On February 12th around 9pm my little sister was on her way home from work. On her way, at an intersection where she had the right of way, someone ran the red light and smashed into her car on the drivers side.
I have seen pictures of her car, the drivers side is completely crushed. I am shocked she survived it. She now lays in a hospital, Spectrum Health, in Grand Rapids, Michigan in critical condition. Multiple broken bones including a fractured pelvis and serious brain trauma.
I have no idea just how to feel right now. My entire body is shaking and my emotions are running wild. She's my little sister, only 18, and I just don't want to lose her.... Any advice would be good. I haven't slept since the accident.
Article on the crash: http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/ottawa_county/holland-township-crash-february-12-2013
Care page on my sister. If you make an account you can get updates and send love her way: http://www.carepages.com/carepages/bripayne
I'll be keeping updates here too and post up pics the car when I can get my dads laptop...
Try to get some sleep, it can be difficult to do, but sleep does help and the more tired you get the more emotionally distressing you will make yourself. Don't feel like you have to feel a certain way...emotions are what they are. Just be sure to not get so swept up in them that you end up hurting yourselves or doing something regretful.
You and your sister are in my thoughts. Please keep us updated or feel free to write your thoughts out if you just want some place to vent.
Thanks Mab for your support. My family and I need all the love we can get right now. Parents are having me hold down the fort at home right now to look after our pets.
I got to see her for the first time last night. I nearly fell to my knees in shock with the way she was... It's not looking good.
Here's her car....
(http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee318/Link-Darkwinds/image_zps11049d0c.jpg)
Sorry to hear about your sister's accident.
I can understand from the looks of the car, just how serious of condition she must be in. Hopefully, she can pull through.
I'm hoping for you all. I've known people that have pulled through worst. :hug
Quote from: Shax on February 14, 2013, 03:25:37 PM
I got to see her for the first time last night. I nearly fell to my knees in shock with the way she was... It's not looking good.
Bear in mind that while she's not present in her head, her body looks vacant, which makes it all worse than it might otherwise seem. And once she starts healing, she should recover fairly well - the human body is like that.
I speak here from the experience of watching my youngest brother in ICU for two months after he got 30% full thickness burns. Two months after that, he broke his ankle - so he had to be up and about fairly well to manage that much. And also watching my own son in ICU when he was ~3 days old...
My brother is still scarred from the burns, but I think he's recovered mentally - in the last couple of years my sister and I were swapping stories on FB, and he chimed in with "ooo, is this a scar swapping thing? I think I win. ;)" *grin*
So... whilst she might look bad now, bear in mind that if she can get past the shock and trauma, she should recover fairly well; broken bones are slow to heal, but once they're on the way, they're pretty reliable about it.
Quote from: Shax on February 14, 2013, 03:25:37 PM
Here's her car....
(http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee318/Link-Darkwinds/image_zps11049d0c.jpg)
Wow. That's pretty mangled - but it looks like it mostly tried to crumple around the passenger compartment, rather than into it, inasmuch as possible. In other words, it protected your sister as much as it could; sideways is a bad way to get pushed, for the brain.
My thoughts are with you, there. Here's hoping she pulls through.
llearch, that's the driver's side on that car, I believe. Where she was sitting.
Quote from: Mao on February 14, 2013, 06:21:01 PM
llearch, that's the driver's side on that car, I believe. Where she was sitting.
Yeah. If this was in Europe she would be on the other side. But no, the driver's side got hit.
Tried, I said. It also looks like the driver of the other car made a concerted effort to be a dick, but I didn't feel that needed to be said. :-/
While I can't relate exactly to this... I know what it feels like to be on the scary side of death's door. Inches away from a car backing into me at ten-fifteen miles an hour. I was not in a car, I was walking... were it not for a single metal pole 2 inches wide out of the ground...
I dunno... it was close, I try not to think about it just remind myself all the good deeds I did in life paid off in some manner.
Try and stay calm, doctors are good in many countries especially the US and UK despite what we may hear about them in some news stories. Drink, eat, get some rest, snuggle with the pets and if you believe in something/someone pray to it. Believe your sister will be fine, be optimistic.
I really hope your sister pulls through. I can't really empathize with this situation much, but I can still wish your sister, you, and your family the best in these trying times.
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on February 14, 2013, 08:13:02 PM
Tried, I said. It also looks like the driver of the other car made a concerted effort to be a dick, but I didn't feel that needed to be said. :-/
All we can do is hope that justice is served and this person gets the punishment that they most certainly deserve.
D: D: D:
my thoughts are with your sister, shax. i really hope she pulls through, and i'll be rooting for her.
keep us updated on her condition. the first few hours after an accident are always the most tense.
Dang... That's downright scary right there. Reminds me of my uncle's accident. It was grim. He wasn't supposed to survive. It would have been a miracle if he stayed alive, forever brain dead. But he beat all odds and leads a normal life now. I can only hope for the same luck.
I'm so sorry that this happened to your sister shax. My best wishes go to her and your family in this time. I really hope she pulls
through. I'm sure Solar is sending his best wishes as well. We're hoping for the best and we're here to help if we can <3
Wow- that is terrible- I hope for you and your family that she will live :B
Good news. We rounded a major corner and we are no longer in survival mode, just healing mode now. Everything the doctors have been saying today is nothing but good news and said she might beable to wake up sometime next week!)
