Note from the daughter (Rachel) of Max Richburg...
Hello Family & Friends,
I am writing to share the news of my father's accident and subsequent hospitalization. During the Super Bowl, my sister and I noticed that he seemed "off" and we called 911, as he protested. As I was requesting an ambulance, my dad went into a seizure for about 30 seconds. He was taken to Alexandria Hospital, where a CT scan revealed a subdural hematoma. My sister had witnessed a spill he took on the ice the Wednesday prior, and said that he never lost consciousness. He went to work the Thursday & Friday after falling with no problems. He had even worked that Sunday before returning home to watch the game. The doctors explained that the injury to his brain was probably a result of the fall, exacerbated by the medication he was taking, and my amateur research on the NIH website confirmed that symptoms may take days to appear. He was transported to Fairfax Hospital (a larger facility with more resources), where he went from the ER to the Trauma ICU. He was there for about 4 days, and is now at the Mount Vernon Hospital Rehabilitation Center, which has a reputation for aggressive therapy to return people to the best health possible. My sister and I were pleased and hopeful in seeing him sent to rehabilitation so quickly, but we now realize the road to recovery is not without more bumps.
At first, pain management seemed to be the biggest challenge, but in the last 24 hours, the nurses and therapists have noticed a decline in dad's strength and cognitive functioning. It is difficult to know what is a result of the medication and what could be a sign of trouble. I have had to return to work, but my sister is able to visit the hospital during the day. The latest update from her (moments ago) is that the doctor is looking into possible reasons for dad's current state. Emily feels some relief, believing that the doctor is working on it. Needless to say, it is difficult for us to be patient with this process, although we understand that it is likely to be a slow one.
My cousin, Dianne Love, was able to pull your email addresses from a message dad sent to you all. I have put all of you in the "TO" category, so that you might help me to see if I have forgotten anyone. As I'm sure I have, please do spread the word to anyone you know would want to be aware of the situation. Also, please let me know if there is an address I should add to this list for future updates.
Thank you for you prayers for dad's speedy and full recovery,
Rachel Richburg
Editor's Comment...Keep Max in your thoughts and prayers!
Additional update....(from Rachel)I took the day off from work yesterday to visit the hospital and "raise hell" as politely as possible. Unfortunately, our health care system is such that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. My sister and I learned this when our mother was dying. Our father's condition had clearly worsened, and as of Tuesday night, we did not believe enough was being done about it. The result yesterday was that he was transferred to the critical care unit, where he remains today. I am angry that action was not taken on Tuesday, but I have done all that I can, and proper action is now being taken. He is somewhat responsive, but a far cry from the dad of a few days ago who could eat, walk with a cane, and carry on a conversation. He has a feeding tube and is being examined by a neurologist. His sodium level has dropped, and that is believed to be responsible for his current state. I do not have a satisfactory answer as to why this has happened.