Because I’m a sourpuss, and want to ruin everybody’s day

November 13th, 2006 by Atomictumor

Prognosis Prognosis depends upon, depth, duration and clinical signs:

  • Drug overdose – good prognosis with proper treatment
  • Coma not due to head injury or drug overdose lasting longer than 6 hours – only 10% chance of good recovery
  • Subarachnoid haemorrhage or stroke – <5% good recovery
  • Hypoxia or ischaemia (eg after cardiac arrest) – ~10% good recovery
  • Coma > 24 hours – 10% recovery
  • After 1 week – 3% good recovery
  • After 7 days – high incidence of death/persistent vegetative state
  • Absence of brainstem reflexes for 24 hours (without sedative drugs) – very little chance of good recovery

Its science!

18 Responses to “Because I’m a sourpuss, and want to ruin everybody’s day”



  1. Allisone Says:

    This is where you can lean on those of us that have seen miracles happen. I know it is hard to believe when stuff like this is looking you in the face.
    Personally, I’ve seen way too much stuff happen in ife that could not be explained other than - a miracle.
    Email me, and I’ll send you a nice list. Might take a while to type up.

    Knarf, back me up here buddy. You seem like a guy who has seen his share of cool things happen. (Oh yeah, Knarf’s got the wisdom teeth thing going on - so his response might be a little delayed.)

  2. Atomictumor Says:

    Oh man. Wisdom teeth. I forgot about that. I had to have one removed a few years ago.
    Y’know, I’ve had no problems keeping faith with miracles and stuff, but I’m just too mentally tired now. Its not really the depression, because, while I’m blah, its not really bothering me much as we speak.
    I just don’t have it in me to wait, man.
    Ug.

  3. Joel Says:

    It’s science, not destiny.

  4. Allisone Says:

    It is only natural for you to be mentally tired. You’ve lived about 3 lifetimes in the past two weeks. That’s enough to make anyone tired.

    Just know that we’re here to pick up what you find to heavy to carry on your own.

  5. Ericka Erwin Says:

    Still praying for her, along with many more I know! I do have one question. She is being sedated while on the vent, correct? Or is she technically in a coma? I have high hopes for BJ. She is a very strong person and if anyone can come through this ok, it is her.

  6. cjskunk Says:

    Technically, it’s statistics. And GAC isn’t a statistic, she’s an amazing woman. One in a million. So don’t pay too much attention to numbers.

    Still praying here in AL.

  7. califdudes Says:

    That is why its called a miracle, cuz its statistically impossible. Keep the faith, like cjskunk said its just numbers and your wife has an amazing man who loves her. Your will may overcome.
    More prayers coming her and your way.
    Vickie

  8. Dee Says:

    After reading a friend’s blog, and discovering your link……There is not much to say that hasn’t been said. Some say the internet is our biggest downfall….I say it contains a new way of reaching out and making new acquaintances (sp). I will light a candle for your beloved, and send her much needed energy. Give your children many hugs, but remember to mentally hug yourself. You are in our thoughts, and tell BJ to keep up the fight!!!!

  9. Punk HP Says:

    There is a part of the Jesus story, where Christ is forced to carry his cross through the streets to the hill on Calvary. After being beaten and humiliated, he was too weak and tired to carry the cross. According to the legend, someone from the crowd stepped in and helped him carry the cross. That is what we are all doing for you. Just trying to help you carry your cross. It’s ok. A person can only be so strong. It’s OK.

  10. Atomictumor Says:

    Dude, I need no Jeebus comparisons… I’m narcissistic enough as it is! Actually, back when my hair was long…
    never mind.

  11. Punk HP Says:

    Ok. How about six Cub-Scouts and a wheelbarrow?

  12. Robbin Says:

    I am a scientist, and I know that statistics lie. At 40, with poor hormonal profiles, I was given a less than 5% chance of conceiving my son. Even with medical assistance. He is 16 months old. It is too soon to give up hope. Let the Dr.’s do their work.

  13. sumgurl Says:

    screw science.

  14. Busy Mom Says:

    When we learn stuff in nursing school, we learn the adage to “treat the patient, not the numbers”.

  15. GBscientist Says:

    There are 3 kinds of untruth: Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics.

  16. GBscientist Says:

    The statistics use the term ‘good recovery’, which is so immensly vague that the whole dataset can be thrown out as uninformative.

  17. Christina Says:

    I wonder too, like Erika above, if BJ is in a medically induced coma - I hope that is the case. They kept Marshall in that state for the entire time he was on the ventilator. Hang in there my friend, miracles do indeed happen all the time. :)

  18. AT Says:

    You guys are all absolutely right. Thank you all, for keeping me grounded in both directions. I really appreciate it!