Diffuse axonal injury grade 3 advice and help 🙏🏻
Me, my husband, and our 9 year old son were involved in a serious rollover accident. Me and my son have minimal injuries considering but my husband took the brunt of it. He was unconscious after the accident and remains in a coma. He was life flighted to our local hospital. CT scans have shown 4 brain bleeds but not worsening and not building pressure. No hydrocephalus concerns sofar. The biggest factor is the diffuse axonal injury. His MRI showed grade 3 DAI sheering damage in the midbrain and damage at the brain stem. His GCS score is a 4. Intubated to protect his airway but he's breathing on his own. We are only 4 days post accident, but nuerosurgeon already has told me to consider pulling support (which feels insane to even suggest such early days) and other doctors have told me that even if he makes it he could be facility bound his whole life. I get the risks and I know his prognosis is poor, but he's 29 years old, healthy, strong, and incredibly intelligent and smart before the accident. Everything I'm reading suggests that his odds are in his favor and that recovery is absolutely possible. I was able to get them to start tube feed on day 2 and I'm going to try and advocate for amantadine when clinically appropriate. I need to make a decision on placing a trach and peg tube, which I am leaning towards doing to support recovery. What else can I do to keep advocating, stay positive but realistic, and help support neuroplasticity and repairs for my sweet husband?
I cared for my mother my whole life through brain tumors, neurosurgery recovery, and more. Unfortunately I am well aware of how long the rehabilitation can take, but I also feel equipped to handle it. This has been like living my worst nightmare in so many ways, and I know things will never be the same again but my gut is telling me my husband is strong enough to make it through this with our support. He's my high school sweetheart and my life partner and I would do anything to have him back.