Absolutely no offense taken by me at all. They are saying that there is some brain activity but through the tests it shows no improvement and the two cat scans that they are have done don't show improvement either - the way I look at it, is that if there is SOME activity that doesn't mean NO brain activity. If you have any suggestions/thoughts, please feel free to pm me. I appreciate your concern and wouldn't take offense to any help or advice that you can offer. I don't understand any of what they are telling me and I get more confused each day. Thanks.
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Critical bill Appreciation Thread. :)
- Thread starter Ed Clark
- Start date
Absolutely no offense taken by me at all. They are saying that there is some brain activity but through the tests it shows no improvement and the two cat scans that they are have done don't show improvement either - the way I look at it, is that if there is SOME activity that doesn't mean NO brain activity. If you have any suggestions/thoughts, please feel free to pm me. I appreciate your concern and wouldn't take offense to any help or advice that you can offer. I don't understand any of what they are telling me and I get more confused each day. Thanks.
kmurphy
New member
Maggie, my heart goes out to you. Hang in there.
deborahbroadus
HARD CANDY
Maggie,
I had to make the decision to take my husband off life support a few years ago. I am so thankful that he was lucid and able to guide me in the decision before the time came that he could no longer respond. I had him moved to a Hospice so he could spend the rest of his time listening to his RAVENS games and just being there.
I do understand what you are going though and I pray that Chuck recovers, he's been the champion of many people for years. Please if it helps you..I always kept in mind "One step at a time"....that's all the journey takes.
I had to make the decision to take my husband off life support a few years ago. I am so thankful that he was lucid and able to guide me in the decision before the time came that he could no longer respond. I had him moved to a Hospice so he could spend the rest of his time listening to his RAVENS games and just being there.
I do understand what you are going though and I pray that Chuck recovers, he's been the champion of many people for years. Please if it helps you..I always kept in mind "One step at a time"....that's all the journey takes.
Heck Harald, if I were in Chuck's place, and my wife was in Maggie's I certainly would WANT someone to help her understand what is going on. To question what the doctor's are saying if it doesn't make sense, and have someone to go to for an explanation. To try to make certain I was getting a fair chance at pulling out of it, with the doctors and hospital treating me as a living person that wants to stay that way instead of a check box on their roster of things to do today.
But that's just MY opinion....
kmarsh
New member
I agree with Rich, the more information that one can gather in these cases the better. It's always good to get a fresh perspective or someone that is more objective. Not always the easiest to hear but still better all the way around. More prayers for Maggie and Chuck.
Twizted Paths
New member
Harald's good people Maggie. He's also quite good at breaking things down so they make sense 
SapphireGemReptiles
one who reads
get well soon critical bill!
shlages
New member
Maggie, Hope that today is better than it has been... God bless you
Sorry I haven't posted. Nothing is really new and there have no changes, which is okay with me. I had a meeting today with all of his doctors and they basically said that they had hoped for more progress after 2 weeks, but are not giving up. I told them that I would not sign a dnr form or consider anything like that. They were actually really great and completely understood and answered all of my questions.
My confusion has come from speaking to different nurses, etc. and not really getting a chance to speak to the doctors. His brain activity is the same it was over a week ago, which they had hoped would improve, but there has not been a decrease and that is what some people have been saying. Anyway, so far so good, he's fighting and I believe in him with all my heart and know he'll be okay, but I also know that it will take a very long time, but that's okay too.
My newest and scariest concern is our daughters. They have been sick and gotten better and sick again. I took them both to the doctor today (they are 6 and 8) and she said they are showing very clear signs of depression. Our 8 year old who weighed a whole 40 pounds (she should weigh at least 60 pounds or more) has now lost 2 pounds and only weighs 38 pounds and she cannot afford to lose weight. When I told her this morning how it important it was for her to eat she told me "I'll eat when you eat" and that was like a slap in the face (a good one) making me realize that I have to pay extra attention to them right now. Both of them are very upset and cry and sleep alot and I can't take watching them go through this.
I was at the hospital today and didn't go tonight (although I have called 3 times already) but I know I can do more for our girls tonight than I could do for Charles. We are going to rent a movie and I'm going to make some popcorn for them! They are really excited and they have smiled and laughed tonight, which I have not seen and it really warms my heart.
I'm sure I'll be checking in when they fall asleep, if I don't pass out with them! Thanks very much to all of you for everything.
My confusion has come from speaking to different nurses, etc. and not really getting a chance to speak to the doctors. His brain activity is the same it was over a week ago, which they had hoped would improve, but there has not been a decrease and that is what some people have been saying. Anyway, so far so good, he's fighting and I believe in him with all my heart and know he'll be okay, but I also know that it will take a very long time, but that's okay too.
