In Turmoil

A brief update on the situation:

My Step Father suffered fractured ribs during the fall, and is experiencing difficulty breathing. He's currently being supported by an artificial respirator. The surgeons have alleviated the pressure on his brain. The bleeding was the result of a burst blood vessel, but they've not been able to ascertain whether or not it occurred before or after the fall. They've not ruled out the possibility of him having lost consciousness on the stairs - resulting in the accident.

They are going to attempt to bring him around tomorrow, provided his breathing improves. Here's hoping that he becomes conscious and there's no lasting damage.
 
My Step Father is finally conscious, and responded to verbal commands such as opening his mouth, sticking out his tongue etc. He recognised my Mother and smiled when he saw her. He can't speak on account of having had surgery on his throat. They had to insert a tube to aid his breathing.

More updates to follow.
 
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Bishie said:
My Step Father is finally conscious, and responded to verbal commands such as opening his mouth, sticking out his tongue etc. He recognised my Mother and smiled when he saw her. He can't speak on account of having had surgery on his throat. They had to insert a tube to aid his breathing.

More updates to follow.
Click to expand...

Glad to hear things are improving for you all. :)
 
The ventilator wouldn't have been for his ribs but for his neuro injury, oxygen constricts blood vessels and carbon dioxide is a vasodilator, in a head injury these are closely monitored with other observations of course to aid recovery. I'm really pleased to hear he is responding this early. That is very very good news indeed.


rotters
 
It's approaching six months since I posted last, and so I thought I'd take the opportunity to mention that my Step Dad is well and truly on the mend. We were shocked to discover that the surgeons deemed it necessary to remove one quarter of his skull to permit the brain to swell. They've since fitted a titanium plate to replace the part they removed, and he looks completely normal. He's back to his usual self too, you wouldn't think he'd suffered trauma to the brain. His memory is intact, and he's up on his feet. It's truly extraordinary!
The only downside is that he's to be admitted to hospital again in July for surgery on his elbow, which was shattered during the accident. Hopefully his stay will be brief.

My sincerest appreciation goes to those who offered their support. Even the simplest of gestures can offset the harshest of times.
 
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