Update #2 on Peter

Approximately 24 hours have passed since the accident.

Last night, I took a walk over to the intersection where it occurred. I did this to help me gain a better understanding of what happened. I also saw a picture that Craig Thompson took of the windshield of the car that struck Peter. We are gaining understanding of the timing of the actual accident. It is clear that Peter’s head impacted the windshield and the damage to the windshield is massive. These were sobering moments: to see the accident site and to see the picture of the windshield.

Peter’s mom is on a flight from California at the time of this posting. Her flight is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday night. Peter’s dad was able to get a passport and will, Lord willing, arrive in Taipei early Thursday morning. We plan to bring each of them directly from the airport to the hospital to see Peter.

Today we know a lot more about Peter’s situation than we did yesterday. Longtime friend Dr. Peter Ruan came to the hospital and he was able to speak with Peter’s doctor on a doctor-to-doctor level. Dr. Peter is a radiologist and was able to see Peter’s CT scans and other images first hand. Then Dr. Peter took a great deal of time to explain things to all of us. Actually, we were given so much information during that time, that I know I can’t reproduce all of it for you here. I will try to give you what I feel are the most helpful things for you to know as you pray.

Peter’s situation is still critical, although there have been some reasons for encouragement. He is still in the ICU.

When someone sustains a head injury, it is our understanding that bleeding is the most important issue to be aware of. The severity of the bleeding will display itself by a raise in pressure on the brain. We have learned that normal brain pressure is anywhere from 0 to 20 (measured in millimeters of mercury - mmHg). When standing, brain pressure is often negative (below zero). Although none of us realized it at the time, the decision to implant the Intra-cranial monitor (ICM) was the best first step that could have been taken. Just after implanting the monitor and throughout the afternoon and into the evening, Peter’s brain pressure was between 15 and 25. These numbers were OK. At about 7PM the pressure increased significantly. This increase in pressure indicated a large amount of blood on Peter’s brain. This was a very critical time. He was quickly taken for a CT scan, which revealed a large hematoma on the brain at the area of the skull fracture. Peter was given emergency surgery to deal with this hematoma. The neurosurgeon removed the fractured skull piece which gave access to the hematoma. They collected 70cc of blood which is a significant amount. The skull piece was replaced. There are more details but they won’t fit in this update. The important thing is that as a result of this procedure, Peter’s brain pressure was relieved from 50 to 60 mmHg all the way down to around 10 mmHg. This does not mean that Peter is fine, but if it stays this low (normal) it is a strong indication that the bleeding problem may be taken care of. It has remained near 10 mmHg for about 9 hours now.

Peter is stable and the doctor told us that his eyes are open. It is impossible to know at this time the significance of his eyes opening. It may not indicate improvement, but it certainly is not a bad thing. We will be able to go see Peter in a couple hours and at that time we can speak with him and try to stimulate a response with his eyes or maybe a verbal response.

To summarize key prayer points:

• Brain pressure indicates bleeding. Pray for no more bleeding. The procedure last night might have resolved the bleeding. Time will tell. We probably won’t know much for 2 or 3 days.
• Decisions made on Peter’s behalf. This weight is heavy. Craig Thompson is Peter’s team leader and bears much of the responsibility.
• Peter’s parents’ travel to Taiwan.
• Peter’s main doctor and surgeon is Dr. Zeng (曾醫師).
• Praise for Dr. Peter Ruan being able to come over and help us last night.