That is absolutely true! I hope my explanation helps people understand the general situation.
Here is RoByn's quote:
"Things did not go as well today. The doctors called Maxine's family in
for a meeting. Although off the dialysis and her insulin levels
better, her lungs appear very damaged. They are going to try to get
her to breathe without the respirator. They are also trying to lighten
her levels of sedation so that she regains consciousness. Because they
are unsure of the damages to her lungs and brain by both the strokes
and the infections, they are unsure that any of this will actually
work and wanted to discuss the family's wishes if the need arises.
Please continue sending prayers and positive energy to my friend.
Thank you.
RoByn"
for a meeting. Although off the dialysis and her insulin levels
better, her lungs appear very damaged. They are going to try to get
her to breathe without the respirator. They are also trying to lighten
her levels of sedation so that she regains consciousness. Because they
are unsure of the damages to her lungs and brain by both the strokes
and the infections, they are unsure that any of this will actually
work and wanted to discuss the family's wishes if the need arises.
Please continue sending prayers and positive energy to my friend.
Thank you.
RoByn"
Being taken off of the respirator (ventilator) is not tantamount to being taken off of life support. It is not uncommon for trials to be done. If individuals are on heavy sedation, the sedation is lightened. Since she had a stroke, the doctors want to see how responsive she is off of sedation. Once people are more awake, they are talked to: squeeze my hand if you hear me, wiggle your toes, blink twice if you hear me, etc. That gives you an idea of brain function. The work of the ventilator can also be minimized once someone is more awake (less sedation), and they will be given a trial to see how they do breathing on their own or with minimal help from the machine. That is particularly true if the rest of her organs are recovering, which appears to be the case. Remember, Christopher Reeve could not breathe on his own. But that never meant he was less alive or that he would be taken off of life support. In very general terms, someone will only be taken off of life support if their brain no longer functions.
Also note that RoByn said the family is discussing wishes - "if the need arises". This is VERY common place to discuss wishes ANY time someone is critical in the ICU and at a potential turning point. And discussing wishes means: Do you want us to do everything in our power... full court press to save your family member's life? Do you want us only give support breathing? Do you want us to shock the heart if it stops beating? Do you want us only to give relief for pain, and do nothing but support with love and care if they stop breathing or their heart stops? Those are the types of things that are discussed. It is easier to make decisions ahead of time in a more calm environment rather than on the when someone emergently needs their heart shocked. The wishes are discussed on a regular basis, in case the family's wishes change based on the status of their loved one.
So everyone keep fighting for her. This definitely does not mean it is over.
Carmela - someone with a lot of medical experience in the ICU; dying wishes, and medical involvement in disconnecting life support; but also seeing people who were thought to be at death's door make a full recovery.
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [fpba-assn] Maxine
From: "cindy trusty" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Mon, September 22, 2008 6:52 am
To: <[email protected]>
There is some confusion and doubt as to Maxine's current state of health. Don't count her out just yet...we're awaiting confirmed reports. Keep her in your prayers!
Cindy
