Natasha's Journey
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On February 12th Natasha was driving home from her G.E.D classes with her daughter in the back seat when she was involved in an accident. Natasha was wearing her seat belt but was found on the passenger side of the car from the impact. Her daughter made it out with only a few scratches but Natasha was not so lucky. Natasha suffered a sever head injury and once she arrived at the hospital had minimal consciousness. After testing it was found that she had severe bleeding and swelling of the brain, a fractured C-4 vertebra in her neck, a fractured rib, and a bruised lung. She was intubated and placed in a medically induced coma as a result of her injuries.
Over the course of the next week or so Natasha had several brain scans that showed severe damage and multiple areas of bleeding. In order to monitor the swelling in her brain a metal rod with a catheter was placed in her head. The doctors suspected she had sustained a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) – a devastating injury – but could not confirm this without an MRI. The MRI could not be completed until the swelling in her brain had stabilized and the rod could be removed.
Several days went by and Natasha was critical and unstable. After giving her all of the medication they could, her brain swelling was uncontrolled and they ultimately decided they would have to proceed with the MRI because there were no other options. The MRI confirmed the doctor’s suspicions and Natasha was diagnosed with a diffuse axonal injury. The family was informed that the best-case scenario for Natasha was that she would be in a vegetative state.
Research shows that about 90% of survivors with severe diffuse axonal injury remain unconscious. The 10% that regain consciousness are often severely impaired. But, the family is praying and hoping for a miracle. Natasha is still unconscious but has periods where she does open her eyes and the doctors were not expecting her to be able to. She is currently on a ventilator and requires some sedation to control her heart rate and respirations.
We have progressed to needing to find long term care options for Natasha. Her medical expenses are going to be exceedingly high and long term care facilities come with a hefty price tag as well. We are reaching out in hopes our friends and family may be able to help in any way. We thank everyone who has been praying and thinking of Natasha and our family during this trying time. We love and are so grateful for all of you.
Over the course of the next week or so Natasha had several brain scans that showed severe damage and multiple areas of bleeding. In order to monitor the swelling in her brain a metal rod with a catheter was placed in her head. The doctors suspected she had sustained a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) – a devastating injury – but could not confirm this without an MRI. The MRI could not be completed until the swelling in her brain had stabilized and the rod could be removed.
Several days went by and Natasha was critical and unstable. After giving her all of the medication they could, her brain swelling was uncontrolled and they ultimately decided they would have to proceed with the MRI because there were no other options. The MRI confirmed the doctor’s suspicions and Natasha was diagnosed with a diffuse axonal injury. The family was informed that the best-case scenario for Natasha was that she would be in a vegetative state.
Research shows that about 90% of survivors with severe diffuse axonal injury remain unconscious. The 10% that regain consciousness are often severely impaired. But, the family is praying and hoping for a miracle. Natasha is still unconscious but has periods where she does open her eyes and the doctors were not expecting her to be able to. She is currently on a ventilator and requires some sedation to control her heart rate and respirations.
We have progressed to needing to find long term care options for Natasha. Her medical expenses are going to be exceedingly high and long term care facilities come with a hefty price tag as well. We are reaching out in hopes our friends and family may be able to help in any way. We thank everyone who has been praying and thinking of Natasha and our family during this trying time. We love and are so grateful for all of you.
Organizer
Danelle Summers
Organizer
Lake Saint Louis, MO
