Torn Aorta, is there much of a chance for recovery?? ***Miracles DO happen!!***

***Beema*** · June 15th, 2009, 10:10 PM

I wish I were posting something more positive

Overnight we received news that my Sister's FIL (and MIL) who are currently in Edinburgh, Scotland, when they arrived at the airport and when FIL got out of the car, he passed out from excruciating pain, lucky there were two police officers close by they organised the airport ambulance and they were bundled off to hospital before they knew it.

Where it was discovered that his aorta had torn, he was taken into surgery where it was repaired, we have had news that he has suffered brain damage and his kidneys are not coping at the moment. But we just got news that he has stabilised, so we are hoping and praying that his children can get over there in time, two are in Australia (inc BIL) and one brother is in Switzerland and was on his way as soon as he heard the news. They organised passports today and are currently trying to get flights out, at present they are on stanby for Thursday but somthing may be possible tomorrow afternoon

Unfortunately my only experience with this is my Uncle who passed away from the same thing a couple of years ago. He was only in his 40's, it happened while he was teaching at school, and basically straight afterwards he couldn't talk or anything, and he survived long enough for his organs to be donateed, but we do know the S's FIL had spoken to BIL, so I believe he was in a slightly better condition.

Has anyone else experienced a family member with the same condition/complication, what was the prognosis? We are looking for hope, any hope.... at least for his children to make it to see him.

TIA
xxoo

**Fleur** · June 15th, 2009, 10:18 PM

No experience with this here sorry.. just sending you

and hope

**Bumperstump Cummerbund** · June 15th, 2009, 10:20 PM

Oh hun, I'm sorry

TBH, as soon as I saw your thread, I didn't have much hope. But, given the fact that he survived the surgery, I think you have definite reason to hope. The aorta is such a major body part that I think the surgery would've been the biggest risk, but he's obviously strong enough to have gotten through it, so that's a VERY good sign

With regards to the kidneys, I'm not a doctor, but they may come good again once the shock to the body has worn off, KWIM? I'm hoping the same would be true of his brain - our bodies are amazing things, with amazing coping mechanisms, so hopefully he just needs some time to recover.

I don't know if you're a spiritual person, but you're in my prayers chicky

**Laranna** · June 15th, 2009, 10:24 PM

Oh Beema big big

no advice but your family are in my prayers xox

**thepixie** · June 15th, 2009, 10:31 PM

Vic

***Beema*** · June 15th, 2009, 10:31 PM

Thanks girls, thankyou for keeping us in your prayers, SG I was a lot more spiritual as I was growing up, was quite involved, but as I went through Uni and beyond I lost that part of my life and haven't really gone back, but I am really feeling that I need to return.

We are hopeful that he is stable, that he can remain stable for a few days at least, getting through the surgery was the biggest milestone, hopefully there will be many more to come.

My sis let me know that the Dr's had just recently been to a conference on developments in heart surgery, so we are hopefull that this has had a positive impact.

**Kazbah** · June 15th, 2009, 10:51 PM

Oh Beema *hugs* my thoughts are with your family tonight. I am not a medical person, but that he's out of surgery must be a good thing.
And I hear you on the spirituality, I've had leanings that way myself lately.

**squidipa** · June 15th, 2009, 11:11 PM

im gonna be completely frank as im so exhausted myself

oh crap

i can only wish that he is alright or will be alright. so so so sorry sweet!

**Inanna** · June 15th, 2009, 11:12 PM

Prayers and thoughts from me tonight darling...

I hope his family arrive soon to see him. It's so traumatic for all involved.

**MistyFying** · June 16th, 2009, 07:56 AM

Oh no

praying for you all.

**Lulu** · June 16th, 2009, 08:05 AM

WOW.

From what I know, people who suffer this (usually from an accident) don't usually survive because its too late to repair. The fact they got him in surgery and HAVE repaired it is an amazing sign to me. It can take awhile for the body to recover, I'd say it's not over yet my friend.
The kidneys may have taken a hit, but they can take the pressure off - it's wonderful he has stabilised. Healing wishes heading over to Scotland right now xoxoxo

How does the aorta just tear like that?

**Astrid** · June 16th, 2009, 08:20 AM

My Step dad survived an aorta annurism (I assume it is similar). He had a lot of clots go through his system, many to his leg. He almost lost the lower half of his leg as parts of it were just dying off. He did end up living for about another 8 years after that, he already had pre-existing heart troubles and other than taking his meds, did nothing to improve his health. I was about 13 at the time, so I don't really know all details, just that the clots are the things to be concerned about.

So it is survivable and it is fantastic that he has stabilised. Sending healing vibes and big hugs. Please remember to also look after yourself in this time.

**Eenee** · June 16th, 2009, 08:28 AM

was it an abdomnal aorta tear or cardiac aorta??

My aunty is a really fit woman now and she had a torn cardiac aorta. It has been replaced with an artificial one now.

It really is based on the individual. so hard to say how he will be. But recovery of the human body is an amazing thing.

hope everything goes well!

***Beema*** · June 16th, 2009, 09:54 AM

How does the aorta just tear like that?

I guess it must be a weakness, , and by doing something that puts increased strain on the heart, it weakens and tears... don't know really!

was it an abdomnal aorta tear or cardiac aorta??

My aunty is a really fit woman now and she had a torn cardiac aorta. It has been replaced with an artificial one now.

I am not sure which is was, but will try to find out.

We have had some positive news overnight, he is responding to his Wife and he has started to urinate - which is a fabulous sign. They are still trying to ascertain the extent of brain damage, if any, but it is still very early days.

BIL and his sister and one brother have got a flight out today at 3:30pm, it is going to be a long 30 hours to get to Edinburgh, and we are hoping that he continues along the same path.

The other Brother who was in Switzerland and is now with him, had to wait 13 hours to get out of Switzerland, and has left his children with friends and they will be flying down in a couple of days when there are flights available.

Thankyou sooo much for some amazing stories of survival, we are continuing to pray for his recovery.

**Lulu** · June 16th, 2009, 10:02 AM

Yaay for doing wee!

**feeb** · June 16th, 2009, 10:08 AM

Praying for him that he continues improving.

Wee is a good sign that body is starting to work again.

Thinking of you all

**organicem** · June 16th, 2009, 10:11 AM

Praying for your family xx

***Beema*** · June 18th, 2009, 11:00 AM

A quick update:

Some good news, the family has all arrived in Edinburgh in the early hours of this morning (our time).

SIS's FIL is responding to voices, and is still stable, they are going to try to bring him out of the coma on Friday, if all continues along the same path

Thankyou all for you prayers and messages.