Prayers Needed.....

[DCPatriot]

Thank you, musiclady, MAC, Lando and EC!

I going to see him this evening again, with.......ADAM!   

[DCPatriot]

Cliff had a major setback last night around midnight. 

At 1AM, he woke up in tremendous pain and Jason discovered a pool of blood from his ankle to his butt. 

They rushed him into surgery at 1AM for 2 hours.  He blew his artery.  Doctors told Jason. "this is a bad one".

[massadvj]

Cliff had a major setback last night around midnight. 

At 1AM, he woke up in tremendous pain and Jason discovered a pool of blood from his ankle to his butt. 

They rushed him into surgery at 1AM for 2 hours.  He blew his artery.  Doctors told Jason. "this is a bad one".

Very sorry to hear this, DC.  I am hoping and praying for the best.

[alicewonders]

Cliff had a major setback last night around midnight. 

At 1AM, he woke up in tremendous pain and Jason discovered a pool of blood from his ankle to his butt. 

They rushed him into surgery at 1AM for 2 hours.  He blew his artery.  Doctors told Jason. "this is a bad one".

Sorry to hear the news DC.  Prayers for Clifford and for his doctors and healthcare team - and continued prayers for you. 

[DCPatriot]

Very sorry to hear this, DC.  I am hoping and praying for the best.

Thank you, Victor.

Jason tried to explain the problem here.   They must save his foot in order for the rest of the leg to heal.  Otherwise it's not just amputating below the knee...it would mean from the upper thigh.  (Even though the stitches begin just below the knee).

They asked me to just be on call to pick up children from school and getting them safely home, etc..  Asked me not to come to the hospital right now.

He's back in ICU for now, so he's getting the best possible care available.

[mystery-ak]

I was hoping he was over the hump...and on the road to recovery...keeping him in my prayers....

[MACVSOG68]

Doesn't sound good right now, but I understand not wanting a lot of folks at the hospital at this time.  Anyway it sounds like you are able to help out in other ways, and that's good.  Hang in there.

[IZZY ANN]

Just remembered Cliff in morning prayers before finding this setback message. Will keep thoughts and prayers going for Cliff for the remainder of the day. Hang in there DC.

[EC]

Not great, but not too bad either. Jason was right there, and they got him in to OR fast. Chances are still good that this repair will hold. Don't be surprised if they increase his sedation for a time so he can't move.

Praying hard.

[katzenjammer]

Will be continuing to keep Clifford in prayer throughout the day.

[Lando Lincoln]

Hang in there DCP... prayers continue.

[DCPatriot]

Thank you everybody!   

Must be getting 'old' in the eyes of the family.   Jason gave me explicit orders (in a text) on picking up my grandson from his school...and added, "Counting on you pops...don't screw this up!"   LOL!

I've been voicing concerns on how cavalier the attitude has been this past week.  It's been exactly a week since the accident...almost to the minute.

Suggested last weekend to Jason they back off on the revolving door of visitors and well-wishers...having a dozen people in the room supposedly watching the BILLS game on Sunday.  On a laptop!!  Chicken wings, pizza, etc..  Told them it's a trauma unit, not a walk-in clinic.   

[flowers]

Sorry about the setback......still praying.

[DCPatriot]

Sorry about the setback......still praying.

Hi flowers.....

Just returned from the hospital.  They have him intubated and will keep him knocked out till tomorrow morning.  They did an angiogram and the doctors "liked what they saw".   So, we're starting back at square one.  ICU.

Hopefully, Jason will take control and keep everybody but immediate family away...so that he can heal without all the excitement.

[Reaganite Republican]

Sorry you're going through such a tough patch, DCP

Prayers-across-the-miles...

RR

[DCPatriot]

Sorry you're going through such a tough patch, DCP

Prayers-across-the-miles...

RR

Thanks, RR!   

[DCPatriot]

Update:

I received a call from my son Jason, that Cliff has some serious issues going on at the moment.  They will not touch the leg anymore at this time as he has an embolism in his lung.  Right now they have him sedated and quiet and plan on transferring him from Suburban Hospital to Baltimore Shock Trauma.

They are supposedly recognized as one of the very best in the country for dealing with matters such as this.  A 95% success rate I heard!

They removed the bandage (saran wrap-like) on his leg, but cannot move it...cannot put him under because of the blood clot in his lung.

His fever is very high.   Jason is wondering why they didn't move him to Baltimore 48 hrs ago when they first discovered the embolism. I guess they were trying to dissolve it or something and stopped for some reason.  Must be pretty bad.

My son BEGGED me not to come and to let him and Cliff's wife deal with everything.  I don't want to get in the way, and he PROMISED me he'd let me know when they are ready to transfer him to Baltimore.  Don't know if they are doing it by helicopter or ambulance.  It's a good hour's drive up Rt 95 from Bethesda, MD.

I'm feeling a bit helpless, but cognizant that it's not about me.  Maybe they're concerned about my health too.  Don't know.

Knew we were to expect infections, but never dreamed of this.....

If you get a moment, say a prayer that everything works out here.  Thank you very much. 

[massadvj]

Update:

I received a call from my son Jason, that Cliff has some serious issues going on at the moment.  They will not touch the leg anymore at this time as he has an embolism in his lung.  Right now they have him sedated and quiet and plan on transferring him from Suburban Hospital to Baltimore Shock Trauma.

They are supposedly recognized as one of the very best in the country for dealing with matters such as this.  A 95% success rate I heard!

They removed the bandage (saran wrap-like) on his leg, but cannot move it...cannot put him under because of the blood clot in his lung.

His fever is very high.   Jason is wondering why they didn't move him to Baltimore 48 hrs ago when they first discovered the embolism. I guess they were trying to dissolve it or something and stopped for some reason.  Must be pretty bad.

My son BEGGED me not to come and to let him and Cliff's wife deal with everything.  I don't want to get in the way, and he PROMISED me he'd let me know when they are ready to transfer him to Baltimore.  Don't know if they are doing it by helicopter or ambulance.  It's a good hour's drive up Rt 95 from Bethesda, MD.

I'm feeling a bit helpless, but cognizant that it's not about me.  Maybe they're concerned about my health too.  Don't know.

Knew we were to expect infections, but never dreamed of this.....

If you get a moment, say a prayer that everything works out here.  Thank you very much.

Wow.  So many parallels with me and my wife's cancer.  Infection after infection.  Setback after setback.  And there I was sitting i the hospital room helpless to  do much else except hope.  In our case, it did turn out okay (or quasi okay, she's still in chemo, but cancer-free). 

I know you are just sitting there hoping you can get back to normalcy.  I hope you get some comfort from knowing everyone here hopes the same thing.

[musiclady]

I'll be praying, DC!  God is faithful!

[MACVSOG68]

I'm with you DC.  Hang in there.

[katzenjammer]

We've been keeping Cliff and your family in our Prayers each morning,  DCP, and will continue to do so.  Keep your head up and lean on Our Father each moment of the day and night.  Extra prayers up now for all of you!!

[alicewonders]

Oh I'm so sorry to hear of this DC.  Sending healing prayers for Clifford and his healthcare team - prayers can bring miracles!  And now for you, prayers too.  You've had so much to deal with lately, I pray you are holding up OK.  Please let me know if there is anything further I can do - we are all praying and keeping you in our positive thoughts.  You are surrounded by friends here! 

     

[mystery-ak]

praying right now...

[Lando Lincoln]

DCP... I keep you, Clifford, your family and the medical team in my prayers every day.  Saying an extra one now. 

[DCPatriot]

DCP... I keep you, Clifford, your family and the medical team in my prayers every day.  Saying an extra one now.

Thank you Lando...and everyone!  Appreciate the prayers and well wishes.

Tried to see Cliff last evening, but Jason begged me not to go into the ICU, as "Cliff was not himself".  Decided to go down to the hospital because nobody was returning my texts or calls.  Even the operator said no nurse could speak to me because they were attending to him.  So I went to see for myself.

Saw that Jason tried to call twice in the middle of the night (turned the volume down when I went there and forgot to reset it).

