Life In An Instant
Do you know how sometimes in life things happen in an instant and all of a sudden it changes your world? It could be winning the lottery or it could be a bad accident.
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Long story short—my husband fell backwards from the bow of a small boat onto a rocky beach. He had a cornea transplant the week before and his vision and depth perception were impaired. He was airlifted off the island of Orcas to a hospital on the mainland of Washington State where they performed a craniotomy to stop the bleeding from a subdural hematoma. I didn’t know this terminology two weeks ago but now I could draw the brain and show you exactly where they operated.
Our friends Blake and David had taken us to see the wildflowers on Yellow Island for my Birthday (I was laid off last year on my Birthday. I’m thinking I might change the date.) It happened so fast—yet in slow motion. Blake was the one who called the clinic and the Doctor gave us signs to look for—severe headache and vomiting. Within 30 minutes they were happening. Within 5 hours they had his skull open to stop the bleeding.
During the operation in the middle of the night I was in a small dark waiting room by myself. You know how your mind is all over the place in situations like this trying to cope with possibilities? He could live and be fine, he could live and have brain damage or he could die. Of course I was voting for the first one, but any one of them could have happened.
After 8 days in ICU and 60 staples in his head he’s home now and it’s amazing how the incision has almost healed. He sometimes can’t get the words that are in his mind out of his mouth, but everyone says that will improve with time and he’ll be fine.
I’m passing this story on because head injuries can be mysterious and sometimes don’t appear to be serious. There might not be an exterior wound and the person seems fine. This is the risky part. If there is internal swelling and bleeding and you don’t get medical attention right away it can be fatal. It’s so sad that Natasha Richardson didn’t get help in a timelier manner after she was injured. She might have been saved.
Husband drawing detail in ICU/Photo by spope
Comments
May 10, 2010 at 7:20 amLiza Hoke: So sorry to hear about the accident. Hopefully his recovery will be swift and thorough.
I read an amazing book several years about about severe brain trauma and it has stayed with me. Sometime you might find it interesting - it's still available on Amazon: Where is the Mango Princess? A Journey Back from Brain Injury by Cathy Crimmins
A few years ago Bland suffered a TIA (pre-mini strokes). Luckily I witnessed his behavior and got him to the hospital for treatment. I am convinced that if his TIA had gone untreated he would have had a massive stroke in the near future. Watchfulness and action are so critical to our well-being.
I will look forward to positive updates! Good luck to you both, Liza
May 10, 2010 at 7:48 amEd Weinstein: Sandie,
Thank you so much for setting up this blog. All of Gordon's fans and friends are pulling for him in these difficult times. Your comment about the unpredictability of life certainly resonates with me. It was exactly 10 years ago when I discovered, quite by accident, that I had kidney cancer. Although it was certainly the scariest time of my life, the only redeeming aspect of it was the outpouring of thoughtfulness and concern on the part of my friends. I am certain that Gordon will feel the same. His network of friends is very wide and passionate about his well-being. He has been an inspiration to all of his colleagues. We need him to continue his targeted contrarian profile. Just one request, please keep him out of all boats. When he needs to take a cruise, he can rent "Titanic".
May 10, 2010 at 8:27 amtammie schacher: Thank you for sharing the story. Please tell Gordon we are all thinking of him and praying for a quick recovery.
We miss both of you here!!!
May 10, 2010 at 9:06 amlaura Curry: Girl! Holy Crap! I am so, so glad Gordon is okay --please give him a kiss from Kathleen and me.
One for you too -- and happy birthday - belated!
Speaking of head injuries - that is exactly why I wear a bicycle helmet --- always! Especially with the volume of cars, pedestrians and hills.
Take care of yourself -
xo
May 10, 2010 at 2:00 pmKalman & Stephanie Axelrod: This story just flipped us out! Like you said - your life can change in a heart beat. Everytime we hear LifeFlight flying overhead, we look up and wonder.
We wish Gordon a speedy recovery. He has many friends and admirers who's positive energy will help him to heal. Our thoughts are with all of you.
No doubt the photo shows Gordon drawing up a sketch of how to re-arrange the hospital room.
Love to all, Kalman & Stephanie
May 10, 2010 at 2:03 pmEduardo Vogeler: Hi! Sandie I got the post forwarded by Beatrice. It sounds like Gordon is up to a speedy recovery. Great! Can't Imagen the anguish you all went through. My best to both of you. Gordon take care and be well.
Regards. Eduardo
May 10, 2010 at 2:53 pmSandie: Thank you all for your kind words. As I type Gordon is downstairs having a meeting with clients. Can't keep the guy down. We've been going out for walks each day and he's getting stronger all the time.
The main problem now is getting another cornea transplant which won't happen for another 3 weeks or more. He goes in for a CAT scan on Friday and we'll know more then. I'll keep you posted.
All my best,
Sandie
May 10, 2010 at 2:53 pmKim Scott: Sandie
Happy birthday! What a story. I'm glad to hear he's on the way to recovery. My best wishes to you and to Gordon. I love the picture you posted! That says it all....
May 10, 2010 at 7:42 pmAndreaMatthews: Ohwhatdaheck!!! What a birthday! I am so sorry for you both. I hope Gordon will be feeling better soon. I hope to meet him someday. Now you've both had air ambulance rides!
Take it easy and much love to you both-xoxAndrea
May 11, 2010 at 2:37 pmKristen Newell: I have been thinking so much about Gordon and that devastating day. The photo, in addition to making my stomach disappear, is such a visual of his personality as we(Dan and I) have seen it while working together. His mind always clicking along no matter what, even bleeding after brain surgery. No wonder he likes terriers, he is one.
I am so happy to have gotten to know you Sandie, and wish you both a very smooth, gentle, incident free, transition back to normal life.
Kristen
May 11, 2010 at 4:45 pmcarrie: Sandie,
You are so brave to put in writing "the moment." I cannot imagine those 8 hours. I think about you two everyday, feeling as pathetic as I have with anyone recovering from the unthinkables. You have to give up control and let the amazing brain/body do its magic. And, let the love just sit in the room. Carrie