of motor function. That's a very good sign.Rebeccah
Wow, Rebeccah, what great insight. Thank you.Pete, we experienced a lot of this when my Mom was in the hospital for 28 days a couple of years ago, at age 77. She fell asleep at the wheel and hit a huge pine tree at approx. 55 miles per hour. The good Lord and a Lincoln Town Car saved her life, but she broke her hip and her thumb. It was a long, slow recovery.This may be a lesson in patience, my friend. It's hard to see those we love when they're not themselves. If you could step back and see the progress in the last week like others here like me that aren't quite so close to your Dad's situation, well, the progress is HUGE ! ! And I think it will get exponentially better, these are the "baby step" days, but I think he'll progress quickly in the days to come.Peace to you and your family, and I am praying for your Dad.Greg
"a lesson in patience" sums it up quite well.
I know it has been barely over a week and I suppose when I sit back and think about it, he has come a long way.
the thing that makes it hardest for me is not knowing how far he can or will go. every negative sign gives me big concerns but after yesterday, his moving his arm, I was in great spirits.
thank you for the prayers.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Edited 11/17/2008 10:51 am ET by PeteDraganic
another day
another ray
of sunshine
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Dad is 71. you'd really never know it based on his active lifestyle and handsome good looks... lol.
but I understand that this is a normal part of the process/situation.
thanks for the insight.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Yes, that's what I was thinking, having seen it with two loved ones who were hospitalized for a long time. It's so upsetting to watch.
what a roller coaster
Oh, boy, have you got that right!
Up days and down days and brownouts and euphoria and every other emotion you can think of all mixed together incoherently and seemingly without reason. Drive ya nutz, if ya let it. Worse, the pill-pushers'll try to feed you uppers & downers to 'help you through this difficult period', and that'll make it even worse in the long run. Don't go down that road....
Pete, take if from someone who's ridden that roller coaster: the secret to keeping yer cap on straight is to develop a routine that covers everything you have to cover...and then stick to it no matter how much you feel like bailing out ('just for tonight, I'm tired...).'
If you're working and busy, you're lucky 'cause even tho work will interfere with the time you wanna spend at the hospital it will keep your mind running in its accustomed tracks and make it work to problem-solve OTJ.
If things are slow and you've got too much free time, you've gotta find a way to occupy that time. Hit the weight-room at the gym. Jog, bike, or just have push-up competitions or two-on-one wrestling matches with the boys. Work up a good sweat...and get those endorphins pumping into your bloodstream. It helps enormously, believe me. I know.
But you can't spend every waking hour at your dad's bedside. The hospital (wisely) won't let you, and even if they did the feeling of impotence you suffer standing there hour after hour, day after day ('I wanna do something for him but there's nothing I can do!') will weigh ya down like a pair of Al Capone overshoes.
Remember: This is not a deathwatch. He's past that danger now. But it ain't gonna be over soon, and if you miss being there for one event (like moving his arm today), it isn't the end of the world. You'll be there for the next one.
And so will he.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
Hey Pete,I've been away from the board and just started reading this thread a few day back. Went through this about 4 years ago with my father in law. He was the same as your dad, everything came back slowly, and he was delusional as well. Today, if you had never met him before, you would never know he had a stroke. To us, the people that know him, we can tell the difference. But it is really just small things, moves slower, can't draw back on a bow so he bought a crossbow and continues to hunt. Drives his truck again, etc. It's truly amazing the healing powers of the body. BTW he was around 62 when it happened, went in for heart surgery and the heart and lung machine they connect you to can cause a stroke, and in him it did.Don't beat yourself up, say some prayers, better days are ahead.Kevin
About the spinal cord injury - you don't have to have a significant bony injury to have a significant effect on the spinal cord. There are a variety of conditions that can predispose to a neural injury - ossification (bony deposition) of one of the longitudinal ligaments, cervical stenosis, conditions that cause stiffening of the motion segments (ankylosing spondiltiis is one of them). IN any of these conditions the spinal cord is more at risk - either less room for the cord, or a spine that behaves more like a rigid bone with a spinal cord inside it than a series of mobile segments.
In any event - the sequence is right - X-Rays, then CT and MRI. CT to look a the bony architecture and MRI to look for hematoma around the cord and at the soft tissues.
