Prayers Needed.....

[mystery-ak]

I received this message from DC...his son needs our prayers now!

Rather than upset anybody by creating a thread on the forum, I'll use this feature.  Hope nobody minds....

Today around noon time, I was notified that my oldest son, Clifford, age 44 was involved in a horrific motorcycle accident in Germantown, Maryland, about 5 minutes from my house.

He was on his way home to pick up his car and then going to pick up his wife at the hospital.  She was having an outpatient procedure.

He had just filled up his bike and was proceeding to get onto the I-270 freeway north, when a girl, pulling out of the BurgerKing, hit him broadside.

He is now in the shock trauma unit at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland...because they were afraid there would be enough time to get him to Baltimore Shock Trauma.   

His left leg was hanging by a thread of skin and right now they are trying to stop the bleeding of the major artery...which will determine the leg can be saved.  Passersby used their shirts as tourniquets in an attempt to keep him from bleeding out.

I just had an argument with him on selling the bike...the other day.   Not for his carelessness, but for "the other guy".

All I'm asking is that you keep him in your prayers.  He is a father of two children, Elias 12 and Cassidy, 17.

As I think of you as friends, I hope you don't mind.

Thanks.

[alicewonders]

Prayers for Clifford!

[EC]

Prayers sent, my friend. For you, Clifford, his family, and the medical teams.

And they will continue. Please keep us informed when you can.

[Lando Lincoln]

I am praying now.

[mystery-ak]

Hail Mary please hear our prayers...

[katzenjammer]

Prayers Up for our friend, David, his son Clifford, and their entire family.....  Lord, please be with each of them at this moment, and minister to each of their needs during this time of crisis....  Please Bless them all, and be with the entire medical team, guide their hands, steady their emotions, and fill their minds with the exact and precise knowledge needed to operate successfully on this young man!!  We ask this in your son Jesus' name, and through the power of the Holy Spirit!!

Amen.

[EC]

I'd like to throw in an extra, if you don't mind:

Dear Lord, thank you for, in your infinite wisdom and mercy, a passerby who knew how to use a tourniquet was right there. Bless him.

[IZZY ANN]

Prayers Up for our friend, David, his son Clifford, and their entire family.....  Lord, please be with each of them at this moment, and minister to each of their needs during this time of crisis....  Please Bless them all, and be with the entire medical team, guide their hands, steady their emotions, and fill their minds with the exact and precise knowledge needed to operate successfully on this young man!!  We ask this in your son Jesus' name, and through the power of the Holy Spirit!!

Amen.

Amen !!

Thank you, Katz for leading us in prayer.

The Lord is good and we have faith that He will hear our request for Clifford in this moment of need and emergency.

[NavyCanDo]

Prayers up for Clifford and the whole family impacted by this tragedy. Events like this help us all to refocus our attention on the things that really matter.

[musiclady]

Prayers Up for our friend, David, his son Clifford, and their entire family.....  Lord, please be with each of them at this moment, and minister to each of their needs during this time of crisis....  Please Bless them all, and be with the entire medical team, guide their hands, steady their emotions, and fill their minds with the exact and precise knowledge needed to operate successfully on this young man!!  We ask this in your son Jesus' name, and through the power of the Holy Spirit!!

Amen.

Amen and AMEN!!

Your son and family (and YOU!) are in my prayers, DC!

[DCPatriot]

Thank you all so much for your beautiful prayer offerings.

It's now 8:30PM and I just got back from the hospital. 

The surgeon came out to tell us that they reattached his left lower leg and that he won't know for sure until 48-72 hours if he can keep it.  An artery was lost...which I don't quite understand.  He also used what he described as something that looks like saran wrap around the wound, as the skin tissue is missing.  His brother Jason, age 42...also his business partner in their real estate brokerage, told us that the fire department used a hose to wash down the scene and that he saw leg tissue being washed away.   So that explains the clear wrap.

As EC can probably attest, the main concern right now is the threat of infection, which the surgeon says is guaranteed to surface.  Told us he'll probably be in there for about 4 weeks minimum.