My newest and scariest concern is our daughters. They have been sick and gotten better and sick again. I took them both to the doctor today (they are 6 and 8) and she said they are showing very clear signs of depression. Our 8 year old who weighed a whole 40 pounds (she should weigh at least 60 pounds or more) has now lost 2 pounds and only weighs 38 pounds and she cannot afford to lose weight. When I told her this morning how it important it was for her to eat she told me "I'll eat when you eat" and that was like a slap in the face (a good one) making me realize that I have to pay extra attention to them right now. Both of them are very upset and cry and sleep alot and I can't take watching them go through this.
I was at the hospital today and didn't go tonight (although I have called 3 times already) but I know I can do more for our girls tonight than I could do for Charles. We are going to rent a movie and I'm going to make some popcorn for them! They are really excited and they have smiled and laughed tonight, which I have not seen and it really warms my heart.
I'm sure I'll be checking in when they fall asleep, if I don't pass out with them! Thanks very much to all of you for everything.
I am sorry hun help them keep their mind off things and let them know you are there for them. Tell them if they need to talk you can talk.
SamanthaJane13
Demon Pazuzu/B!tchGoddess
Maggie-
Please let the girls know that there are TONS of people praying for their dad, AND the whole family!! And tell them we all love them very much and think they're very brave to be so strong for Dad!!!
I've suffered from chronic depression since childhood-not that they diagnosed it when I was a child (it was the 60's & 70's and they basically just thought I was "different" and moody)-and with someone to talk to about it, it is much easier to deal with. Therapy DOES HELP!!!
Also-be VERY cautious about allowing the doctors to give ANY psychotropic meds to the kids. My daughter was put on Zoloft for a short period when my grandmother passed away, and she had BAD side-effects. She was 10 at the time, and the lowest does knocked her on her butt.
I won't take antidepressants anymore-because of the side-effects. I was walking into walls and hearing voices that weren't there.
If you need to talk, please feel free to PM me anytime.
Hugs-
Donna
Please let the girls know that there are TONS of people praying for their dad, AND the whole family!! And tell them we all love them very much and think they're very brave to be so strong for Dad!!!
I've suffered from chronic depression since childhood-not that they diagnosed it when I was a child (it was the 60's & 70's and they basically just thought I was "different" and moody)-and with someone to talk to about it, it is much easier to deal with. Therapy DOES HELP!!!
Also-be VERY cautious about allowing the doctors to give ANY psychotropic meds to the kids. My daughter was put on Zoloft for a short period when my grandmother passed away, and she had BAD side-effects. She was 10 at the time, and the lowest does knocked her on her butt.
I won't take antidepressants anymore-because of the side-effects. I was walking into walls and hearing voices that weren't there.
If you need to talk, please feel free to PM me anytime.
Hugs-
Donna
LauraB
CLOSED ACCOUNT
Although I haven't posted, I've been reading daily ... hoping and thinking that every day would bring a "everything's fine!" update. It's pretty much unbelieveable that it hasn't happened.
There are no words I can say that haven't already been said, been thought, or been wished for you, Maggie, or for the girls or for Chuck. I know this is just a nightmare for all of you and must be nearly unbearable at times.
My heart aches when good people, big and little, have to suffer for any reason.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your already overwhelmed life to keep us updated. Your entire family remains in my thoughts and prayers.
And please don't forget to take good care of yourself.
There are no words I can say that haven't already been said, been thought, or been wished for you, Maggie, or for the girls or for Chuck. I know this is just a nightmare for all of you and must be nearly unbearable at times.
My heart aches when good people, big and little, have to suffer for any reason.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your already overwhelmed life to keep us updated. Your entire family remains in my thoughts and prayers.
And please don't forget to take good care of yourself.
Shadera
Wayward Python Wet Nurse
Hang in there Maggie. I know it's gotta be so hard to be strong for your entire family, but when times get real tough just imagine Jamaica.
Utta
HELL is my home
Maggie, thank you for the updates, everyone reading them if feeling the same emotions as you but on a smaller scale. i hope you girls can get some sleep tonight. i cant wait to see the sonograms of your "new addition" when Chuck gets better 
i wish i could give you more, but everything has been said and re-said.
i will leave you with these:
All great changes are preceded by chaos ~ Deepak Chopra
Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed on an equal or greater benefit.
~ Napoleon Hill
Brick walls are there for a reason – they let us prove how badly we want things and to keep out others who do not want it enough
~ Randy Pausch
i hope these help
i wish i could give you more, but everything has been said and re-said.
i will leave you with these:
All great changes are preceded by chaos ~ Deepak Chopra
Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed on an equal or greater benefit.
~ Napoleon Hill
Brick walls are there for a reason – they let us prove how badly we want things and to keep out others who do not want it enough
~ Randy Pausch
i hope these help
TailsWithScales
Creator of shenanigans
Once again echoing what others have said:
Hang in there! I hope your girls enjoyed the night! So nice that you three got to take a break and relax even if it's just for a little bit.