The injury can be anything from a direct injury to the cord down to pressure from bleeding around it. In any scenario, the investigations are geared to finding if there is any reduction in pressure on, or any inprovment in stability that can be gained with surgery. Apart from these scenarios - time will tell if the neural injury is recoverable. Initially, someone can be in "spinal shock" where the spinal cord essentially shuts down for a short period of time. There are signs on physical exam that tell the doctor if the patient is out of spinal shock - when that period is over if the spinal cord function is out, that is a bad sign.
Partial injuries - incomplete dysfuntion of arms and legs, may be better in terms of recovery but there are so many variables, it is hard to estimate in an individual scenario. In general, incomplete injuries in younger people with some immediate improvement after spinal shock is completed are the best prognostically.
This may or may not help you. Hope it does. Good luck
Hi Pete, just to add my thoughts for you and your family.
My dad (73) had a stroke about 3 months ago and I understand how hard it is to just sit and watch as he lies there for days on end with not much happening.
But I think that those old constuction guys had most of their real bones taken out early in life and had them replaced with reinforced concrete - they are tough!!
My dad has slowly, very slowly, come back and I hope the same is happening with your dad.
Take care. Moreno.
My dad had a stroke about 6 or 7 years ago... he eventually became healthy enough to fall off his ladder.
actually, he did rather well recovering from his stroke although it wasn't as debilitatiing as your dads sounds like it was.
This time though, I am not so sure what to expect.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
just an update... no change for dad over the past few days.
I did take steps to address his ICU Psychosis and he did seem slightly better yesterday after a day of increased ability to rest.
I worry that his poor state of mind is making his recovery more difficult as he cannot focus properly.
Also, hesitantly, I think I may have to file for guardianship of my father. One of my fellow council members (council president) is an attorney that handles these matters... he is a well-respected and trustworthy guy. He has been helping me with sorting through options and will handle any moves I make.
I hate to proceed with guardianship for a few reasons. I think mostly having to accept that dad may not get much better is the toughest reason. I also feel guilty taking over his affairs... as though I am cutting him out of the picture on his own business (he really likes to be in control). However, tax time is coming, he has properties that need tending too and so on. I realize now what a mistake it has been in not talking about this stuff more with him.... but again, that would mean accepting that he would eventually be gone.
I hope that some of you can lend some advice or similar experiences on how you handled such matters.
As for children, there is just my younger sister and I. She like to be in control but I really do not feel she has the ability or expereince to handle his most important affairs. She and I opened a joint account and deposited my fathers cash (from around the house) in it so that we can tend to some of his utility bills and such. I let her manage this so that she does feel some sense of involvement but I worry about how she will do. I don't want to spread her business around but she has a few family members (DH and StepD) at home that if they figured this out and got their hands on the account, it would be gone (drugs).... so much a concern of hers that she has all the statements sent to my house. She also has to hide her bankcards and stuff from them. It is a very tough and delicate situation for me to deal with and I've got no stellar ideas yet.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Don't feel bad about the guardianship. You really should have it anyway to avoid delays with his health care, and having you to look after his affairs will probably take a load off of his mind. And the thing is not permanent -- if/when he recovers sufficiently it can be canceled.You may want to ask the atty if a simple durable power of attorney would suffice, though. I believe it should be possible to place one in effect even if your dad can't physically sign the document, so long as he gives his assent in front of witnesses. Much simpler than going to court (and possibly having to place a bond) for guardianship.
The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable. --John Kenneth Galbraith
My wife has just been through this with an uncle, although he gave her POA before he declined in health. You're going to have to make some tough decisions about health care, finances, etc.
I agree with Dan about the POA. If he improves, it can be changed back, but until then you need to have it. If there's any chance his money can be blown by your sister and family, she needs to be kept out of it. He may end up needing every penny he's got. Good Luck.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Yeah, it's most important to keep the money out of the hands of "unreliable" family members. There is a danger that if you don't get the POA or guardianship then someone else will sneak in and do it and then you'll have a real mess. So that's another reason to go ahead and make the move ASAP.