Other than some serious skin abrasions from surfing the asphalt, he said Cliff is in pretty good shape.  They are also trying to settle his heart rate, as he was given 4 pints of blood.  They had a problem all afternoon, getting the artery to stop bleeding.   Something about coiling it or something.  Wish I could be more coherent.

I promise not to make this thread a long drawn out affair like the one for Adam.  I heard that some here complained...which I guess is understandable.
For that I apologize.   Myst...I love you.  Thank you for giving me an outlet to share this with you all.

[musiclady]

Phooey on the complainers!  You use this thread as long as YOU need to, friend!

Thanks for the update.  As serious as it sounds, it seems like he is getting very good medical care. (Modern medicine is amazing, but God is downright AWESOME!  )

We can now be praying for his more specific needs.............. and yours.

[mystery-ak]

I promise not to make this thread a long drawn out affair like the one for Adam.  I heard that some here complained...which I guess is understandable.
For that I apologize.

Never apologize....F'em......thanks for checking in...I have been refreshing constantly waiting for your update....still praying to the Blessed Virgin....

[MACVSOG68]

Thank you DC for the update, and it sounds a little better.  And to hell with anyone who doesn't like these threads.  Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Clifford, you and the family.  I'm not very good with words as others here are, but I second them and hope you keep us updated, only when you are able.  Take care!

[massadvj]

It looks like it's been a tough year for both of us.  All the positivity I can muster is aimed right at you, my friend.

[Lando Lincoln]

I am at a public meeting (County) witnessing messy democracy but my thoughts and prayers are with my friend and his family. It is also with Cliff's medical team.

[alicewonders]

...

I promise not to make this thread a long drawn out affair like the one for Adam.  I heard that some here complained...which I guess is understandable.
For that I apologize.   Myst...I love you.  Thank you for giving me an outlet to share this with you all.

If somebody doesn't like a thread, they don't have to click on it! 

Good news on his leg and prayers that it will heal.  Prayers for his family and for you too David!  I know this has been a hard time for you, so continued prayers your way. 

 

[Luis Gonzalez]

Prayers for you and Clifford.

[EC]

Thank you all so much for your beautiful prayer offerings.

It's now 8:30PM and I just got back from the hospital. 

The surgeon came out to tell us that they reattached his left lower leg and that he won't know for sure until 48-72 hours if he can keep it.  An artery was lost...which I don't quite understand.  He also used what he described as something that looks like saran wrap around the wound, as the skin tissue is missing.  His brother Jason, age 42...also his business partner in their real estate brokerage, told us that the fire department used a hose to wash down the scene and that he saw leg tissue being washed away.   So that explains the clear wrap.

As EC can probably attest, the main concern right now is the threat of infection, which the surgeon says is guaranteed to surface.  Told us he'll probably be in there for about 4 weeks minimum.

Other than some serious skin abrasions from surfing the asphalt, he said Cliff is in pretty good shape.  They are also trying to settle his heart rate, as he was given 4 pints of blood.  They had a problem all afternoon, getting the artery to stop bleeding.   Something about coiling it or something.  Wish I could be more coherent.

I promise not to make this thread a long drawn out affair like the one for Adam.  I heard that some here complained...which I guess is understandable.
For that I apologize.   Myst...I love you.  Thank you for giving me an outlet to share this with you all.

Prayers still going strong here and thank the Lord for answered prayers so far!

PM sent on roughly what to expect.

[SPQR]

Keep your chin up

[DCPatriot]

It's clear to me how blessed I am....to have such a fine group of people as friends and extended 'family'.

I tried on several occasions last night to express myself on the thread, but was too emotional to be very coherent.  Don't want anybody to think I was non-responsive.

EC (Mark)....thank you so much for explaining what they did yesterday in such layman terms.   Am copying it to give to Rebecca (Cliff's wife) and his brother, Jason.

Yes, Suburban Shock Trauma is affiliated with Johns Hopkins....if you recall, that is where Adam was first brought when his shunt problems manifested before they took him to Baltimore.   

Funny...but it was Adam who first notified me yesterday, but it was entirely unrelated to the accident.

