Cousin in Critical Condition

[pasofantasy]

My cousin, Mary Jane is in ICU now. When they went down her throat for a test yesterday, the esophogus was cut. They tried to fix it last night, but couldn't. We're praying, that it heals on its own. That would require a couple months in the hospital. She's in critical condition. This morning, they'll only permit her husband to visit. Please pray for her! The family certainly could use prayers, too.

[Pasogirlz]

Oh wow Cyndy. I will certainly include her in my thoughts and prayers.
Hoping for the best for you and the family.

[Barbwire]

Oh my, how awful! What eaxctly were they looking for when it happened, and what the heck were they using when they cut her?

[Brigitte]

Oh no, hope she heals quickly

[PASOFAN]

Oh that is terrible! I hope she recovers, must have missed the story, what happend!!???

[JennLM]

sounds pretty scarey, will hope she recovers and will be thinking of her

[jodiTowne]

I am so sorry and hope for a speedy recovery.

To answer some of the questions.....Unfortunately that is one of the risks with doing scopes....perforation. Usually there is already an abnormalty of the tissue that can't take the stress of the scope. Fortunately it is very rare.....but that does not make the person it happens to feel any better.

[LynnG]

I hope she is feeling well and has a speedy recovery!

[Mrs. E.]

Sorry to hear about Mary Jane. I hope things go well with her.
Your post now has me quite worried. I am setup for the same proceedure in Aug. Now, I am thinking of not having it done. I know nothing about this new doctor other than he is a physician at University of Fl.
Tell her I am praying for her.

[Helene]

I worked for a gastroenterologist almost 20 years ago. During the 3 years or so that I worked for him, we did 15+ per week gastroscopies in the office (mostly), as well as in the hospitals. I don't remember even one perforation while I assisted. It is supposed to be VERY rare.
I hope Mary Jane is recovering fully real soon.

[Privatetreaty]

I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin, Mary Jane.
My prayers are with her.
I hope she comes out of this okay, this is very serious.


This reminds me of what happened to Jan Michael Vincent.
He had a car accident and when the paramedics attempted to place a breathing tube (endotracheal), they damages his esophagus. That's why he speaks with an extremely raspy voice.

I remember him from the movie "The Mechanic" with Charles Bronson (I'm showing my age now, huh?) and his voice didn't sound anything like that.

Any way, here's Jan Michael Vicent
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e26/Privatetreaty/jan.jpg

[pasofantasy]

Thanks, everyone! Mary is still in bad shape in ICU, but she was breathing on her own this morning. Unless, something has happened, she's off the respirator now. Please keep praying!

Please continue to tell me how rare these things can be! I've had a loved one have many surgeries, who is facing more. I don't want to be concerned about that, too! I'm sure, that Mrs. E would also appreciate it!

I've seen nurses put tubes down on conscious patients in the hospital and ER. A nurse said something about it being easier, I think, with an unconscious person. Anyone have any opinions?

MRS. E~I've heard and read, that university hospitals are places to find good doctors. I believe, a loved ones's life was saved at one! I don't think it would have happened at another hospital. I'm eternally greatful to some people at Tampa General!

[Jose Rubero]

In our prayers.....

[Moniece Dickerson]

Oh sweetheart i'm so sorry and will definitely be praying for her and the whole family!!With all of our prayers she will hopefully recover and hopefully quickly.I'm so very sorry this happened to her :( .Your friend,Moniece

[Minouri]

Adding you and your family to my prayers...

[CarolU]

Cyndy, I am glad to read she is improving. It is usually not the ET tube, but the instrument they use to open the esophagus (sp?) and insert it. If a patient isn't fully unconcious they can spasm and damage themselves.

Mrs. E, I agree with Cyndy...the University Hospitals have a wonderful combination of doctors...some of the very best are teachers and the residents and interns are young, learning, and very hard working. There is always risk with any type of surgery, but try not to worry...everything carries some risk.

[PasoPerson38]

She is definetly in my Prayers as well...keep us updated.

[Mrs. E.]

So glad to hear the Mary Jane is improving. Keep us posted as to her progress.
Thank you Cindy and CarolU for information about the proceedure and hospitals. I have a medical problem and have to be very careful. I was born with a bleeding problem. My factor 8 is not normal and I bleed quite a lot. I have had some very bad things happen because of doctors not believing me at first. I am even having more problems now that I am old and doctors think "the old geezer is just exagerating, probably taking medicine and bleeds a lot. " :smile:

[CarolU]

Don't be just another 'old geezer'...take an active interest in the procedure, the medications, the complications, and follow-up treatment. It really HELPS if someone Medical in your family talks to the doctors. It's been my experience that they usually pay more attention to details then.

Good luck...let us know when so we can all pray and wait for your excellent results.

[Blameitonbrio]

Prayers for your cousin Mary Jane.

Mrs. E, I had that procedure this past spring, and worrying about it beforehand is the worst part. The drugs they give you to relax you will make it all go away! ;-)