The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable. --John Kenneth Galbraith
" I may have to file for guardianship of my father."I'll second the question of guardianship versus power of attorney - is the question whether dad has the mental capability to make an informed decision to grant POA? or if he is willing? - and then there is 'power of attorney' and 'medical power of attorney' - I held both with my father and was able to deal with all issues surrounding his health and wealth - both are simple (cost little or nothing, download the form from the internet, have notary present to witness) - and granting this in no way diminishes dad's ability to handle his business to the best of his ability - I'd suggest you talk to him about this, even if he is in poor condition to respond - talk about pending situations, what you want, what it will achieve/enable - if you have time to touch on the subject over the course of a few days it would be better than abruptly demanding assent out of the clear blue - emphasize that tho he gives you the ability to operate on his behalf, he is not giving up his ability to make his own decisions - good luck, man - a tough situation in which you find yourself - "there's enough for everyone"
Yeah, you don't want to go charging in out of the blue and announce that he's got to OK an POA, or that you've already gotten guardianship. You should discuss it with him a few times, when he's reasonably alert. From what I've heard he'll probably see the wisdom of it and be happy to go along, but if he resists then you'll have to bag the POA and start laying groundwork for guardianship, though probably leave "pulling the trigger" until he's no longer competent (if that happens).But he should see the wisdom of the POA, since he can't physically sign anything and take care of day-to-day bills. The POA will let you do that for him -- you won't have to forge his signature on checks and hope no one asks questions.Depends on the state, I'd guess, but in KY a single POA document (when properly written) can cover financial, legal, and medical issues. But get an attorney in the state to draft it.
The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable. --John Kenneth Galbraith
this is mostly third hand information so take it for what's it worth.
Not that long ago I needed to get POA from someone for some things and we discussed forcibly obtaining if need be....
Talking to a few lawyers the general consensus is don't go there. Even if the person is not of sound mind it can be a real PITA to get through the hassle the state puts you through and more importunately take a lot longer which depending on why you need it, might make a huge difference.
I'd vote for reasoning with Dad before I would wait until the time when he isn't able to have that discussion.
again, that's all mostly third hand info and for a different situation..
Right. The person definitely has to be "of sound mind" and agreeable for a POA. If those conditions aren't met then a guardianship is the only option.With the guardianship you basically get a Dr and a social worker to certify that the individual is "incompetent", due to mental or physical problems, and then get someone (eg, yourself) appointed as guardian. The catch is that the guardian often has to put up a substantial bond (as much as the individual's estate is worth, more or less) and that's not cheap or easy. (Spent two weeks finding an ins co who would bond my brother when he became my mother's guardian.) Plus of course there's the attorney to pay and court costs.
The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable. --John Kenneth Galbraith
I had no problem getting POA for my Mom in PA, even tho' I am in KY, we ( she had some help from her SO, and a good Philly Lawyer) mailed the papers she signed back to me, and I signed with a Notary and sent back.
I since added a cousin who lives close by, and she is able to handle the nursing home and bills that we are racking up.
So, I guess each instance has it's own ups and downs.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
Thanks guys (and girls)...
I spoke with dad today and he is ok with me obtaining guardianship to handle his business and medical decisions.
It is a BIG relief to have his blessing.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
It is a BIG relief to have his blessing
As well as a wise discision.......
sometimes POA just ain't enough when you have a wiley thief in the familyMy Blog
Pete,
You can probably set up that bank account to require both her and your signature for transactions. I would talk to the bank and see what type of security options or protections they offer. I don't want to get into specifics here but I had to do a similiar thing last year and at least my/our bank was willing to work with me more then I thought they would. The did have an interest in protecting the accounts though.
Neil
My sister and I did set up an account but the bank does not allow for two required signatures on personal checking accounts. There may be other options but there is only a few grand in the account so it can't get too out of control.... I hope.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Limit the money in the account and you should be fine.
Our bank wasn't too keen on the idea of two signature checks but they would have done in it. Instead I ended up being the only one who could sign which is what I was really after anyway.
The worst part of people tend to come out when money is involved. I can think of three deaths in the recent past that I know of which resulted in essentially destroying family relationships. The most amount of money involved in one of them was 10k... Hardly worth destroying a family in my opinion.
Fortunetly I really don't think it would happen with me and my sister, neither of us are "that way" but it sure is sad to witness.
I've seen plenty of the same ugliness and it sickens me. I think that also has a bit to do with my apprehension to take control of dads estate.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
I really just don't understand how people can get that way. It's a shame.
ANY money at all accessible to druggies is like a dead cow in the water to pirhanas...not at all to put down your sister, but if she doesn't have access, they can't put pressure on her.
Edited 11/21/2008 1:22 pm ET by kate
Update:
Dad has been refusing pain meds for a few days and has been very tired, expectedly.
so, most visits the past few days are typically just me watching him sleep.
Odd thing today was that if he coughed and when his bed was laid flat from a more upright position, he moved his legs.
