Posted by Margaret_FL on 8/26/08 7:15pm
Msg #261908
Nephew Update
Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to check in and update you on my Nephews condition.
It has been an emotional roller coaster for the last 2 weeks. He opened his eyes for the first time today. They have had him on paralyzing medication off and on, a heavy sedative and morphine. They took off the paralyzing medication, the sedative and the morphine yesterday.
He contracted Pneumonia and he is doing much better today. He will squeeze your hand and make a face. They did a Tach yesterday and they said it would be better for him.
The doctors are very negative and have told my sister that he has a 90-95% chance of being a vegetable if he pulls through this. We are still hoping for a miracle and I really appreciate all the PM's and emails, it helps to know that people are praying for him everywhere.
Thanks so much. His Dad set up a website with pictures if you would like to check it out.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/stephencastleman
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Reply by 101livescan on 8/27/08 9:47am
Msg #261966
Reading your email made every hair on my body stand on end. We know the experience well. Drs. would emerge from trauma center surgery saying that Justin's recovery was in God's hands, they had done all they could do, there were no guarantees. If he pulled out of it, he would be very slow for the rest of his life. There were six major surgeries to repair the damage to his brain.
I wish you could see Justin now. He comes up to the ranch and works with me to clean up leaves and trim trees. He's tall and strong, a little slow, but you know, he's just a different kid now. He can't be left to cook in the kitchen alone. I must watch him like a hawk...he loves movies, music and working out at the gym, bowling, going to bible study with the mens group at church.
Margaret, never give up this vigilance over your nephew's recovery. Drs. won't give you any uplifting news because if he takes a turn for the worse, you'll be even more set back. They don't want any liability or exposure. They look even better when the patient does come back. I'm sure the parents were asked to sign over his body for research and to donate his organs. It's pretty frightening, but a reality. We never did do that part because we were pretty sure our prayers would work miracles, and they did. It's been four years and four months. It takes about 10 years for a person to recover majorily from BTI.
If you've spent much time in CCU, you've watched a lot of people being wheeled out who did not make it. Some are swept away, others are watched over so carefully on many levels toward their healing. You're on a very amazing journey, and your nephew is in God's arms.
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