Mom's Condition 07/30/11

Subject:  Mom's Condition

Date:  July 30, 2001



Not as much to tell as I would like.  What we know - Mom fell this morning

around 6:45 a.m., walking from the bathroom at the Alexandria (Virginia)

Holiday Inn to her bed. 



As she had throughout the night, she's gotten my assistance getting out

of bed, but unlike earlier visits, this time she did not get my help  returning. 



Anyhow, John and I heard a great crash and found Mom spread out, her

head against the bedroom door.  She was initially conscious, but not

responsive.   Within moments, she was responsive, then able to com-

municate, then had feeling return to her outer extremities. 



The EMT squad arrived within 5 minutes and the  ambulance was here in

about 10.  She was taken to Alexandria Hospital, about a 15-min drive

(normal speed) from the hotel. 



There are two things that are definitely a problem.  She has a fractured

neck - the 1st and 2nd vertabrea are dislocated.  She has reduced feeling

on her left  side, which might be related to a TIA or to a neurological problem. 

She has a possible injury in her lower lombard region. 



The doctors - Jack Cochran  (neurology), Boothwell G. Lee (neurosurgery)

and Thomas Smiraintopoulos (pulmonary) - seem quite competent, have all

talked to her and to me and to Peter  (who drove down from PA).  



Whitney & Chad were at the hospital - a godsend - to lend support to Mom

and Judy & Paul Orvos ended up at the hospital after arriving for brunch and

getting the word on where we were. 



Mom is in good spirits, but she hates the neck brace.  Because what is

prescribed for stroke is contraindicated for a neurological injury, the doctors 

are taking a lot of tests and treading lightly.  Very wise.  They are also con-

cerned about her other medical situations which are unrelated to the injuries 

but which could come into play.  We will know more tomorrow. 



I am here in VA until tomorrow - will head north after the evening rush hour. 

Peter is here until Tuesday.  Whitney - thank  goodness - works about 10

mins from the hospital and hopes to come at lunch. 



Keep us in your prayers. 



By the way, none of you are surprised, I'm sure, to hear Mom's already

charming the staff! 



Jim, Joe, Mark - would one of you please advise Steve Huber or whoever

(Garth is on vacation) that I will not be in on Monday?  I did not bring the

emergency  phone # with me.  Thanks!