They are speculating that this is just reflexive but it is the first time in 2 weeks that they have moved for any reason. either way, it was good to see them move.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Thanks for the continuing updates, Pete. Reflexive leg movement may or may not mean something, but without worrying about that for now, remember it's good he can cough. Even if the coughing is involuntary, the brain is still ordering it and the message is getting through to the muscles. Coughing takes a lot of muscular control-- he didn't have that last week.
We're all pulling for you guys. Keep hangin' in there.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
he has been coughing all along... he may be better at it now but I seem to recall him being able too, even if weakly, nearly from the start.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
How much movement did you see in his legs when this happened?
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
Substantial movement. One time he actually bent his left leg at the knee and drew it upward. Other times the movement was less dramatic but very certain nonetheless.
However, later the next day while he was briefly awake he was unable to move that left leg even slightly, when asked to do so.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
I really sympathize with you on the guardianship issue. With my mom, most of that paperwork is in place so I can, but I know that the day I need to, she will feel beat and be more likely to give up, if I don't handle it just right.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Hey Pete,
Can't believe I missed this thread until now. But I have read every post and am now caught up.
All I can add is that I will keep you and your dad in my prayers every night. Hang in there. You're a strong man, just like your dad.
Sounds as though he IS on his way to a good recovery. Can't have anything but pride, respect and best wishes for a tough guy like that. :)
My prayers go out to you and your father for a speedy recovery. I am moved by your courage and your heartfelt story and wish you the best in this trying and difficult time. Most importantly, keep your spirits high as your father looks to you for support.
Tim
Hello Pete! First of all, let me express my concern for your dad as well as you and your families. This is a very trying time and my thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Secondly, as my name on here implies, I am indeed a Paramedic, as well as a Carpenter. Strange mix eh! By the sounds of what your saying the spinal cord injury is either swelling or traumatic injury to the cord itself. Spinal cords are touchy things that are quick to be injured but slow to heal. This is because they aren't terribly vascular, by that I mean there is not a large amount of blood flow to the cord itself. If you can imagine a hard bump to your arm for instance, you know how there is pain, swelling, bruising, and then eventually the swelling goes down. Imagine this in a soft cord that is at it's largest 10mm in diameter with a 15mm enclosure that is bone. When the cord swells there is not much room to expand and it squeezes against itself and causing things like reduction in sensation and reaction, (paralysis). Here in Canada, Solumedrol a steroid medication is given which to make a long story short slows swelling and gets circulation back faster, hence getting sensation back faster. Basically its a waiting game that in the case of a bruise to the cord will somewhat reverse.
In the case of an injury to the cord as in there has been physical damage to the cord, this is much more serious. However in saying that there is a lot of research being done with spinal cord injuries. At one time it was pretty much not a lot that could be done but it's not so much the case now. Consult with his physician on a second opinion or the services of a specialist in spinal cord injuries.
Another thing that your dad has going for him is that you mentioned he is in pretty good physical shape. This is a huge advantage in the whole healing process. People in good physical shape tend to heal much faster from traumatic injury than people that are out of shape.
As far as your own personal feelings go, I hear what your saying in that what if I had been there what if I had done this or that. I am a firm believer in things happen for a reason. Had you have been there even holding a ladder he may have fallen on you and you both may have been seriously injured. Hang in there buddy! Things will improve and notice the little things and take comfort in seemingly small improvements!
Best of luck to you!
Joe
UPDATE:
Dad has been stable with no major changes for the good or bad. He is still severely swollen from IV Fluids and the ICU has been administering a diaretic to reduce that edema (swelling).
They are moving him today to a different facility... an acute care facility... which is where they will focus on getting him breathing on his own. once that is accomplished they will move him to a rehabilitation facility to see what kind of functionality he will regain.
Another step in the right direction.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
good news , pete..thanks for the updateMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
thanks for the update, Pete - keep up your good work, and don't forget yourself and your spouse and children - best wishes from the Douds - "there's enough for everyone"
Thanks for the update, Pete. Keep hangin' in there. We're with ya....
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
Pete - thanks for the update - I was wondering about your dad earlier today.
Good news is still no bad news at this point. As someone above said, don't forget about yourself and the rest of your family. http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Pete,How are things going for your Dad ? I hope he's slowly getting better.
Hope you can all enjoy your Christmas !Greg
Thanks for asking, Greg.
Dad was moved to the rehab floor a few days ago. It is still far too soon to see if there will be any improvement. They do have him on a pretty active schedule of rehab, including occupational, physical and speech therapies.