Quote from: Shax on February 15, 2013, 01:49:41 PM
Good news. We rounded a major corner and we aren't longer in survival mode, just healing mode now. Everything the doctors have been saying today is nothing but good news and said she might beable to wake up sometime next week!)
Excellent. Do keep us posted!
Also, did I ever mention I HATE the iPads auto correct?
Excellent news!
With recovery mode, this also means you can all breath a little easier now as well. Hope for her a fast recovery.
Recovery time in a hospital bed can get so dull.
That is great news, and just in time for the meteorite! This (post)valentines day must be very nice for you!
You should sleep now.
Quote from: Shax on February 15, 2013, 01:49:41 PM
Good news. We rounded a major corner and we are no longer in survival mode, just healing mode now. Everything the doctors have been saying today is nothing but good news and said she might beable to wake up sometime next week!)
That's really good news, and fingers crossed she keeps on the mend. I am really sorry this accident had to happen to her and your family.
so the doctors are feeling optomistic for her survival? HORRAY!
gonna keep her in my thoughts though, hopefully the swelling goes down super fast and she's up and about in no time at all
came here from mabs. as others have said, rest and relax, although the worst that's ever happened to a relative I know is grammy suffering from a major stroke. worried me a lot there. but stay strong and try not to worry too much, it will drive you insane.
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 15, 2013, 02:01:29 PM
Quote from: Shax on February 15, 2013, 01:49:41 PM
Good news. We rounded a major corner and we aren't longer in survival mode, just healing mode now. Everything the doctors have been saying today is nothing but good news and said she might beable to wake up sometime next week!)
Excellent. Do keep us posted!
Yes, please keep us all posted. But first, take some deep, cleansing breathes and try to rest easy and catch up on any sleep that you may have missed during the tense time immediately following the accident. Once again, I hope that everything works out and that your sister wakes up just fine.
Quote from: Shax on February 15, 2013, 02:10:32 PM
Also, did I ever mention I HATE the iPads auto correct?
Oh, I have one as well that I have with school. That was a common phrase for me. It would even change the words that were correct. But I found you CAN turn it off in the settings.
But it's great to hear your sister is in a much more stable condition now!
Good to hear Shax!
Quote from: Shax on February 15, 2013, 01:49:41 PM
Good news. We rounded a major corner and we are no longer in survival mode, just healing mode now. Everything the doctors have been saying today is nothing but good news and said she might beable to wake up sometime next week!)
Oh thank gods for that. Here's hoping for more and more good news!!
Excellent news, Shax. Glad to hear she's recovering already.
I'm glad to know she's getting better. I hope she can make a full recovery.
It looks like her car did as was designed, and protected her. Looking at the pictures took me to my wreck 21 years ago. I was your sisters age, and was the driver of the car.
The only difference is my car was a Crown Vic LTD wagon, and it crumpled into a bagel shape. I hit a pothole on a gravel road at less than twenty mph. Then hit a utility pole inches away from the breaker box. Everyone on scene classified it as a fatal crash, and did not anticipate survivors. My sister had a double open fractured femur, and a shattered knee on opposite leg. Her friend had a head injury. I broke three ribs and cracked a fourth, had second degree burns on my neck from seat belt abrasion, broken nose, and a torn up shoulder that ended up gangrenous. Lucky for me, an awesome nurse saved my arm by iodine scrubbing it several times a day for several days, and I have a wicked scar on my shoulder that makes a great story, and after therapy, full use of my shoulder and arm.
Everyone survived, and gave the yakety yak ambulance drivers hell for chatting over us all doom and gloom like. Loads of therapy and surgeries for us, and we survived and thrived. Her friend got a couple of college degrees, my sister got one, and got married and has a gorgeous year and a half old bundle of energy. I have an eight year old.
The most important thing for you(something I wish I knew while my sister was going through everything), is food, hydration, and rest. If you do not take care of your body, it will force you to by shutting down. Please give yourself downtime, and try to relax.
I am sure she will bounce back and be back to business as usual soon. Please take care of yourself so she will see the familiar, which will also help with recovery times. God Bless you and yours with health and speedy recoveries.
The human body is a great thing indeed.
Nothing really new to report. They are just changing her meds. She might beable to go in for surgery soon to patch up her pelvis.
My parents haven't been home since the accident. I have hd my friends and uncle stopping by at times to check on me.
And I finally started to get some sleep.
Even news of her not regressing to a worse state is still good news. And it's good you've finally slept.
My thoughts are with the healing and recovery of your sister, and your family.
Take the advice of the many here, eat, sleep, rest, be well when you see her because normalcy, will help her heal. She cannot heal as well if she begins to worry about the health of the family around her. Be strong so you can support her healing.
Take care.
Thank you everyone for all your support. My mother was so overjoyed when I showed her this topic and she saw that it already hit over 1k in views.
Now for a bit of good news. The swelling has started to go down, and at the rate it's going, she might beable to wake up by Wednesday if all goes well. I really hope so. I was deeply worried about her. I actually had another friend go into a similar incident a few months back, but that one involved a motorcycle he was riding... And he needed his jaw rebuilt...
Anyway. It's 4am, I'm tired and about to crash. Goodnight all!
the swelling going down is EXCELLENT news, shax!!
also, when she wakes up, do we here at the board have permission to postively spam her hospital room with gifts and cards? or, well, at least send a few?
I'd say go for it! I'm sure my parents would be overjoyed with all the supporters! But I will ask them tonight x3
Anything that is even the smallest sign of recovery is a good sign. I take this from the fights my family has had with cancer over the years. Sometimes that node just sits there, not advancing or regressing at all, and it is nerve-wracking beyond any reasonable belief.
Here's hoping that the swelling vanishes entirely!
We found a small bump in the road. Her oxygen levels have went down and the doctors think its either a blood clot or pneumonia . They are taking her in for a CT scan as we speak.
In answer to your question, Icarus, my parents said that would be just find to send her cards and stuff. Just not flowers, we cannot let anything cause a reaction from her.
Eep! At least the doctors are on top of that. Let's hope it's resolved quickly. Sounds like she's getting great care though and I have confidence that she will recover.
i'll paint her a card later this week and note you on FA for the address shax.
hopefully the O levels get back up where they should be...pnuemonia would be easier to treat, wouldn't it? the solution would just be antiobiotics, right? whichever it is, i hope it's the easier to treat of the two.
Thanks bud. Things are already getting a little better for her. And apparently she has a very nice nurse looking after her. Once the card arrvies here, I'll be taking it up to the hospital, along with the others her friends have been dropping off.
The visitors for my sister is getting rather large in numbers. From students from the school, to teachers, to friends, to friends of our family. They were taking up the majority of the waiting room.
I hope your sister's oxygen levels get back to normal soon and that whatever's causing them isn't too serious and either solves itself or is easily treatable.
As for those making get well cards, does your sister have a fursona? If so, does it look similar to yours? Are there any references of it?
What I'm curious about is how people are getting an address to send the cards to, but then again I'm out of touch when it comes to social networking.
oh yeah, what sort of things does she like for cards? animals, favourite flowers, hobbies...just so we all have some starting points for cards and such. i saw something on her carepages about a recital...so i guess she has an instrument she likes?
I'll ask my parents about that later. And she's not a furry
I figured posting from the update itself for those who are not watching it would be easier.
Wow, rough day emotionally. After the previous two days of encouragement and optimism, Brianne decided to scare us today.
As you could see by the morning update, she had a good night. Right after we returned from breakfast and Tim headed home to do a few things, Bri started having issues breathing and her oxygen level dropped. Her CO2 levels also increased.
The staff had to bag (force breaths into her lungs) for several minutes and they performed a bronchoscope to look at her lungs. She had a lot of mucus making it difficult to see exactly what was happening. They suctioned out her breathing up and got a lot of 'junk' out. She was breathing easier but her oxygen (O2) levels did not come back up. As Tim pointed out, the doctors were concerned about pneumonia or a blood cot in the lung. Taking her for a CT would be risky because stimulation involved in the transport and transfer from bed to CT table and back.
To make a long story short, they decided to be agressive with antibiotics and breathing treatments very similar to asthma treatments. This lightened her respiratory load a little but sent her blood pressure and pulse skyrocketing. She also started a fever which lead to tremors (extreme shivering). According to the staff, this action is traumatic to the brain and heart. To combat that, they gave her a paralegic, in other words, they paralyzed her with medication.
As the antibiotics kicked in and the tremors stopped, things started settling down. They were able to suction out a lot of mucus and her O2 levels started up. As the O2 came up, her heart rate and blood pressure returned to normal.
It took some time to get her fever down, but this evening they have cut back on the paralegic and are weaning her off the blood pressure medication. She is breathing easy and regular again, her heart rate is back to normal as is her fever. Through all this, her IPC number off the drain stayed in the single digits. She is out of the woods again tonight.
The staff has told us that this is not unusual since she has been on her back for several days and it is not unusual for pneumonia to set in but they caught it early and seem to have it under control. They also cautioned us that while the previous days news was so good, that it is not unusual to take 2 steps forward and 1 back and she has a long way to go to full recovery.
They are still planning on the tracheostomy and stomach tube sometime tomorrow (we don't have a time yet) and the pelvis surgery by the end of the week if she tolerates tomorrow's procedures well.
It was a very emotionally exhausting day as I stated previously. While we appreciated the visitors, and support, this weekend, we were very overwhelmed but the end of the day. Please, if you do come to visit, realize that Brianne is our primary concern and we need to concentrate on her care first and foremost. Sometimes we need to just get up and walk away and sometimes we just don't feel like talking. Also realize if you come, you may not have the opportunity to see Brianne. We still need to keep her somewhat quiet and not upset her.
Please don't think we don't appreciate seeing people, it's just that sometimes we don't feel like being social. We do appreciate the support and prayers. We feel the love and truly appreciate it.
We are in the Renucci House yet tonight but are losing our room tomorrow. After that, we go back on the waiting list so we hope to resume our residence here as soon as possible. It is so nice to have a bed and shower of our own and still be near her.
With that, we will say good night and update all of you again when we see her in the morning.
Keep the prayers coming! I believe that they work!
Very nice to hear they caught it early! We'll keep praying! Before you know it, you'll be talking with your sister again!
oh jeez what a harrowing day D: i hope today is better and her surgeries go well without complications. again, let us know if there's anything at all we can do, shax.
also i saw your ma posting how she felt mad today, and how she had told you earlier not to be angry. i just wanna say that it's okay for everyone to be angry a little. i mean, it's an emotional outlet. sometimes your body is just so exhausted from being worried and sad that it flips over into 'angry' mode. it's okay to blow off steam, just y'know. not at doctors or nurses or something.
(and honestly that one dude on the news story comments with the racist remarks makes ME angry on your family's behalf. why the heck is he dragging skin colour and genetics into the situation anyway? he should just be hoping for bri to recover, nto trying to sew hate...)
Good thing the doctors know what they are doing! having good doctors and nurses is a very important thing, and they definitely seem to know what they are doing judging by what you are saying.
its been said on here before that the human body is an amazing thing, its sometimes easy to forget miracles happen- people have survived events that make Bruce Willis look like Steve Urkel, ive personally done studies on survivors of bullet wounds to the skull, and really every day is a miracle for some people.
its easy to loose that hope, ive refrained from saying anything here till now because i typically am a bit of a downer with the whole 'fatalistic' thing (ive seen a good percentage of a very, very large family die slowly on hospital beds, only one of which was funny) and i doubt dark humor is exactly welcome at this point.
im reminded when i was born the doctors said i would not survive an hour, then they said i would not survive the night, then they said i would not survive a week. im nearly thirty and despite some missing bits and a few dents im glad to say proving them wrong was not all that hard to do (other doctors with a bit more optimism {and a syringe to the heart somewhere around 2 hours after birth} really did some wonders to that) and every day people survive, endure, live, and even flourish despite being given some medical documentary level horse-brownies from life
you and your sister have my respect and admiration. soldier on good people, and feel free to flip death the middle finger for me once you feel secure enough- its quite cathartic!
Quote from: Brunhidden on February 18, 2013, 11:20:16 AM
its been said on here before that the human body is an amazing thing, its sometimes easy to forget miracles happen- people have survived events that make Bruce Willis look like Steve Urkel, ive personally done studies on survivors of bullet wounds to the skull, and really every day is a miracle for some people.
its easy to loose that hope, ive refrained from saying anything here till now because i typically am a bit of a downer with the whole 'fatalistic' thing (ive seen a good percentage of a very, very large family die slowly on hospital beds, only one of which was funny) and i doubt dark humor is exactly welcome at this point.
im reminded when i was born the doctors said i would not survive an hour, then they said i would not survive the night, then they said i would not survive a week. im nearly thirty and despite some missing bits and a few dents im glad to say proving them wrong was not all that hard to do (other doctors with a bit more optimism {and a syringe to the heart somewhere around 2 hours after birth} really did some wonders to that) and every day people survive, endure, live, and even flourish despite being given some medical documentary level horse-brownies from life
you and your sister have my respect and admiration. soldier on good people, and feel free to flip death the middle finger for me once you feel secure enough- its quite cathartic!
Remember, doctors have to give the worst case scenario almost always, otherwise the family will be mad if the patient does not survive, even if it is not the doctor's fault.
Quote from: Ignuus66 on February 18, 2013, 01:20:48 PM
Quote from: Brunhidden on February 18, 2013, 11:20:16 AM
crap i said
Remember, doctors have to give the worst case scenario almost always, otherwise the family will be mad if the patient does not survive, even if it is not the doctor's fault.
this was 'you know you can technically still abort this' talk, not exactly idle even if i was supposed to have been medically aborted a few months prior
anyhow, back to sister in recovery room, hope she has some five pounds of get well cards if she cant get flowers.... fake flowers anyone?
The doctor just came. They just finished the procedure and all went well. Her stats stayed normal including that the icp number never went up. She is breathing with the tracheostomy and the stomach tube is ready to be fed.
We have to wait 1/2 an hour to see her and she will be very sedated still, but with the tracheostomy in, they start decreasing her sedation medication since she will be more comfortable.
Thanks for all the prayers!
As stated earlier, Brianne's procedures today went well. She has had some spikes in her ipc number tonight, her temperature is up a little and she has some pain. You could see it in her face.
She was given some additional pain medication and they have reopened the drainage tube in her brain (They had been trying so slow the drainage in hopes to remove the tube soon). After reopening her drain and the medication kicked in, she relaxed again.
Also, her lungs look and sound better but she still has a touch of pneumonia.
The staff believes she is feeling overstimulated today and wants to be left alone (her stats are very steady when she is not touched or talked to tonight), so they sent us to our room at the Renucci House for the evening. We are actually watching a movie and laying in bed.
Another CT scan is scheduled for the morning (we don't have a time yet) to check on the swelling and look for fluid build up (it was the first we heard of that). We are anxious for those results and hope it is a positive report.
Because of the pneumonia and the stimulation factor today, the staff has asked that we again keep activity in her room to a minimum. This is for her benefit and we only want what will be best for her.
They are still hoping to perform the repair of her pelvis late in the week. It depends on how things go the next couple days.
Thanks for your continued support.
A picture of my sister in the hospital room...
Pic might be hard for some to see.
[spoiler](http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee318/Link-Darkwinds/image_zps64881fa8.jpg)[/spoiler]
she's actually looking pretty good, considering what happened to her. from your ma's posts she also seems aware of family in the room too and that's a REALLY good sign.
stay strong fuzzy cubi.
Don't have much time right now. Gonna go up to visit.
Bit of bad news, the swelling started up again, there's a bit of brain sheering now...
Brain sheering is not fun stuff. But they caught it early. Let's hope after this step back, she can take another two forward and finally recover..
Nothing really new to report. They might have her pelvic surgery done soon.
I'm gonna visit her today since my grandparents got pulled away and I could not got yesterday.
On a side note I want to thank everyone who have been sending, love, prayers, and support toward my sister, my family,and myself. It's means so much to us.
Also. To answer some questions including my sisters hobbies. She's really into music, I don't mean listening I mean playing it. I have seen her go through so many different kinds of instruments through the years, she likes to try all sorts of things.
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that her pelvic surgery goes well. So far from what you've told us she's been lucky enough to have exceptional doctors and nurses, so I'm not worried.
Quote from: Shax on February 20, 2013, 06:36:32 AM
Also. To answer some questions including my sisters hobbies. She's really into music, I don't mean listening I mean playing it. I have seen her go through so many different kinds of instruments through the years, she likes to try all sorts of things.
What instruments does she know how to play well, and what instruments has she just dabbled in?
She's good with a piccolo, sax, flute, and keyboard/piano
I visited her today. She's looking a bit better and the color is starting to return to her skin. I still felt so helpless just seeing her there like that...
Her car is gone now and got the insurance on it. We are already looking at a new car for her, one with plenty of safety features.
Her pelvic surgery is supposed to be today (the 21st). Wish her luck!
Glad to hear she's looking a bit better, and that your folks are getting a new car arranged. Not sure if you're the religious type but I'll be praying for your sister's recovery and your family.
(Sorry for being late to drop in btw ;; )
She had her surgery today, and it was a complete success. The screws are now in her pelvis and its set back in place.
Quote from: Shax on February 21, 2013, 09:25:57 PM
She had her surgery today, and it was a complete success. The screws are now in her pelvis and its set back in place.
That's really good news! I hope the rest of the news you get is just as good
Quote from: Shax on February 21, 2013, 09:25:57 PM
She had her surgery today, and it was a complete success. The screws are now in her pelvis and its set back in place.
Hurray! Glad to hear it went so well. Keep us updated when you have time and take care.
Sweet! Hopefully that will mean they will have her wake up soon!
Hopefully everything else is smooth sailing from here on out.
Really, really good news. With my sister's surgery a success, and the swelling showing signs of going down, she was taken off the sedatives and the pain killers were reduced. She might be waking up soon. She's being responsive, moving her head to sounds, understanding when they say they are going to suction her mouth (She actually clentches her teeth hehe) and her eyes are fluttering a bit.
I know she's a strong girl, and the fact she's pushing through so quickly proves it.
Glad to hear it! Let us know how she progresses.
Indeed, more excellent news!
Shax - I JUST saw this thread. I'm so glad to hear that she is doing better, and I'm adding energy to the prayers.
*hugs*
That's great to hear. Hopefully her healing will continue to progress, if not accelerate. Before you know it she'll be back to playing all her instruments again.
Know I'm a tad late but great to hear. Know you have my wishes everything goes smoothly.
Thank you everyone for your continued support.
She still has yet to wake up, but at this point, I'm just assuming she's working the rest of the sedatives out of her system. It can be any minute or day now that she wakes up.
She'll still be plenty tired when she wakes up, but I can't wait to hear the news when she does!
Hey all. People have been asking me questions of my address to send my sister cards.
Just send them to me and I'll drop them off in her room when I come back to the hospital.
----ASK ME FOR ADDRESS IN A PM!!----
Bear in mind that if you post that publicly it may be harvested by spambots...
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 25, 2013, 07:47:45 PM
Bear in mind that if you post that publicly it may be harvested by spambots...
Good point Tape... Okie. If anyone wants it, ask me!
My sister has been moved to another facility close to Spectrum. Seeing as she is no longer in critical, and may be waking soon, they want to be ready to start her physical therapy. Other than that, no real updates to report on her.
That's more than enough - excellent news, Shax!
Spot of news, not on my sister, but on the fucker that hit her...
My mother got some information from a friend of my dad's who used to work with my father when he was an officer. According to the officer, the guy was texting while driving when he hit her... Lovely... Let this be a lesson kids~
I've already had to restrain myself from kicking cars of people who's drivers are on a cell phone and I'm not a violent person! It's like they're holding an open bottle of beer while driving!
Quote from: James StarRunner on March 04, 2013, 05:51:59 PM
I've already had to restrain myself from kicking cars of people who's drivers are on a cell phone and I'm not a violent person! It's like they're holding an open bottle of beer while driving!
An open bottle of beer, unless the beer was excessively strong, would actually be less bad in terms of decrease of driver attention, AFAIK.
But yeah, what an utter fucking moron. Hope he gets his arse busted for it - at least back home it's illegal to use phone while driving otherwise than by a hands-free set.
Quote from: VAE on March 04, 2013, 09:46:31 PM
But yeah, what an utter fucking moron. Hope he gets his arse busted for it - at least back home it's illegal to use phone while driving otherwise than by a hands-free set.
Not that hands-free avoids the problem of split attention - as I understand it, hands-free and hands-full both cause a significant and similar drop in the attentiveness of the driver, with similar deleterious effects on his or her driving ability.
Either way, when driving, your attention should be on the other maniacs on the road, not on the whizzy gadget in your pocket...
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on March 05, 2013, 07:12:50 AM
Quote from: VAE on March 04, 2013, 09:46:31 PM
But yeah, what an utter fucking moron. Hope he gets his arse busted for it - at least back home it's illegal to use phone while driving otherwise than by a hands-free set.
Not that hands-free avoids the problem of split attention - as I understand it, hands-free and hands-full both cause a significant and similar drop in the attentiveness of the driver, with similar deleterious effects on his or her driving ability.
Either way, when driving, your attention should be on the other maniacs on the road, not on the whizzy gadget in your pocket...
i suggest having a designated phoner, while the driver drives both cellphones are in the passengers posession. otherwise its generally understood when you miss the call and call back in seven minutes saying 'i was driving'
Quote from: Brunhidden on March 05, 2013, 09:59:48 AM
i suggest having a designated phoner, while the driver drives both cellphones are in the passengers posession. otherwise its generally understood when you miss the call and call back in seven minutes saying 'i was driving'
I don't get to use that excuse, though - I don't have a licence. Just a preference. ;-]
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on March 05, 2013, 10:31:57 AM
Quote from: Brunhidden on March 05, 2013, 09:59:48 AM
i suggest having a designated phoner, while the driver drives both cellphones are in the passengers posession. otherwise its generally understood when you miss the call and call back in seven minutes saying 'i was driving'
I don't get to use that excuse, though - I don't have a licence. Just a preference. ;-]
is talking on the cellphone dangerous while walking? or just not useful on the metro?
a cellphone walking accident may be hilarious
Quote from: Brunhidden on March 06, 2013, 12:16:29 AM
is talking on the cellphone dangerous while walking? or just not useful on the metro?
a cellphone walking accident may be hilarious
It's dangerous to _you_, but you're not hauling around a couple tons of metal at 60 meters a second. or more. So a second or two of inattention will get you moving a couple of paces or so, rather less than in a car.
And yes, I've seen cellphone accidents where someone talking on one walks into a pole.
As for the metro? Mobile phones don't work through 60-150ft of dirt, no.
http://www.wwmt.com/news/features/featured/stories/coworkers-raise-money-help-teen-injured-distracted-driving-crash-35.shtml
Just a little something you guys might want to see~
That's awesome to hear, there, Shax.
Ah.. for those of us outside the country, is there a way to donate?
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on March 07, 2013, 11:09:39 AM
That's awesome to hear, there, Shax.
Ah.. for those of us outside the country, is there a way to donate?
You don't really have to... Not sure if its possible unless its over Paypal which I would have sent to my parents.
But its no worries.
Ok, because I keep on getting people asking if they can donate (Which I keep saying its not necessary! >.<), send it to my paypal, I will have it relayed to my parents.
cubi.shax[at]yahoo[dot]com (USD)
Also feel free to email me just to talk! :3
Again, it may not be wise to publish it openly. IIRC the addresses on your profile should be hidden to guest users, but this probably isn't.
Quote from: Tapewolf on March 08, 2013, 07:29:41 AM
Again, it may not be wise to publish it openly. IIRC the addresses on your profile should be hidden to guest users, but this probably isn't.
Made a slight adjustment to hopefully weed out bots
Also, I don't really mind it being public. I have my email all over the net anyway. And even Mab posted it public, which I'm glad she did. The support had been heartwarming, my family is so happy that even my net friends have been supporting her.
...oh gosh I don't wanna be a pest but I'm gonna admit to being worried. ;; Any news Shax?
No real changes at all at the moment. Things have been kinda dull... I hope she wakes soon and things can go back to normal.
Hard to keep a smile these days now. I have been trying to mask how I really feel about the situation with trying to have fun with friends and being out and about so much, but Its to the point to where I can't do it anymore. The situation is hitting me harder and harder, I cannot stand the thought of my little sister laying helpless in a bed for so long because some stupid motherfucker cannot even put a phone down. You never really think about this with other people, until it happens to someone close...
I had a friend in a coma for just over a year. It's never easy, and any decision made about them while they are under really makes you grit your teeth. But it does get better, and I know she will appreciate your struggle for her, one way or another.
Hang in there Shax, we're here for you. This won't be forever. If you need someone to talk to I'm on skype and AIM, just let me know so I can add you. You can be honest about your feelings, and if talking about it would help at all I'd be happy to do so.
EDIT: I promise I can spell sometimes
You have all our support. Like Qilby and Lorien077 said, she won't stay like this forever. Be strong and trust that she will get better.
Bit of news, the hospital no longer considers her to be in a coma. She seems to be able to recognize things now! Next step is for her to start talking again!
That is fantastic news! I'm glad things are improving for you, it was really worrying. Here's to hoping things continue to look up for you guys :)
Oh thank goodness that's wonderful news indeed! :D
Quote from: Shax on March 29, 2013, 01:13:49 AM
Bit of news, the hospital no longer considers her to be in a coma. She seems to be able to recognize things now! Next step is for her to start talking again!
Great news! Let us know how she progresses.
Good to hear.
Progress is good. Here's hoping for more good news. :hug
That's good! Thanks for letting us know, and please keep us posted. :)
Good news everyone!
Quote from: Shax on March 29, 2013, 01:13:49 AM
Bit of news, the hospital no longer considers her to be in a coma. She seems to be able to recognize things now! Next step is for her to start talking again!
That is excellent news! :eager I also wonder how her physical therapy is going, since you mentioned them starting it while she was still in a comatose state.
I'm so glad to hear the good news! I hope her recovery keeps going strong.
Bit of bad news. It seems my sister crawled her way off the bed and feel to the floor... And was on the floor for a good half hour until my parents arrived at the rehab center... Where the fuck were the nurses? She got taken to ER.
Excuse my Ignorance, but what is ER? (English is not my native language)
Emergency Room.
Typically specializes in treating immediate medical care for people with severe issues and trauma without an appointment.
Erm. Nurses? Monitoring? Surely she had some monitoring on her? What the heck happened, there?
If it were me finding her on the ground, having been there for a while... I'd be spitting tacks. :-(
Here's hoping she's okay, and it's a _good_ sign that she's moving, there.
That's utterly appalling, honestly I can't believe it. -_- Hope she recovers quickly from the fall.
Shax, I sincerely apologise for not posting earlier, but I wish the best to you, your sister and your family and pray hard that everything will be okay.
A bit of happy news on my sister. They moved her to Mary Free Bed which is a less serious rehab center. Shes doing great. Able to eat on her own, she is aware of her surroundings and even showing the sane attitude from before the crash, she we think shes going to be the same Brianne as always. Two more weeks still she can put weight on her left foot and they are already training her on crutches. Shes able to somewhat talk, its more like a talkwhisper where you really have to listen but still, progress. Shes been working on her phone and her iPad and ever made a post on her own Facebook the other day! She is recovering faster than the docs thought she would.
That's fantastic news!
That's absolutely wonderful!!! She sounds like a very strong young woman to recover so swiftly. Thanks for updating us. :)
Quote from: Shax on April 25, 2013, 10:08:37 PM
Shes able to somewhat talk, its more like a talkwhisper where you really have to listen but still, progress. Shes been working on her phone and her iPad and ever made a post on her own Facebook the other day! She is recovering faster than the docs thought she would.
Fantastic. Keep us posted!
That's brilliant and great to hear. All the very best!
As everyone else has said, that's awesomely wonderful news.
Well, all except the facebook part. Who let her loose on there? ;-]
Excellent news!
Hope it's nothing but good news from here on out.
It's great to hear she's recovering so well!
Sorry for the late reply.
Bloody good news Shax!
Small update. She's talking completely now! It's a bit raspy bit she speaks in full sentences now! She's recovering fast and we are still going to her graduation. Another week and she can put a little weight on her left foot.
Give her a hug for me Shax, you, your family and especially her have shown a lot of strength though all this.
Quote from: Shax on May 06, 2013, 08:11:48 PM
Small update. She's talking completely now! It's a bit raspy bit she speaks in full sentences now! She's recovering fast and we are still going to her graduation. Another week and she ca. Put a little weight on her left foot.
There seems to be a bit missing in those last two sentences, but wonderful news, nonetheless!
Quote from: Tapewolf on May 07, 2013, 04:16:31 AM
Quote from: Shax on May 06, 2013, 08:11:48 PM
Small update. She's talking completely now! It's a bit raspy bit she speaks in full sentences now! She's recovering fast and we are still going to her graduation. Another week and she ca. Put a little weight on her left foot.
There seems to be a bit missing in those last two sentences, but wonderful news, nonetheless!
Fixed, and that's why I never really type up these things on an iPhone.... -.-
Great to hear, it's been a long tiring period for all of you, but I'm really happy that things are getting better.
prost, good on ya, mazzeltov, be merry, dekaani, a celebration for just cause
its not just survival, its being a survivor. i hope there are many years ahead where this can be looked back uppon, good years
EPIC NEWS! On Thursday, the 10th, for the first time in 12 weeks... SHE WALKED! That's right, she can put weight on her left leg now and she walked! With the help of a wheeled walker, but she was crusing fast down the hallway, almost a jog speed! Big improvement!
Yes! Good to hear your recovery is progressing well and so quickly.
Awesome to hear, I'm so happy for you all.
Brilliant!
Big big BIG news today! My sister no longer needs a wheelchair or a walker! Feeding tube has been removed, and she can eat on her own. She was at Steak n' Shake today for lunch! And the best news ever.... 2 more weeks, and she can come home!
Oh, excellent! That is awesome.
This is really good news! I'm so happy to hear it! :boogie
Your sister and your family has come a long way from when all this began. I can only imagine how hard it must have been for you all, so I'm glad to hear that the successes are really starting to come in bushels!
That is fantastic news! Thanks for letting us know, I'm really happy for you all!
Really happy to hear this, wishing you and your family the best.
This is where we break out the streamers, clackers, confetti, and air horns, yes? ;-]
It this point. The doctors are saying shes pretty much recovered. She no longer needs any support to walk, shes talking fully and is aware of everything. Jy parents are allowed to take her out of the hospital on their own for food or shopping now.
Wonderful news Shax. great to see everything is looking up!
Great, GREAT day today! My sister is home for a visit and dinner tonight! Shes doing great! And our pets were all over her x3
Pets FTW. ;-]
Great to hear she's recovering quickly, and making progress.
I'm so glad to keep hearing the good news about your sister, it's so good to hear :3
Bri got out today! She is back home with us, where she belongs. She is really excited!
Quote from: Shax on May 29, 2013, 12:16:56 PM
Bri got out today! She is back home with us, where she belongs. She is really excited!
I'm running out of ways to say "that's great news" :3
Quote from: Tapewolf on May 29, 2013, 02:13:01 PM
Quote from: Shax on May 29, 2013, 12:16:56 PM
Bri got out today! She is back home with us, where she belongs. She is really excited!
I'm running out of ways to say "that's great news" :3
Indeed!
Quote from: Tapewolf on May 29, 2013, 02:13:01 PM
Quote from: Shax on May 29, 2013, 12:16:56 PM
Bri got out today! She is back home with us, where she belongs. She is really excited!
I'm running out of ways to say "that's great news" :3
Consult a thesaurus? Off of the top of my head: awesome, wonderful, amazing, really really neat, good to hear, comforting, satisfying, awe-inspiring, brilliant, cheerful, excellent, fantastic, gratifying, happy-fying, impressive, joyful, meant-to-be, relieving, tremendous, unifying, valuable, ...
Okay, I grant you "really really neat" and "happy-fying" might not be acceptable words, but they _do_ fit in "that's ... news!" ;-]
that's Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Ah, I am so glad to hear that she's recovered in such a dramatic fashion.
After a few weeks of her being home, we started to notice a few things different about her now. First, hes really quiet when she talks, almost like a raspy whisper. The doctors are not sure why this is, its like she struggles to talk. And now she seems more childish, she actually throws full tantrums now, and stomps her feet and fists if she does not like something. SHe does not remember us getting the new house to move, which we already would of been fully moved into there had this accident not had happened. And last, the sad thing is, she does not remember my grandfather passing away last year until he sold his house. She has been asking about what had happened to him, why and how he died. (Organ and heart failure.)
Other than ese, her personality is still fully intact, and is already getting back into driving again.
Well at least it sounds like a few small things still. It's good to hear she's still making progress.
with your description of her being different when you got her home my first thought was 'shes wearing red robes now'
Damn, I was hoping she'd be fine and fully recovered, but in any event I'm happy she's back with you and her family. All the best and tell her some random stranger on the internet sends her best wishes! (or not, if it makes things awkward... don't want to cause her more confusion on top of everything....)
Hey Shax, How's your sister doing?
I've only read the last page or so since I've missed so much. I'm glad to hear she's home and doing well, aside from the personality changes. It has been a while since your last update and I was curious.
Much love and hope still flowing in you and your family's direction.
~Wildy
Hey Wildy! Sorry for the late reply, things have been busy on my end since I have just started working. 6 days a week, ugh.
Anyway, she's been doing great! She's up and about rather often, been having fun with friends as usual, and even ready to start driving again soon! She's already picked out what car she wants. X3
Her therapys have been going along swimmingly, even to where she might be done with them soon! She has made so much progress in such a short time. Almost hard to believe it's almost been a year since the accident already... Time has been going by so fast...
Her reading and writing skills seem to have not been damaged, and my cousins got her a MacBook Pro as a gift for her progress, it's hard to pull her off of that thing! Although I'm the same way when it comes to my own tech. Kinda a family thing. =P
Right now she's really excited for Christmas coming up since we are taking a family trip to Maui, Hawaii over the time. She's happy I was able to get those two weeks off too.
It's funny you should post this on the 14th because on that day we were celebrating her birthday! We had such a large turnout for her! But she seemed to be a bit overwhelmed with the excitement of the people around her, which is understandable after such a serious accident.
Anyway, I'm off. If you ever want an update just throw a PM my way. I prefer that over sharp objects. X3
~Shax
Oh yeah, forgot to mention, the guy that crashed into her pleaded not guilty to negligent driving...
Quote from: Shax on October 17, 2013, 09:43:30 AM
Oh yeah, forgot to mention, the guy that crashed into her pleaded not guilty to negligent driving...
His personality rhymes with glass hole.
I'm so glad to hear that your sister is doing MUCH better now, praise the Lord. Every since that I read your journal about your sister's condition, I've been praying extra hard for her, and your family, recovery. :D
Ok! So! Update! Monday was the sentencing trial for the guy that hit my sister... Well to start off, he didn't speak a lick of English, period. There had to be a translator in the room. Second, not even a citizen of the US, yet he has a house, a car, and a license. Hes here on a work visa. Final verdict. A years probation. Thats it.
A year's probation, and as soon as his visa finishes, he won't be back to the US at all. They check that stuff at the border, you know.
Oh no, he's still in the states. He's anchored here because all 3 of his kids were born in the states. In fact, he's not allowed to leave Michigan
Quote from: Shax on December 12, 2013, 01:58:44 AM
Oh no, he's still in the states. He's anchored here because all 3 of his kids were born in the states. In fact, he's not allowed to leave Michigan
*facepalm* And people wonder why we conservatives are pissed off so much about immigration. This kind of crap happens sooooooooooooooooooo often.
And good luck trying to sue to recoup medical costs. I'm sure he's got nothing.
Well, here we are, its hard to believe that today marks 1 year since her horrid accident. Time sure does fly doesn't it? Anyway, Brianne has pushed herself rather hard in this year, the doctors thought she would never get to the point she is at now. But we knew better since shes a strong girl.
That is so good to hear, I wish you and Brianne the best!
That's excellent news! Hoping for the best for you both!
She deserves many congratulations I think ^_^
So, a bit of an update after so long... She was cleared to drive again! And she bought herself a new card. A 2014 Chevy Cruise. Although she already hit a bit of a snag. With my dad's oversized truck in the garage alongside her car, She doesn't have much room. My father owns a 2005 Chevy Avalanche, so its pretty bit. But when my sister was backing out before from the garage, she accidentally took off the passenger side mirror. But it was already fixed. Dad sent me the pictures.
Also, shes getting ready to gear up for college! Shes nervous, but at the same time, excited, shes getting her life back on track and back to normal. My parents call me from time to time with updates now that I live 2 states away from them. But all and all, nothing but improvements. Her old personality seems to kick in here and there at times and shes seeing a doctor about getting her voice completely restored since her voicebox was slightly damaged in the crash. In the next upcoming weeks as well, shes going in for surgery to fuse the bones in her ankle. This is a separate problem from the crash, but she has always had ankle problems to where the bones are grinding together. They fixed it before, twice, but this time they can only just fuse it.
In any case. Much improvement, and thank you all for your support for her.