Jason said it was the most horrific experience he had in his life...one of the doctors said it was "inhumane" what they had to do.

Because of the pulmonary embolism, they couldn't administer anesthesia to remove the vacuum pump and change the wound dressing.  It took 2 hours of what Jason described as pure hell.  Ashamed to say I was glad I wasn't there.

They gave Cliff something to make him 'forget' the experience...kinda like the Men in Black, as Jason described it.  He' wishes they could have given it to him, and he was surprised they didn't tell him to leave the room.

He's being taken to Baltimore later this morning...it's now 6AM.  He's concerned that the vacuum pump they use in transit is not as strong as the one in the ICU, but it is what it is.

Hopefully, the leg can be saved, but Jason has the sick feeling they're going to take it.

Again...it means a lot to know that I have friends and moral support here.  Thanks so much!

[Lando Lincoln]

DCP... so sorry the strength of everyone is being so supremely tested.  Sounds like this will be a long journey.  Prayers continue.

[alicewonders]

Still praying DC.   

[IZZY ANN]

As hard as it must be for you, DC ...we do appreciate the updates. Just know, that many prayers are being said for Cliff, you and the rest of your family. Be strong, DC, you remain in our thoughts and hearts. 

[flowers]

Still praying DC. 

[Luis Gonzalez]

I can only imagine how hard this must be.

Praying for you and yours.

[musiclady]

Wow, DCP.  That's frightening and heavy news.

Clifford, you and your family will be in my prayers today.

Please know that you are not alone!   

[EC]

Hang in there, my friend. We're all praying hard as we can for all of you.

[Luis Gonzalez]

You're not "dumping" anything on anyone.

You're sharing with friends.

[alicewonders]

Update:  11_30PM

Not good at all.  I'm exhausted and feeling helpless.

Baltimore Shock Trauma has him on lock-down and nobody but Jason and Rebecca are allowed in.  Jason says there is no sense in me driving up there because he's intubated and not conscious.

CT scan revealed the same artery is bleeding out again.  Cliff's BP fell to 44/20.  How in Lord's name can somebody still be alive with blood pressure that low?  They tied off another tourniquet and gave him 2 more pints of blood.

The leg if full of infection (which we expected) and they cut out as much as they could, but how much has traveled, they don't know.  They told Jay and Rebecca that they will not take the leg before discussing it with Cliff...which we're thinking may be tomorrow.

Haven't even discussed the pulmonary embolism in his lung yet.

I don't know what to do....sorry for dropping all this on you beautiful people.

DC, don't ever feel bad for sharing your burden with us - we're your friends and that's what friends are for.  You know that we are praying for Clifford AND for you - you know you aren't alone in this.  It's hard, but this is too much for you to deal with by yourself - you have to put it in God's hands.  You have to have the faith to LEAVE it in God's hands!  He will pick you up and carry you when you no longer have the strength to walk on your own.

I'm praying that you will find comfort in knowing that all things will happen according to God's plan.....in God's time.  Trust in him and know that he hears you and loves you.  He knows every hair on your head and knew you before you were born.  You don't have to go through this alone!  Know that we are all praying - and that Jesus said where two or more are gathered in my name - there I am also.

We're your friends DC, we love you.  Please lean on us, that's what we're here for. 

[Luis Gonzalez]

DC, don't ever feel bad for sharing your burden with us - we're your friends and that's what friends are for.  You know that we are praying for Clifford AND for you - you know you aren't alone in this.  It's hard, but this is too much for you to deal with by yourself - you have to put it in God's hands.  You have to have the faith to LEAVE it in God's hands!  He will pick you up and carry you when you no longer have the strength to walk on your own.

I'm praying that you will find comfort in knowing that all things will happen according to God's plan.....in God's time.  Trust in him and know that he hears you and loves you.  He knows every hair on your head and knew you before you were born.  You don't have to go through this alone!  Know that we are all praying - and that Jesus said where two or more are gathered in my name - there I am also.

We're your friends DC, we love you.  Please lean on us, that's what we're here for.

YEAH!

What she said!

[DCPatriot]

Alice, am speechless after reading your post and PM.  Lump in my throat like a baseball with blurry eyes from tears.