As for his condition at the moment, he is realtively healthy but is still not moving anything below his neck.
I'll keep everyone posted as time goes on. I know it is not something that warrants a daily update as it is a very slow-moving process.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Is he eating and breathing on his own?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
not yet
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
your Dad breathing on his own and eating is my christmas gift to you.
May Santa hear my wish.............
It won't be long they say.
He was up in a wheelchair today and enjoyed it.... so much so that he took a nap sitting up.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
My prayers go out to you Pete and your family.
Just an update:
it has been awhile since I've posted the progress of my father.
A couple days ago the doctors detected muscle movement in my father's legs. This is extremely exciting news.
He still cannot move either his arms or legs but has intentional muscle movement in both. that is a start.
He is getting much closer to breathing on his own too. He passed a swallow test and can eat "nectar thick" foods. He can speak during his speech therapy sessions when they attach a "passy-muir" valve to his trache tube. However, they only keep it on during the hour-long session for now.
They have been placing him in a wheel chair during most days lately. You can imagine how much he likes this after being stuck on his back in bed for nearly the past 2 months, unable to move.
His spirits have been up and down lately but I hope that improves as he improves.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Good deal.
He's getting muscle movement and stretching therapy isn't he? so the muscles don't atrophy...
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
yes, they give him quit a workout everyday (excluding sunday)
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
That's a positive sign. Let's hope for more to come.New knowledge is priceless.
Used knowledge is even more valuable.
hey, Pete..... great news...... may 2009 be kind to you and yoursMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
<may 2009 be kind to you and yours>
Hey - not just May - every month of the year!
Forrest - trying to lighten things
That's wonderful news Pete. We will continue to keep him on the top of our prayers list. Thanks for the update.
That's good news Pete.
We hope he is up and around before we get back to the PeteFest RePete.
Great news, Pete.
One of the big moments in my recovery was when I could poop on my own, without help. That was about 2 months or so after I fell.
It gets to the point where even regaining the little things is a big boost to the confidence.
See I told you Santa was real!!!!!Fantastic!
thanks for the report, Pete - best wishes to you, your family, and your father - "there's enough for everyone"
I just got home from seeing my dad a bit ago. Today they hooked him up to some contraption that balances the weight of his arms so that his muscles can move them without having to overcome their weight first.
This was the first day he did this and did quite well.
I video recorded it with my phone so the quality is not spectacular but pretty good. It records in mp4 format so I had to upload to youtube to view it.
I started crying when he was moving his arms.... he looked over at the therapist and told her I was a big baby... lol.
here is the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ror-RxAj05I&feature=channel_page
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
That's great! Proves the basic connections are there, making it likely that he can regain a significant degree of function.I'll bet he's tickled pink.
The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one. --Wilhelm Stekel
Before I left he did ask me if I was amazed at how much he could move. I think he was too. He refused to even try it yesterday. I think he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to do anything.
The doctor says the nerves work like a lightswitch. they are either on or off for each muscle. the trick becomes strenghtening those msucles as they come back online.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
So, Pete did you get paid for your role in the other video you posted?
Yes, I did. My only paying acting job to date.
I even had to audition for the role.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Whats the name of the movie? Glad your Dad is improving.
Significant Other
I am offering do-it-yourself autographs this week for only $25. I will email you my picture, you print it and then sign my name on it. Then send me $25.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Great news! Glad to see and hear of his improvement. Continued prayers from this end. DanT
Thanks Dan. How are things going with you?
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Thanks, Pete. I've been following your Dad's progress ever since your first post and it's really nice to actually see some progress. And yes, it's still a sad situation, but that was very heart-warming.
Too bad it's not a movie montage where we could see impossible improvements in 3 minutes :-)
Best wishes for both of you.
Hey, you look like him too. Really glad to see him doing something!Your friend,
Mark Holbrook
Hey, this was such a nice thread and then you gotta go and insult me. LOL
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Just want to say thanks to everyone for all the support and well wishing.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
I'm late to this discussion, but I'd certainly like to add that my thoughts and prayers will also be with you and your family.
New knowledge is priceless.
Used knowledge is even more valuable.
Thank you
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Hey Pete,
We went to the family reunion yesterday. Lots of good true Christians there. Add about 200 more praying for your dad.
Hoping you have a Merry Christmas and Dad's days get better with each new one that comes.
Thanks!
He has pulled through so much so far.... all these prayers must be working.
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia