One of my dearest friends in the world is going through a terrible ordeal. She came home from work a few days ago and found her 16 year-old son unconscious. She rushed him to Children's hospital and he had emergency surgery for fluid on the brain and a collapsed lung.
Now he is on a ventilator and a feeding tube and he has had 2 MRI's showing severe brain damage. The family is devastated and being faced with horrible decisions regarding thier son. They still have no idea what happened or what is wrong with him. They have tried 2 times to take him off the ventilator but, so far not able to stay off. They think it was some type of virus but, they have not been able to identify it as of yet. They have sent his tests to Atlanta for analysis.
As a student nurse I know the ramifications of caring for a patient in his condition, but how different it feels when it is someone you have known for 11 years. At times the "nurse" in me takes over and then the "Mom" in me comes raging back.
I guess I am just asking everyone to say a prayer for Mark, and his family as they are making these huge decisions. Godspeed.
The best advice that I have is tell your friend to do as much research and info gathering as she can. These days with so much access to medical info we may be able to offer input. I find that sometimes doctors,nurses and other healthcare professionals are too busy to do extra research in situations that are atypical. Also, with changes in our healthcare system we, as families, are becoming more responsible for bringing attention to certain aspects of our loved ones care. I have been in many situations where a family member provided a recent article or updated info re: the health or care of their loved one. Many times we can learn something new and possibly save a precious life. This may also help your friend to cope with her situation since often times we feel helpless when someone we love faces life-threatening situations. Communication with doctors and nurses is a key aspect to her understanding and will guide her to know what to research. Asking questions is very important as she will gain confidence in her son's healthcare team and in herself with increased knowledge of the situation. She can delegate to other friends and family members to research info given by Dr.s and nurses. Hope this helps. My thoughts and prayers sent with this message. jansgalRN
Thank you to all, this is a great forum for support and information. I appreciate all the posts. I will pass on to Mark's family the good information JansgalRN. Hopefully they will soon figure out what is happening and we will be able to research and learn what needs to be done for him. Godspeed.
No, I cannot imagine what it would be like to encounter the horror of finding a child in that condition and all without some reasonable explanation. Positive thoughts are sent out for you, the family and especially the young man. Perhaps the damage isn't permanent and he will yet gain function.
Update on Mark. He had a bad turn today when his lungs collapsed again, he had to have emergency chest tube put in. It is really touch and go right now, but we keep praying for Mark and his family to have strength and hope. Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers.......jj
Thank to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately Mark passed away over the week-end. He was a strong kid, but his illness was too much for his body to fight. Please continue to pray for his family to have strength during this difficult time. The funeral is Wednesday morning. Thanks to all for the support. JJ
Oh, JJ I am so sorry to hear this, how absotlutely devistating. Of course my prayers will be with you and Mark's family during this difficult time. I hope that they will have some answers in the future as to what happened.
Oh, JJ I am so sorry to hear this, how absotlutely devistating. Of course my prayers will be with you and Mark's family during this difficult time. I hope that they will have some answers in the future as to what happened.
nurstudnt546, BSN, RN
88 Posts
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mark and his family.