On 17 December I, my daughter Kimiko, my son Robert, my brothers and their wives met at Providence Medical Center ICU in Everett Washington. My 33 year old son had been on life support since 28 November after suffering from Prader Willie syndrome and inhalation pneumonia. He had been admitted to the hospital due to breathing issues on 27 November but was going to be released the next day or the day after. On the 28th, he laid down to take a nap and was found some time later, not breathing and unresponsive. They rushed him upstairs to ICU where they intebaited him and placed him on a ventilator. His C02 levels were so high that they couldn't be measured!!They were able to bring him around somewhat but he continued to decompensate until he was 100 percent dependant on the ventilator. He had to be put into an induced coma to prevent him from pulling out the tube and also placed on a feeding tube. I was contacted by the Palative doctor on December 9th and advised there was no hope for his recovery. During the nap that he took on the 28th of November, he was not getting any 02 and his body startled awake, causing him to breathe in saliva, causing him to have a build up of C02, literally suffocating him. He was quite large due to the Prader Willie Syndrome and his lungs couldn't lift his chest enough to breathe. At 7:00 pm on the 17th, surrounded by his family, the breathing tube and feeding tube were removed. 15 minutes later, my son...my sweet boy...was gone. He was saved and loved the Lord and is now in His loving arms. I am devastated over this loss of such a young man. He had struggled from the moment he came into this world with Prader Willie Syndrome, Schizophrenia and a seizure disorder but had the latter two issues under control. He had been living for the last three years in a family foster home and was greatly loved by the home members and the members of his church. We returned home on Saturday. Although my heart is breaking, I am relieved that he is no longer suffering. Mental illness is no respector of person. He fought often with his voices and was winning his war. He was a sweet, loving, beautiful man with a heart full of love for anyone who was hurting. When he sang, he had the voice of an angel and taught himself to play the guitar. He will be very missed. Grief is so confusing. One minute I am fine and going about my business normally, the next minute I am hugging his blanket and weeping uncontrollably. I do not know how long this will last but I hope it will take flight soon. I am so tired of all the things that have been happening to me in the last three years. I am exhausted and have pretty much gotten to my limit. God was with us the whole way however. My daughter got her flight moved up one week as she was coming to Montana from Boston to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays with her in laws on the 21st. We drove from Montana to Washington and the roads were dry and clear. All the motels gave us a special rate due to my son's condition. My son's Aunt paid his cremation as a gift to us which was a blessing because I was strapped with paying for motels, gas and food. My brother and my step mother gave me 2,000 dollars to help out with our financial issues. The roads back were clear and dry. I couldn't have asked for anything more in the end. I continue to ask "why?" but God knows what he is doing and I must trust him fully. However, my Christmas will be forever changed from now on. It was by far, the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life!
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 33,090 members. Get inside and you will see.
We're not all about ostomy. Everything is being discussed in the forums.
It's a very special community, embracing all ages and backgrounds. People are honest and truly care.
Privacy is very important - the website has many features that are only visible to members.
Create an account and you will be amazed.
Advertisement
Hollister
When traveling, you need to pay special attention to your unique needs, issues, and potential hazards.
Learn about special travel considerations for your ostomy type, so you can be worry-free.
Learn about special travel considerations for your ostomy type, so you can be worry-free.
Advertisement
Hollister
You've checked off everything on your travel checklist. So, now it's time to pack your ostomy supplies and anything else you need. Do it the right way with these smart tips.