Sunday, June 27, 2010
Troy Ruane Jr, NC
We received a call last night about 1:40am from our friends, Cheri and Troy Ruane. Their youngest son, Troy Jr (a rising senior at West Brunswick) had just been in a terrible car accident on Grey Bridge Rd and they were headed to the Brunswick ER. We followed them and Troy was transported to New Hanover in critical condition. After a cat scan, we were told he remained in critical, but stable condition, and had bleeding on his brain and brain injury, a condition which typically would not call for surgery. There were not a lot of other apparent injuries mentioned at the time. Earlier this am, the docs informed the family that they had to drill a hole in his skull and place a brain monitor ... the next 24-48 hours are a most critical watch and see time for Troy. Troy also has two older brothers, Devin, who is here, and Josh who will be flying in from his Air Force Base in Turkey ... arrival time expected 2pm in Wilmington on Monday afternoon. Please help us pray for our friends during this most devastating time!
3 comments:
Thank you for your prayers for Troy. He had passed the 48 hour mark and hanging in there. When I spoke with his mom, Cheri, last night, she told me the following:
- Sometime between Sunday night and Monday am, the staff was trying to move him and his brain monitor was moved, causing his ICP level to elevate to 16. The staff opted to not put it back in, thinking it may make things worse.
- They tried reducing his sedation to see if they could get him to respond on command. He didn't, so they kept him on the respirator. They told the family that they feel like he can breathe on his own, but until he will respond to commands (like squeeze my finger, open your eyes) his brain may not tell his body to breathe. So, they will be trying again this am to reduce the sedation and get a response on command. He did move his arms some when the sedation was reduced on Monday, a good indication of brain activity.
- Troy now has some swelling and some fever, from laying there still for so long.
- They may place a device inside him today to help break up blood clots so they won't get to his lungs.
- The CAT Scan showed no broken bones, so we're primarily treating head injury.
- We are encouraged to talk to Troy when in the room with him, as they feel he can hear us.
- Troy's oldest brother, Josh, who is in the Air Force and stationed in Turkey arrived safely in Wilmington on Monday evening. We are thankful the entire family is together with Troy now.
So, please keep praying for Troy's miracle, and ask all of your praying friends/family to help us pray also. I'll keep you updated as I speak with Cheri and find our more. I plan on visiting again later this evening and I'm looking for a good report!! God is so good and He is worthy of our praises!!
Earlier this morning, the hospital staff seemed disappointed that Troy wasn't doing as much as they felt he should be on Day 3.
However, we just returned from the hospital and have some great news! Today, Troy has responded in several ways and they took him off the respirator ... he has continued to breathe on his own throughout the day!
He does still have some fever (up to 103 earlier today) and lots of mucus/phlegm that is cause for some concern. They were unsure earlier if he'd be able to cough it up enough. They said if not, they will have to do a trach so they can clear his lungs. So far, he is coughing good and sounding better!
He has an infection in his right eye, but they probably won't call the ophthamologist in until he can communicate enough to answer questions. He did pull the pillow up to his eye to rub it, and when his parents put a wet washcloth in his hand, he rubbed his eye with it. He apparently didn't like the way it felt because he threw the washcloth across the room, and pulled the pillow back up!
He has gotten rather rowdy and rambuncious at least twice today, showing everyone he's a very strong wrestler from West Brunswick!
He spoke three words earlier today, "ow, ow, ow!"
Just before 9pm tonight, the staff had him cleaned up good and resting in his room with the lights off. (The lights hurt his eye.) They suggested allowing him to rest and not disturbing him right now, so the family is following that advice closely. Please be patient if you go visit, and keep in mind that the family enjoys the company also. Let's keep praying for Troy! God is good and He is giving Troy his miracle ... keep the faith!!
I ran into someone today who spoke of getting a fund together for him to help offset his expenses. Keep that in mind if you'd like to help.
PRAISE THE LORD!!! Troy was released from the hospital to go home on Monday, July 5!! He is able to eat, talk, and walk! He will be having physical therapy and occupational therapy at his home for a while, and with brain injuries doctors are not able to give as accurate a prognosis as they can with other injuries. But, our God knows his prognosis! God is so good!! He protected Troy and has kept his hand upon him, and will continue to help him recover!! Praise to Him!! Please continue to pray as Troy and his family trod down this new road together.
If you would like to donate to help offset his medical expenses, you may make your check out to Freedom Outreach Center, and note "For Troy" at the bottom. All donations are tax-deductible, so please include your mailing address if you would like a tax statement. Mail to:
Freedom Outreach Center
Attn: For Troy
PO Box 168
Shallotte, NC 28459
The family greatly appreciates all you can do!
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