First, sorry for my rambling earlier.  Thought better after reading my last three posts updates and deleted them.  (It's one of the bennies of posting in the middle of the night). 

Got showered and dressed just after midnight and got as far as the expressway ramp when I noticed an empty gas tank.  Since I have a diesel...took it as a sign to stop.  Came back home and fell asleep in my clothes.

Just now saw that Jason texted me me at 1:45 am and said Cliff is in recovery and that the conversation will be had with Cliff this morning whether to amputate or do whatever it takes to save it.  He said that most of the muscle in his left calf is simply gone.  Nothing but a hole there.  It's going to be a tough one.

I'm going up there first sign of daylight and even if it's from the waiting room...that's where I'll stay.

Last conversation I had with Cliff was how upset and disappointed he was that he had to cancel his reservation to play Pebble Beach this week.  The corporate convention is being held in California.  Golf is one of his passions.

Feel so bad for him.  He's 44 and a little league coach..his son Elias plays on a select traveling team, even went for a week earlier this summer in Tennessee.

His entire existence will change drastically.  His personality has already gone AWOL.  Just awful..the entire spectacle.

[MACVSOG68]

Good morning DC.  Sounds like you had a pretty bad night.  Perhaps some good will come out of today.  I know they're doing everything they can, and I can't imagine what all of your family and you are going through.  But we're good listeners, and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Cliff and you.  Take care.

[EC]

Exactly what Alice said, 1000%.

And you, my friend, take good care of yourself as well.

[IZZY ANN]

DC, prayers said this morning and will continue with thoughts and prayers through out the day.

If we can help or bring you any comfort then post as often and as much as you want because your friends here are deeply touched, worried and want to help in any way possible.

[musiclady]

DC, don't ever feel bad for sharing your burden with us - we're your friends and that's what friends are for.  You know that we are praying for Clifford AND for you - you know you aren't alone in this.  It's hard, but this is too much for you to deal with by yourself - you have to put it in God's hands.  You have to have the faith to LEAVE it in God's hands!  He will pick you up and carry you when you no longer have the strength to walk on your own.

I'm praying that you will find comfort in knowing that all things will happen according to God's plan.....in God's time.  Trust in him and know that he hears you and loves you.  He knows every hair on your head and knew you before you were born.  You don't have to go through this alone!  Know that we are all praying - and that Jesus said where two or more are gathered in my name - there I am also.

We're your friends DC, we love you.  Please lean on us, that's what we're here for.

Amen and AMEN!!

[katzenjammer]

Prayers continuing for you all during this difficult time.  Lean on our Heavenly Father, He wants us to, all we ever need to do is ask for His support, and He gives it gladly and lovingly, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year...

[DCPatriot]

Thank you all very much for the words of encouragement and the needed prayers.

Got to the hospital at 9:30am and finally got to go into the room at 1:30pm for about 15 minutes.

Cliff is intubated and knocked out, so I didn't get a chance to look into his eyes.  But it was very cathartic nonetheless.

He's got 4 IV bags working and at this time are trying to get his blood pressure up.  Currently about 90/44.  The blood clot in his lung is small and they don't seem to be concerned about it at this time...compared to the main issue at hand.  Infection is a major concern now.  They are pumping his stomach which has relieved us all.

Trauma MD said he's still bleeding from that artery, and they plan on having the discussion regarding approach (amputation) when they're able to wake him stabilized.  It's a conversation which I want no part of.  Will let his wife and brother handle that when the time comes. 

He looks good...his color seems normal.  Just heavily sedated.  And given what his past 48 hours have been, it's a blessing.

I was surprised when Jason asked me to stick around.  Was planning on being 'invisible' on the sidelines.  I don't do well in those situations but drama in that venue is not part of my makeup.  I just sit and stare through silent tears...hoping I get the chance to share a belly laugh with him as we've done since he was a little boy.

His wife did give me some good news.  The biopsy on her breast was benign, which is a huge relief for all.

So, I left and have to do a little work.  Jason asked me to be on standby for later, as his car is still in Bethesda, and he wanted to have dinner with me tonight in Baltimore.