It seems that Rebecca was having a women-thing procedure and it was Cliff himself that asked for prayers for the family (on his Facebook timeline) at this time. Adam texted me asking me if I was okay....he thought the prayer request for was me or somebody else in the family going thru a crises, etc..  He couldn't get anybody and was starting to worry.

When nobody answered my texts...we both got a bit concerned and finally, my daughter-in-law....Jason's wife told me what just happened to Cliff.

Cliff and Jason are co-owners of a real estate firm...and last evening when the surgeon came out to speak to us, there were at least 40 people in the waiting room anxiously waiting.  They say a man can be judged by how many friends they have.   Cliff is always the life of any party.  Am very proud of them.

Thank you all again.  This is the best damned place in the world to me...to have such closeness to people I've never met face to face.

damn eyes starting up again.   LOL!   

[MACVSOG68]

Good morning DC,

Hope today will be better for Cliff.  Get rest and drop us a line only if you get a chance.  Take care.

[Lando Lincoln]

Good morning DC,

Hope today will be better for Cliff.  Get rest and drop us a line only if you get a chance.  Take care.

Yes. Meanwhile, prayers continue.

[DCPatriot]

Good morning, MAC and Lando!

Getting ready to go to the hospital right now.   They said they weren't going to awaken Cliff until today sometime, but since everybody else has kids to deal with on a school day, I'll be there.

EC provided many helpful details as to what's going on and what to expect in the coming hours, days, and months. 

Also...my own predicament...my BP was 103/64 for God knows how long.  The cardiologist had prescribed 2 additional meds just prior to my cardio cath procedure and together with the two I was already taking, no wonder I wanted to lay down all the time and was unsteady on my feet.

It's now the 2nd day not taking all four and the lightheadedness has lessened quite a bit.   Hopefully by the end of the week I'll be somewhat normal.

Still planning on getting a CAT scan to make sure it isn't from my original fall when I head my face on the toilet seat.

Thank you guys for being there.  It means so much to me.   

[EC]

Morning DCP! Git gone - and make sure you eat something!

[mountaineer]

I'm so sorry you and your family have been going through such emotional and physical turmoil of late, DC. Prayers for healing for all.

[andy58-in-nh]

DC- prayers for you and for Clifford.  Please get yourself some rest, keep your chin up, and know that so many of us here are thinking of you.

[DCPatriot]

Morning DCP! Git gone - and make sure you eat something!

Hi Mark...

Just left the hospital because when I got there this morning, his brother, wife and daughter were all in the waiting area.  The docs cleared everybody out of the room because they needed to change the wound dressing...which I understand was/is very painful.  Bottom line, they had to knock him out again.

So...I still haven't looked into his eyes since Sunday.

Since I have job responsibilities, they told me to take care of my business and I'll make another attempt mid afternoon.

They said they detected a faint pulse in his foot this morning but it still is white and cold to the touch.  I guess that means he's going in the right direction.

I have and do eat a healthy diet...sort of...LOL!   You suggested Gatorade...but reading the label, the sugar content makes me nervous as I am now anything BUT the athlete I used to be as a younger man.  But hey...what the hell...since I'm losing weight (despite eating 3 meals a day), I'll deal with any elevated glucose levels another time.

Haven't tasted red meat in at least six months.  It's chicken and fish for me.  And coffee?   Sorry...not going to give up coffee. 

Thanks again for the 'inside baseball' advice on what to expect and what they're doing to him.  I relayed it to the family and they all are thankful.   

[EC]

Keeping on praying.

The pulse is good news, at least some oxygen is getting down there! Trust the surgeon - who sounds like one amazing one - and trust in Clifford's toughness. Wonder where he gets that from ....

 

[DCPatriot]

Keeping on praying.

The pulse is good news, at least some oxygen is getting down there! Trust the surgeon - who sounds like one amazing one - and trust in Clifford's toughness. Wonder where he gets that from ....

 

Thanks for the smile, EC! 

Jason said that Cliff remembers every detail of the accident and that it was HIM that asked the passersby to help him stop the bleeding so he wouldn't pass out.  He's a big guy...6'2" and about 225 lbs.  And his golf drives are always over 300 yards.  LOL!

I teased Jason that now maybe he can beat him.   

