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Always have hope

14 years ago

Miracles do happen.

On Februrary 20th, I got a phone call that a friend who was vacationing in Florida had become confused, disoriented and was showing some slurring of speech and erratic behavior. her DH got her to the hospital where they determined she had not had a stroke and that night she went into a coma.

Tests showed she had viral encephalitis caused by the herpes simplex virus ( the one that causes cold sores). They dosed her with anti viral drugs, intubated her and provided support.

She was totally unresponsive for 2 weeks. Then a lung collapsed and they provided a chest tube and later that week they did a tracheostomy and inserted a g-tube to provide nourishment.

As of last Sunday there was no change....3 weeks on the vent and in a coma. And by the way she is 75....soon to be 76. I am sorry to say some were wondering when to shur off the vent.

Well, last Monday she opened her eyes and smiled, mouthed "I love you" to her DIL. Every day steady improvement. Today she was breathing on her own most of the day and even sat up for a while. She knows people and though she can't speak because of the trache, she mouths words that make sense. Seems to have good use of both arms and legs.

So....when you doubt, remember that some one makes up that 10% survival statistics.....and keep hoping and praying.

Thanks for listening....it's been a long month!

Linda C

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Comments (13)

dgkritch
14 years ago
What a miracle!! Thanks for sharing and I'll be sending additional prayers! Scary stuff.

Deanna
wizardnm
14 years ago
There's always hope...never give up!

I'm sending positive thoughts that yout friend has a full recovery.
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sally2_gw
14 years ago
Wow! I'm so glad your friend is recovering. What an ordeal to go through for her and her family. You're right, hope is vital.

Sally
User
14 years ago
Thanks for sharing Linda, I love good news stories. I wish her continued and steady progress towards a full recovery.
annie1992
14 years ago
I'm happy to hear that your friend is doing well and wish her a full and speedy recovery. Good for her!

Hopefully this month will be a better one.

Annie
User
14 years ago
Linda, I'm happy that your friend is recovering.
doucanoe
14 years ago
Wow, what a story! So glad it's got a happy ending!

Linda
lsr2002
14 years ago
I'm happy to read that she is progressing so well. I know there were a lot of scary days for her and her DH and everyone who knows her.

Can she use a whiteboard to communicate until the trach is out?

I'll keep them in my thoughts.

Lee
dedtired
14 years ago
Gives me chills! You just never know.
lindac
Original Author
14 years ago
She's not well enough to use a white board...a week ago she was in a deep coma.
Frankly I am worrying about "tempting the devil"....I haven't heard anything today....am hoping no news is good news.

A week ago we were wondering when it might be time to take her off life support, now we are wondering when she can travel back to Iowa.

This couple have had more than their share....about 8 years ago he was diagnosed with lung cancer, they removed a lobe and all seemed fine, but he got a herpes infection in the lung and it collapsed and he spend 3 months in an induced coma in another state ( where their DIL is a Dr.) and another month recovering....And a year later went skiing at 8000 altitude!! But he could only ski half a day!

I predict she will play tennis again....
rob333 (zone 7b)
14 years ago
Wooohoo!!!!!!!! totally cool. Can't wait until you're knocking the fuzzy ball around.
happylady1957
14 years ago
Thank you for sharing, Linda. Please let us know how your friend progresses. Makes me wonder about DNR papers...
compumom
14 years ago
Wow that's extraordinary! Miracles do happen and we absolutely need to remember that with all the DNR talk.

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