Politics and religion.

[Grace]

Now that was interesting - especially for a one-time Neuro ICU nurse who very recently had a craniotomy.

There was just a press conference at University of Arizona. The main speakers were Dr. Peter Rhee, Medical Director of the Trauma Center, and Dr. Michael Lemole, Neurosurgeon.

Of the patients they received yesterday, one has been discharged and only one is still in ICU; the rest have improved enough to be transferred to floor care.

Congresswoman Giffords went to the OR just 38 minutes after hitting the ER door. The bullet ran the entire length of the left side of her head, from front to back. It did not cross hemispheres, nor did it cross the center of the brain. Both of the scenarios would have been much worse. She was following simple commands before and after the surgery. As the Neurosurgeon said, don't be deceived by the word simple. The brain has to process a lot to follow a command. That she can do this, makes them feel optimistic.

They did not put back the bone flap - that allows for swelling to occur. At some point in the future the flap will be replaced. I can tell you that my flap was the size of my surgeon's hand - that gives you an idea of the area. Hers might be larger.

She is in a medically-induced coma for the time being. Like being under anesthesia - they can wake her up to check neuro status.

So far - so good.

[Karen]

Not excusing the shooter, but it seems pretty obvious from his Youtube postings, only a few of which I have seen, that he is extremely mentally ill. His logic is illogical, and pulling a few sentences out that point in a single direction is misleading.

Do not read any politics into this, anyone could have been the target, regardless of ideology.

[lizbud]

Not excusing the shooter, but it seems pretty obvious from his Youtube postings, only a few of which I have seen, that he is extremely mentally ill. His logic is illogical, and pulling a few sentences out that point in a single direction is misleading.

Do not read any politics into this, anyone could have been the target, regardless of ideology.

Very true. We do not yet know the shooter's intent. He was very much
anti-government. His writings indicate that much, but we need a clearer
picture of the man himself to draw any conclusions.

This first person account of the incident is chilling. I don't think I would
have had the presence of mind to react as quickly. Thank heavens they did.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/01/09/ari...ex.html?hpt=C1

[RICHARD]

Christina Green
Born September 11, 2001
Died January 8, 2011

Born into a world of terrorism
and died by it's hand.

Bless the children who will never
know a world without hate, anger,
evil and terror.
Amen.

[Grace]

Another medical update from The University of Arizona.

As the Neurosurgeon said - no change is good; and there has been no change in her condition.

Dr. Peter Rhee, Trauma Chief, is fantastic. I would love to have worked for someone like him.

Two patients have been discharged; two in ICU; six now on floor care. Several will have more surgery later this week.

[RICHARD]

Just a small observation about the AHs who are quick to twitter, blog or go on TV to blame everyone except themselves.


I was channel surfing and saw Bill Maher talking about why a Glock pistol is sold and what it's used for.

He stated that is not "for hunting, it's for hunting people..."

This coming from an idiot who has an armed body guard with him when he goes out in public.

You have to love morons........They seem to have an inflated sense of worth.

[Grace]

Good news -

Doctors at University Medical Center in Tucson said six patients remain at the hospital, two having been discharged since Monday. Besides Giffords, who remains in intensive care, three patients are in serious condition and two are in fair condition, said Peter Rhee, director of the hospital's emergency care unit.

"Everything is currently going well with all of those patients, and they're progressing as expected," Rhee said.

"I'm happy to say she's holding her own," neurosurgeon G. Michael Lemole Jr. said of Giffords. He said she continues to follow simple commands and is able to breathe on her own without a breathing tube, although doctors prefer to keep the tube in to protect her airway and prevent infection. Lemole also said that her sedation has been reduced.

"I'm very encouraged by the fact she's done so well," Lemole said. Given the traumatic nature of her injury - a 9mm bullet through the left side of her brain - "she has no right to look this good, and she does."

source - good article with info about other patients and victims.