[flowers]

I am late to this thread....prayers

[DCPatriot]

I am late to this thread....prayers

Thanks, flowers.

Am using PMs to respond individually, but it says I've exceeded the ten message limit per hour.   LOL! 

[alicewonders]

Thanks for the smile, EC! 

Jason said that Cliff remembers every detail of the accident and that it was HIM that asked the passersby to help him stop the bleeding so he wouldn't pass out.  He's a big guy...6'2" and about 225 lbs.  And his golf drives are always over 300 yards.  LOL!

I teased Jason that now maybe he can beat him.   

That's amazing that he was aware enough to request a tourniquet.  Sounds like a strong guy and that's a big plus for him!  Keep taking care of yourself DC.

 

[katzenjammer]

Thanks for the updates, DC.  Prayers are continuing for all of you!!

[jmyrlefuller]

F'em(…)still praying to the Blessed Virgin

Hate to provide unwarranted comic relief but those were two concepts I never thought I'd see in the same paragraph!

[mystery-ak]

Hate to provide unwarranted comic relief but those were two concepts I never thought I'd see in the same paragraph!

LOL....she understands...

[DCPatriot]

Finally had the opportunity to catch Cliff awake...had a nice visit with him.  And my ex-wife.

Cliff immediately says..."Wow!   It's just like old times...and I'm 4 years old!"   We all shared a belly laugh, until Cliff asked us to bring the volume level down.

Trouble was....we were whispering.

He remembers everything about the accident scene down to every detail.  He recalls seeing the woman talking on her cell phone and he said to himself..."She doesn't see me....OH NO!!!!"

They found a strong pulse on his outside ankle area, but nothing yet on the instep and toe area.  He has no feeling below the lower instep toward the big toe, yet.

But the doctor remains optimistic.  Cliff needs that too.

I brought him some Chick-Fill-A strips, but he only mustered one bite.  He falls asleep in mid sentence....30 seconds later he snores loudly and wakes himself up and continues his thought as if he didn't doze off.  He has a pain dispense where he only needs to press a button when the green light appears.

Yesterday, the nurse said he hit it 114 times!!! 

It was good to see him looking back at me with those big doe eyes!   sigh........

[alicewonders]

Finally had the opportunity to catch Cliff awake...had a nice visit with him.  And my ex-wife.

Cliff immediately says..."Wow!   It's just like old times...and I'm 4 years old!"   We all shared a belly laugh, until Cliff asked us to bring the volume level down.

Trouble was....we were whispering.

He remembers everything about the accident scene down to every detail.  He recalls seeing the woman talking on her cell phone and he said to himself..."She doesn't see me....OH NO!!!!"

They found a strong pulse on his outside ankle area, but nothing yet on the instep and toe area.  He has no feeling below the lower instep toward the big toe, yet.

But the doctor remains optimistic.  Cliff needs that too.

I brought him some Chick-Fill-A strips, but he only mustered one bite.  He falls asleep in mid sentence....30 seconds later he snores loudly and wakes himself up and continues his thought as if he didn't doze off.  He has a pain dispense where he only needs to press a button when the green light appears.

Yesterday, the nurse said he hit it 114 times!!! 

It was good to see him looking back at me with those big doe eyes!   sigh........

Hang in there DC.  It's great that you got to visit with your son and have a nice conversation.  He needs to sleep now, I always heard that the body heals itself while we are sleeping - so you need to make sure you're getting enough too.  We're all your friends here and we're sending lots of prayers and positive thinking your way.   

[MACVSOG68]

Thank you DC for the update.  Problems, but it sounds more positive.  Cliff has a pretty damned good dad! 

[DCPatriot]

Thank you DC for the update.  Problems, but it sounds more positive.  Cliff has a pretty damned good dad! 

Thanks, MAC!  Truly appreciate you! 

[DCPatriot]

Hang in there DC.  It's great that you got to visit with your son and have a nice conversation.  He needs to sleep now, I always heard that the body heals itself while we are sleeping - so you need to make sure you're getting enough too.  We're all your friends here and we're sending lots of prayers and positive thinking your way.   

Thank you so much, Alice.

Was answering everyone in PMs....but went over my limit last night.  LOL!

