some may know we had a meeting with 4 of his doctors today. Most importantly his neurologist (like him). Today we went to see Fred and his eyes were open and he was awake! He responded to commands and actually showed much more promise than the last few days. The doc was encouraged by that and so he is scheduled for surgery tomorrow again to take out more of the dead muscle. The surgeon (love him) is hoping that he can save the leg. He may have to amputate right above the knee. It may save his life. It may also be for nothing but we won't know that. Fred will get a tracheostomy and a tube ins his gut for nutrition. This will make him more comfortable amd maybe just maybe we can see if he will try to talk. I know he wants to! He was in some pain so they gave him some morphine. They wanted him awake and off sedatives for us to see that he indeed was responding. He is doing some involuntary posturing with his hands and head but the doc says this could all go away. Who knew that this would turn around. We now know that there will be days like this and days that aren't so good.
Pray that Fred gets to keep his leg. That would be quite a blow too his emotional status. Also pray that this helps the toxic condition that he is experiencing that might be affected his brain functions. The doctor actually said that he doesn't think Fred will have profound brain damage. He actually said it. No CYA there. He does think that Fred will have some neuro problems since he did code 3 times. He has been stable since being at St. Francis and will continue to stay there until he is well enough to go to rehab.
I need to start the ball rolling on disability insurance. Any SSD lawyers out there want to help me navigate this?
I am also going to close out his apartment and his older son will have to find an apartment he can afford. I'm leaving that in his hands. I can't handle one more thing.
This has been some rollercoster and I'm sure there will be more ups and downs. Thanks for staying with me and please keep the prayers coming. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
Sounds like a good day with the Drs. I am glad that they are keeping a hard interest in him & making sure all options are exhausted. That is a good team.
St. Francis is the bomb of hospitals. I am so impressed. 4 Doctors in a room with me and my family with my parents on a conference call with us. Along with that were two nurse practioners, one RN supervisor, a social worker...I'm sure there were more people..can't remember.
We still don't know hwo awake he really is and if he's really in there, but this was encouraging. My gut stopped hurting for the first time all week.
Sounds like he's making progress...as far as Disability - go to the Social Security office and talk to them. We spoke to a Mr. Weinblatt in the Nassau office, and he was very helpful. He actually helped us a lot with my brother's disability. He should be able to guide you in the right direction at the very least. Still sending Fred my best wishes and prayers for recovery...
I imagine you were prepared for the worst possible news, but this must be a bit of a relief. I will continue to pray for Fred. He's very lucky to have you for his sister.
