Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler A humble request for help, please.

I’m at a loss what to do and feel completely helpless. This is unfamiliar ground for me as I’m not a religious man, nor do I ask for help much. I’m totally blown away and don’t know what to think, feel or do. Heck, I’m on line asking for help and I don’t ever ask for help. Advise yes, but help, no.

My girlfriend’s sister Lisa was in a car accident this morning and I just got word that the initial prognosis has gotten much worse. She was talking this morning and at first, it sounded as if she just had a head injury. But no, she suffered a neck injury and is being prepped for surgery. The MRI shows spinal column damage and the surgeon is telling her family that the chances of success are very slim. Right now she’s paralyzed from the neck down. The surgeon is telling the family that there is very little hope for her to ever walk again.

Lisa is 35, an extreme over achiever, marathon runner, teaches children’s tap dancing, a total fitness nut and always, always on the move. I never see or hear of her doing nothing or just relaxing. And I consider her a very dear friend. For her to be paralyzed will be the worst possible thing I can think of for her to go through.

I’m stuck at home 300 miles away from the hospital that they medivac'ed her to. And I’m praying for her. I heard that the power of prayer works and the more people that do it, the better so I’m asking that if you believe in prayer, please pray for Lisa. If not, cross your fingers or something.

And for those that find this request offensive, my apologies to you. I’m reaching for any help I can get.

I will certainly have Lisa in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry to hear such news

Well wishes and best outcomes in mind here.

Bren R.

Mike, that is horrible news. I will keep her in my thoughts and hope things turn out for the better.

Mike, that's distressing news indeed, especially for a young woman who's been so active. Hopefully if there's any physical possibility at all of success, her fighting spirit will help her through this. My prayers now and at Mass will be with Lisa.

All of my positive thoughts are for Lisa. Always remember doctors tell you the worst and hope for the best. From what you have said about Lisa she will not settle for less than full recovery. That is my energy is for you.

Very sorry to hear the news. I echo what everyone has said - her determination will be a positive factor in her recovery, as will the love and support of family and friends. One of the worst things that people go through in this situation is the feeling of powerlessness to make things right. As you say, it's in the hands of the doctors and higher power(s). So I encourage you to continue to do what you can in the areas that you can, like emotional support, helping tend to family matters/duties, etc. This will help you take control over some of the emotions and help you keep a healthy perspective.

Sounds like you are doing all of this, so just keep it up.

I am also very sorry to hear this and wish you and your family strength. My wife is a physiscian and would be the first to tell you that the doctors will do everything they can, but she has seen so many things that whether they could be considered miracles, faith or just the stength of the Human spirit that have defied all medical diagnosis.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

My thoughts are now with you and Lisa. I hope in some small way all of us here can help.

Mike,

I'm very sorry to hear about Lisa. Have faith my friend, and I will definately pray for Lisa and everyone that is close to her. My wifes brother lost his life 10 months ago in a car accident. Like Lisa, he was also 35. Sometimes it is very hard to understand why these things happen, especially when it is someone your close to.

Hang in there buddy, and be there for your girlfriend, she will need lots of support and comfort.

God bless Lisa and her friends and family.

Randy

Hang in there, Mike. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Lisa and your loved ones.

Thanks everyone. I spent the last two days with her and her family in the CCU. She came through the surgery without a hiccup. They’ve done everything they can for her from that perspective, now we’re trying to get her admitted into a spinal column injury rehab center ASAP. From what we’ve been told, this is the best chance for any sort of recovery.

It was very painful seeing her laying there not able to move anything but her head. Very painful. But she say’s she won’t give up and there is still hope for a miracle. She can feel sensation, but the doc told us that really doesn’t mean anything and not to let it get our hopes up.

Its things like this that make all the little burdens that irritate me seam trivial.

She got in the accident by loosing control of her car while swerving to miss a porcupine in route to run a marathon. A friggin porcupine……

Hey Mike. I feel overwhelmed with emotion as I read your story. It is unfortunate that events such as this, happen to the ones we love. I cannot imagine what you and your family are going through right now.

Glad to hear that the initial surgery went well. She's one step closer in her recovery.

Lisa and her family will be in my prayers.

Mike, sorry to hear about the terrible news. You, Lisa, and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Shawn

I do believe in God's healing powers and I said a prayer for Lisa, your girlfriend and you. Sorry to hear about this situation, Mike.

More prayers here. Good luck.

Still thinking of ya brother and still praying for Lisa.

I have said a prayer in faith for Lisa and your family. You may want to ask at the hospital about religous help offered. Usually there are plenty of religious help depedning on your religion that can give blessings to her. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (you could have guessed being that I am in Utah, right?). It is customary that 2 Elders can give a Priesthood blessing if needed. They would be happy to help.

(I don't mean to press religion on anyone or offend, just trying to offer help if wanted).

Best wishes to your family.

Thanks for the support and your prayers and thoughts.

Lisa was moved out of the CCU and into the Ortho unit yesterday. Still no movement, but we’re not giving up hope. The support the family is getting from friends and the community in general is amazing. Lisa is on numerous ‘prayer’ lists of several churches and everyone from the city mayor to the city manager and more than 50 people have gone to see her (and she’s 300 miles away). I had to put the cell phones on unlimited calling plans yesterday as people continue to call and offer support. The town opened a banking account for donations too. We’ve got her on the review list to send her to what folks are telling us, is the best SCI rehab center in the country in Denver. We are supposed to hear back by noon today if they will admit her or not.

Thanks Dave. I’m not sure which religion the family belongs to. I know they attend church regularly though. Their pastor did pay them a visit.

Man I'm extremely sorry to hear about the news Mike, work has had me very busy and I haven't been on for a few days.

Our thoughts and prayers are out to Lisa for a full recovery, wish there was more I can do big guy ... let me know if there is.

Tell Lisa to hang in there, miracles do happen.

Add my Family and myself to the list of those with prayers and good wishes for a happy and speedy recovery.
Rich, Kat, and the Kids.

Mike,

I've read this thread a couple times, but I haven't replied before because I just didn't know what to say, but I wanted you to know that I'm wishing for the best for your family and friends. Let's keep our fingers crossed for a complete recovery.

Thanks guys. I’m not sure what to believe in or what not to, but I always keep an open mind to things I do not understand. I know that Lisa and her family believe in God and the power of prayer, so I figured it couldn’t hurt to get as many folks doing it as I could, hence the request.

Something must be working for sure. The surgeon was very clear that her chances of regaining any motor skills was very, very low. He has maintained that position from day one. This morning we got some extremely good news. I’m still skeptical as I wasn’t there to confirm, but we got a phone call from one of her friends that is with her now. She said that Lisa moved her arms today. She also said the doctor didn’t believe it, so the therapist drug him into her room and Lisa moved her arms for him.

I’m not holding my breath on this one until I get up to see her this weekend, but if it’s true, that is an incredibly good sign. Most cases like this it is very rare that the patient would have this much moment this quick, if at all. It’s usually a finger or toe, but rarely a whole arm, or both.

We also got confirmation that Craig Hospital in Denver will admit her. This is supposedly one of the best SCI rehab centers in the world.

So again, thanks for the good wishes and prayers. I think they are working.

Oh, that's great news to hear! From how you describe her, it seems like Lisa is strong and a fighter. If she can help it, she's not going to let this get the best of her. I'll definitely be keeping her in my thoughts.

Awesome! Here's hoping for continuing recovery.

Very good news indeed