I and others will continue to keep Chuck, you and the girls in our prayers. Sending more hugs, prayers and smiles your way!
Hang in there! I hope your girls enjoyed the night! So nice that you three got to take a break and relax even if it's just for a little bit.
I and others will continue to keep Chuck, you and the girls in our prayers. Sending more hugs, prayers and smiles your way!
Just got back from the hospital - his nurse told me that he moved his thumb today - which sounds stupid but is such a big step!! He was pretty out of it tonight and didn't really open his eyes, but it's okay because I know he needs his rest.
I took the girls out to eat tonight (not out to eat, mcdonald's) but they had the greatest time, they ate and have been smiling since. Unfortunately they fell asleep last night before we could watch our movie and that is what we are doing tonight, but it is so great to see them smile!
I took the girls out to eat tonight (not out to eat, mcdonald's) but they had the greatest time, they ate and have been smiling since. Unfortunately they fell asleep last night before we could watch our movie and that is what we are doing tonight, but it is so great to see them smile!
JordanAng420
Vet Tech Extraordinaire
That's wonderful news, Maggie! Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers.
SamanthaJane13
Demon Pazuzu/B!tchGoddess
Maggie-
I'm so glad Chuck's taking those baby-steps!!! It's wonderful news!!!
And I'm glad the girls are perking up.
Just remember-they take their emotional cues from YOU, and if you're falling apart, you just might take them with you!
The tiredness is part of the depression, plus if nobody's eating, there's nothing to act as fuel!!
My grandpa always told me that no matter what kind of engine you're trying to run, YOU NEED FUEL!!
Hearts, brains and bodies ALL NEED FOOD!! Even if you're a "grazer" like me. I nibble all day, and eat a light breakfast and normal dinner.
Think good thoughts, get your sleep, eat as much as you can-even if it means carrying a couple of pieces of fruit with you when you go out, take care of yourself so you can take care of the girls and hold down the fort in Chuck's temporary absence, and remember you are all in our thoughts and prayers!
I'm so glad Chuck's taking those baby-steps!!! It's wonderful news!!!
And I'm glad the girls are perking up.
Just remember-they take their emotional cues from YOU, and if you're falling apart, you just might take them with you!
The tiredness is part of the depression, plus if nobody's eating, there's nothing to act as fuel!!
My grandpa always told me that no matter what kind of engine you're trying to run, YOU NEED FUEL!!
Hearts, brains and bodies ALL NEED FOOD!! Even if you're a "grazer" like me. I nibble all day, and eat a light breakfast and normal dinner.
Think good thoughts, get your sleep, eat as much as you can-even if it means carrying a couple of pieces of fruit with you when you go out, take care of yourself so you can take care of the girls and hold down the fort in Chuck's temporary absence, and remember you are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Tiger Lilly
Lovin' Life
It has taken me a little while to catch up on Chuck's progress, but I have two things to say now that I've finally reached the most recent post:
1--Maggie, you are, without a doubt, the most SELFLESS person I have seen in a loooong while. While I feel for you and your girls in your time of need, it takes one strong woman to go through what you are going through and still be a mom and wife;
2--this whole thread has been like a novel that I can't put down. I've laughed (at the Chuckism's), I've cried (I can only imagine how you have, with the ups & downs) and I've been amazed (at your strength) and shocked (at the one jerk who needed his 15 minutes of fame).
I wouldn't wish this on anyone (not even the jerk), but I believe in God and that he works miracles in all our lives even if we don't realize it. I will continue to pray for you, Chuck and the girls to get through this sooner rather than later.
And a personal note to Chuck--get better soon--you are single-handedly responsible for more soda & coffee coming out of my nose than anyone I've ever met. And painful as it can be...I miss it! And we haven't forgotten about the UFO footage...
1--Maggie, you are, without a doubt, the most SELFLESS person I have seen in a loooong while. While I feel for you and your girls in your time of need, it takes one strong woman to go through what you are going through and still be a mom and wife;
2--this whole thread has been like a novel that I can't put down. I've laughed (at the Chuckism's), I've cried (I can only imagine how you have, with the ups & downs) and I've been amazed (at your strength) and shocked (at the one jerk who needed his 15 minutes of fame).
I wouldn't wish this on anyone (not even the jerk), but I believe in God and that he works miracles in all our lives even if we don't realize it. I will continue to pray for you, Chuck and the girls to get through this sooner rather than later.
And a personal note to Chuck--get better soon--you are single-handedly responsible for more soda & coffee coming out of my nose than anyone I've ever met. And painful as it can be...I miss it! And we haven't forgotten about the UFO footage...
There is footage of the UFO - I swear on anything - me and my 8 year old saw it first and called him out to see it - no joke!!!