That's it for now.

[flowers]

Thank you all very much for the words of encouragement and the needed prayers.

Got to the hospital at 9:30am and finally got to go into the room at 1:30pm for about 15 minutes.

Cliff is intubated and knocked out, so I didn't get a chance to look into his eyes.  But it was very cathartic nonetheless.

He's got 4 IV bags working and at this time are trying to get his blood pressure up.  Currently about 90/44.  The blood clot in his lung is small and they don't seem to be concerned about it at this time...compared to the main issue at hand.  Infection is a major concern now.  They are pumping his stomach which has relieved us all.

Trauma MD said he's still bleeding from that artery, and they plan on having the discussion regarding approach (amputation) when they're able to wake him stabilized.  It's a conversation which I want no part of.  Will let his wife and brother handle that when the time comes. 

He looks good...his color seems normal.  Just heavily sedated.  And given what his past 48 hours have been, it's a blessing.

I was surprised when Jason asked me to stick around.  Was planning on being 'invisible' on the sidelines.  I don't do well in those situations but drama in that venue is not part of my makeup.  I just sit and stare through silent tears...hoping I get the chance to share a belly laugh with him as we've done since he was a little boy.

His wife did give me some good news.  The biopsy on her breast was benign, which is a huge relief for all.

So, I left and have to do a little work.  Jason asked me to be on standby for later, as his car is still in Bethesda, and he wanted to have dinner with me tonight in Baltimore.

That's it for now.

Just to let you know you and yours have been not only in my prayers but thoughts as well.   

[Lando Lincoln]

Thank you so much for the update.  Hang in there DCP... be sure to get good nourishment and rest.  Prayers continue.

[mystery-ak]

Thanks for the update DC...still praying...

[alicewonders]

Thanks for the update DC, be strong my friend.   

[DCPatriot]

Thank you all....am so privileged to be able to have caring friends like you.  Truly amazing!

Just got off the phone with Jason....surgery is scheduled for tomorrow.  Asked what time, and Jason said, in that hospital "STC" doesn't stand for Shock Trauma Center.  It means "Subject to Change".   It depends on whether an emergency arrives that cannot wait.  It's an unbelievable hospital.  One can see whey their reputation is nationally renowned.

Asked Jason to elaborate on the "surgery", and he said they are going to do another major cleanup and determine how acute the infection is in the bone(s).  His blood pressure dropped again and he has a fever of 103.  They are giving him drugs of some kind to get the BP up...don't have the numbers.

Asked Jason if he thinks they are going to amputate and he said, "Dad if it were me, I'd let them take it.  Enough is enough!"

But again, they'll speak to Cliff about it before they do such a thing.

Glad that Jason and Rebecca are able to sleep in their own homes tonight and getting a chance at some normalcy.  Big day tomorrow....

[mountaineer]

These are such trying times. Prayers for the strength to get through it, DC.

[DCPatriot]

Update:

Cliff spoke with surgeons and when they spelled it out for him, he (rather quickly) opted for them to amputate his leg.  Surgery is tomorrow.

They told him that he would never be able to walk normally and that he would be dragging "that thing" behind him for the rest of his life.  Furthermore, they told him that it has already almost killed him twice already and he would continue to be subject to possible blood clots.

What made him settle on his decision was also when they told him he would need further surgeries every few days for the next 3+ weeks...cleaning it...staving off infections, etc..  Cliff said he's been through a virtual hell and cannot stand the pain and suffering any longer.

We're all perversely happy about his decision, as it's been a terrible stress on his wife and brother, who've spent virtually all their time at the hospital, even sleeping there.  Everybody needs to get on with life.

We also know it's going to be a long haul for him...getting off the pain killers and other drug cocktails necessary to keep him sedated, and also the physical therapy.

He's a strong man.  We're all very proud of him for reconciling the situation so quickly.

Once more, thank you everyone for the prayers and well wishes and for allowing me to share this ordeal with you all. 

[IZZY ANN]

Heart breaking news, DCP, but the right decision for your son and his young family.

Prayers continue daily for the healing process. 

God Bless him and God give him the strength in the coming days.