Myst has given me the muster to do it on the thread here....so from here on, that's where I'll converse with everybody.

[olde north church]

Best to you and your family.  Hope all continues to go well.

[DCPatriot]

Best to you and your family.  Hope all continues to go well.

Thank you, ONC.....we seem to be headed in the right direction.  Next few days will determine a lot.  He's in a good mental state, considering.

[flowers]

Thank you, ONC.....we seem to be headed in the right direction.  Next few days will determine a lot.  He's in a good mental state, considering.

Still praying DC!

[DCPatriot]

Still praying DC!

Thank you, flowers! 

Little update:  Cliff texted me last nite, inviting me to "join us for the Ravens-Steelers game".  Now....before anybody jumps on me let me explain why I didn't even respond to it.

Cliff's room is directly across the hall from the nurse's station.  The room is probably 13 X 13.  There's only enough room around the bed for 2 stiff back chairs and one for somebody to be able to sleep in...for a spouse or family member to get a little sleep.  All the rest is computer screens, monitors, etc..

I called his brother Jason and said...."you know, it's about time somebody stand up to Cliff and not only tell him NO...but HELL NO!   This isn't "Buffalo Wings and Beer".... a regional sports bar franchise.  It's Suburban/Johns Hopkins shock-freaking trauma.  Have some respect not only for the environment but also the sick people next door and down the hall."

Jason said, "Dad...I'd rather we be watching football with him rather than him in a casket...which by the Grace of God didn't happen!"

So...I dropped it.

This morning, I apologized to both of them for not coming and they both said almost word for word...."Dad, I/we had a tough evening last night and it's good you didn't come." 

Evidently, he drifted off and woke up into a full-fledged panic attack.   His teeth were chattering uncontrollably and his heart rate was 130+.  The nurse said they had a helluva time bringing it down.  Come to find out, one of his drips was not working.

Cliff is scheduled for his 1st follow up surgery tomorrow 8:30AM in an attempt to repair nerve and artery/vein damage.  He's only got the main artery and has lost the two supporting ones we all have in our lower leg below the knee.

Also, they are getting prepared for the coming infections, which they told him this morning are guaranteed to surface.

[musiclady]

Oh, my, DC!  Continued prayers!

[MACVSOG68]

Thanks for the update DC.  I just can't imagine what you and the family are going through.  Hang in there, and thoughts and prayers for Cliff.

[flowers]

Thank you, flowers! 

Little update:  Cliff texted me last nite, inviting me to "join us for the Ravens-Steelers game".  Now....before anybody jumps on me let me explain why I didn't even respond to it.

Cliff's room is directly across the hall from the nurse's station.  The room is probably 13 X 13.  There's only enough room around the bed for 2 stiff back chairs and one for somebody to be able to sleep in...for a spouse or family member to get a little sleep.  All the rest is computer screens, monitors, etc..

I called his brother Jason and said...."you know, it's about time somebody stand up to Cliff and not only tell him NO...but HELL NO!   This isn't "Buffalo Wings and Beer".... a regional sports bar franchise.  It's Suburban/Johns Hopkins shock-freaking trauma.  Have some respect not only for the environment but also the sick people next door and down the hall."

Jason said, "Dad...I'd rather we be watching football with him rather than him in a casket...which by the Grace of God didn't happen!"

So...I dropped it.

This morning, I apologized to both of them for not coming and they both said almost word for word...."Dad, I/we had a tough evening last night and it's good you didn't come." 

Evidently, he drifted off and woke up into a full-fledged panic attack.   His teeth were chattering uncontrollably and his heart rate was 130+.  The nurse said they had a helluva time bringing it down.  Come to find out, one of his drips was not working.

Cliff is scheduled for his 1st follow up surgery tomorrow 8:30AM in an attempt to repair nerve and artery/vein damage.  He's only got the main artery and has lost the two supporting ones we all have in our lower leg below the knee.

Also, they are getting prepared for the coming infections, which they told him this morning are guaranteed to surface.

thanks for the update.

[Lando Lincoln]

DCP... hang in there my friend.  Prayers continue.

[EC]

Prayers ongoing, my friend.