November 13th, 2006 by Atomictumor
Talking to Mom last night, evidently she didn’t get the memo where BJ’s eyes are pointing in different directions. I’d look it up, to see exactly how messed up this makes the girl, but I can’t find what its called! I found discongugated, but can’t get a lot of goodies through that. Seems like it starts with a D.
All of the medical terms are starting to lose themselves on me.
At work today, and it isn’t bad, probably because its mighty slow. I caught up on my email, thanked a few people, and am now hiding in my cubical. I’m a turtley person at work at my best, and this situation is completely making me keep my head down.
So, thanks, work people, and if I’m seeming quiet, or rude, or something, just ignore it. Well, I am quiet in real life by nature (imagine?), but I just really don’t want to chit chat.
Superego: You rude bastard.
Hush.
—
Yeah, tho, Mom’s reaction is about like the nurses. She said it was bad news, but I can’t get an idea of bad news.
PVS? Thats pretty bad news. I’m already prepared for that, I guess what I’m wanting to know are what the Vegas odds are.
Ahh, but nobody has a crystal ball, eh?
—
I wish there was some sort of super secret wonder twins way we could communicate. I guess thats the meat of it. I just want to commune with her in some way. Just hear her voice, tell her about my day, talk about whats on TV tonight.
I wonder where she is?
Anyway, I’m figuring a chat with Dr. Lynch, the neurologist, sounds like a plan. Mom said she wants to be in on it too, which sounds hunky dory. She’ll remember the smart questions.
—
Sweet girl, I love you. I’ll see you in a few hours.
November 13th, 2006 at 7:21 am
I remember the nurse, Joy I believe, saying “deviated.”
November 13th, 2006 at 7:37 am
(((((HUGS)))))
You just sound like you need a big one of those.
November 13th, 2006 at 7:37 am
AT,
As far as eyes pointing in different directions, try nystagmus or strabismus.
I’m in the medical field and those two pop right into my head.
Wait, you may not have wanted to know.
E
November 13th, 2006 at 7:56 am
Possibly “conjugate deviation of the eyes.” A small amount of eye divergence is normal in unconsciousness.
November 13th, 2006 at 8:13 am
Just wanted to send you my personal prayers and support to you and yours in this difficult time. We are praying for you out here in the Smokies.
November 13th, 2006 at 8:21 am
Sounds like “dysconjugate gaze”, maybe?
Have a good day AT - prayers and good karma as always.
November 13th, 2006 at 8:34 am
Keep the faith AT! {{hugs}}
November 13th, 2006 at 8:37 am
AT - New reader and first time poster. I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you and your family here in Cincinnati.
November 13th, 2006 at 8:57 am
Thanks everybody. Joel, that sounds right. Eaves, she might have said deviation. That sounds about right.
EmmaLeigh, thanks. I looked it up, and that might be what the deal is. Thing I want to know is would this be a “while the brain’s disconnected thing”, or a “deal with it, kid” thing.
The pupils do dialate, which is a heartening thing, at least to my mother.
November 13th, 2006 at 9:04 am
More info here:
http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40001309/
November 13th, 2006 at 9:17 am
You were very close….it’s spelled disconjugate gaze.
Treecy
November 13th, 2006 at 9:18 am
Praying today for your strength. Praying that you can keep your depression at bay and that your beautiful wife will wake up and all will be fine.
Praying that you can give yourself permission to feel your feelings. I am sure everyone will understand if you don’t feel much like talking.
“If you can’t understand my silence,how will you ever understand my words?”
Not sure who to credit for that one, but I always thought it was so true.
Keep the faith.
November 13th, 2006 at 9:22 am
Also, you are all right. A small amount can be a normal variant in comatose patients, however, a more significant amount of deviation can indicate a problem along the oculomotor pathway (the brain reflexes that tell your eyes to move a certain way and the muscles in the eye that make this happen). Best to speak with the neurologist about this, the only way to understand it’s importance is in the context of the rest of the neurological exam and the CT scan.
November 13th, 2006 at 9:34 am
Treecy, you’re awesome.
Its a pretty darn signifigant amount, as I recall. However, frankly, the horror of seeing something like that may well be exaggerating it.
Which is the paradox of giving me information. I get the info, and (of late) immediately fear the worst. I don’t get the info, and immediately fear the worst.
Thanks for sticking around, cuz.
November 13th, 2006 at 9:35 am
And, I’ve had about 2 weeks without BJ to correct my spelling, so I’m dumbing down. I expect you, Joel, and GBScientist to keep me straight!
November 13th, 2006 at 11:46 am
found you through amalah, new poster, prayers from Virginia and many hugs…God bless you and your family