Accidents happen to Good people

Not that they don't happen to bad people, either. But in this case, it was a freak accident. Older gentleman, in his 70s, who lead a very active lifestyle and in really good health... strange I know for those that age right? lol. Anyhow, he was at home trimming the trees outside, when a branch that had been cut swung around the wrong way and knocked him off of the ladder onto the ground. About a 20 foot fall. Most people of this generation fall on rugs at home, or in the bathroom, or many other simpler ways. But this man fell from a good height and was taken to the hospital, where he was released with the diagnosis of a concussion.

Later on in the evening, at home, neuro status begins to change. He is slurring his words, barely able to talk, and is having weakness on one side of his body. Wife calls rescue, per instructions, and back to the hospital he goes. One thing inevitably leads to another, and patient is transferred to a higher level trauma center. Intubated. To neurosurgery stat.

A 4" section of the skull is removed to allow for the increased ICP. Body temp is lowered in hopes to preserve brain function. Obviously still intubated, with paralytics on board. Mannitol infusing. Family at bedside. Waiting for any change in condition, whether he makes it or not. It is touch and go for days.

One doctor says this is the best that it is going to get. All previous levels of function will be lost, and this patient will need to go to a nursing home for the rest of his life. Another doctor says that the other doctor is nuts, that there is always hope. ICP has come down now, and paralytics have been weaned. Patient remains intubated. He is able to follow some simple commands, and this gives the family all of the hope in the world. They refuse to believe that this is the best it will get. They have been researching and looking into rehab centers for him to go to soon.

This happened to a family member, and as one who does not live near where they live, we get a lot of second hand information from the wife and children and others who live nearer. As a nurse, it is killing me inside to not know what they might not be telling the family, or perhaps even what they are telling them that they do not understand. I wish I could be there to translate all of the medical information that has been thrust at them over the past week. But I am not able. All I can hope is that they are getting the information, the prognosis, and everything that they need to understand everything that is happening.

It is tough to be on the other side of the fence.