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[europa]

It's been 4 days since my father-in-law fell and broke his neck C1, C2. We have been told that there was damage to the spinal cord up to the base of the brain. He is on a ventilator, and apparently has no signs of any spinal cord activity, thus, is totally paralyzed. They operated on his neck inserting a pin last night. It was his wishes that he not be kept alive using machines. The only machine that is being used at this time is a ventilator; however, I understand there is an electric device (like a pace maker) that can replace the ventilator. Since he had apparently stopped breathing for 3 to 5 minutes before paramedics arrived we are unsure if there was any brain damage at this time. The Doctor says even if his brain is 100% OK, he is only likely to survive for a few months, (certainly not years) due to other complications that are likely to occur especially due to his age (87), even though he otherwise in relatively good health. His 4 children have to make a decision what to do. Pray for miracle with some kind of partial recovery, or let him go. There are sufficient funds to pay for any extra care that is not provided though his Kasier HMO. Some of his children fear that if he dies, his wife (their mother, age 92) will simple stop eating and will not want to live any longer even though there is lots of family support that can be provided continuously for their mother. Anyone have similar experience with elderly parents?

[topperf]

I hope someone in here can help you. I can't find anything useful to add to the equation, since I luckily have no experience with a situation like the one you're in.
I've been trying to find something useful to say, but it's very difficult! - I'm sorry for his misfortune - good luck europa.