He's back!

Well this may be the last update of this kind. I went down to the temple tonight and who drove up with Divyashakti but our very own Jatindra Mohan prabhu! Wearing a knit hat he is looking very thin but his face is free from anxiety and he is feeling very grateful to be back. He has a kind of glow about him.
Come and visit him when you can. He's in the brahmacari ashram and tomorrow is Baladev's Appearance Day.

Thank you all for your support of this e newsletter and your prayers and good wishes for our godbrother.

Swarnangii

From Lynn

Good afternoon,
Yes, he has said this many times over during our last few conversations. Although my way of nature is somewhat different from Jatindra's (John to me), they are very much alike. It warmed my spirit when John said,"Now I see what you mean. Life has challenges and we have to just face them and not let them make us feel bad". This is an insight that I have prayed for him to have. All things in life happen for reasons unknown to us at the time they occur. As I have said before, this challenge has occurred to teach us all something we needed to learn. I love my brother and would never wish harm come to him but since I was first notified I believed that he would come through. I just never realized how quickly and how much!! I know in my heart that his purpose has only begun. He has been given the grace by with to go forth, and I believe he will do so with love and devotion.
I am going to call the hospital now to see if I can find out his status. If I find anything out, I will write.
Be well.
Lynn

From Ramai:

Friday night:

Lilashakti and Anantarupa came and took me to see Jatindra Mohan this evening.
Lord Above! He's his old self once again. He spoke of life and how his had changed because of this. He seems to have made some major adjustments. He says, and seems to really have, become able to develop a healthy portion of humility and tolerance. He says he knows who his friends are now and that the outside world has always been a problem for him and he just wants to forget it now and do whatever little service he can. No longer saying to himself "what could Krsna want from me?" but just offering whatever he can. He feels like now he can raise his arms in kirtan without reservation. He demonstrated as he told me and quoted "sarva dharma parityaja mam ekam saranam vaja aham tvam eva papebhyo moksayisyami ma suchah" "Even if I don't understand all the words at least I can understand through my service what that means"

Surgery today

From Lilashakti:

Jatindra is having trouble with his phone.
His phone number is 408 793 4475 but the calls don't always go through.
His room number is 4K115A
The nurses station phone number is 408 885 5000. If you can't get through on the other number call this one ask the nurses to put the call through and let him know that a call is coming in for him.

He is scheduled for surgery after 2 p.m. today. He is nervous and is would be good for as many people as possible to call or visit him.

He is currently self sufficient, can manage all bodily functions by himself. He is off all medication except blood pressure. His voice is strong and yet soft. They have not released him yet because of his skull flap and after the replacement surgery today he may be released as soon as 4 days from now if there are no complications!

Another update from Lynn

Update: The number below is no longer useful. At this time there is no new number. He is in a different room so one would need to ask admissions for his new room. He is currently being prepared for his surgery. It will take place mid to late afternoon on Friday. He is scheduled to be released approximately 4 days afterward.

A request from Lynn

I have just finished speaking to Jatindra. His new but temporary number is:408-793-4475. He is very, very nervous about his surgery and needs emotional support. His recovery to date has been astounding and he has been strong, but now needs someone near him. I checked the cost of a flight out there and it is just not possible to book one on short notice. The fares are unbelievable.
Please, if at all possible please someone visit with him tomorrow and offer him strength. If this is not possible, please call him.
Thank you.
Lynn

From Lynn

Good morning Everyone,

In my last update I mentioned that my brother, John, was recovering quickly and my belief was that this recovery would continue. At the time of that message I had no idea just how quickly John (Jatindra) would improve. Well folks, I had a 2 hour conversation with him last night! As mere words will never be sufficient to express my gratitude to those who visited him and prayed for him, there are no words that will express how my spirit soared while speaking with my brother. Although there are times when words do not readily come to him, he knows what it is he wishes to say and will try to re-phrase. As I write this I think of our conversation and it brings a smile to my face.

John has told me that the next step is to re-attach his bone flap. As he spoke of this procedure, he expressed that fact that he was nervous about it, but knows that he will be fine and I know he will be too.

Thank you all for your thoughts and continued prayer.

Lynn

Lots of visitors

Many people have gone to see Jatindra over the last few days all with good reports. He has been very coherant, very humble, introspective and apologetic. He is much more aware of his surroundings and circumstances, but he still suffers form short term memory loss.
He's been calling Divyashakti almost everyday! He really wants to leave the hospital and return to the ashram. He's pleading for that opportunity. He requested his japa beads which Divya took to him yesterday. Everyone who has gone to see him has been happily surprised to see his rapid improvement.

From Sanatani and Jivana:

We visited him on Saturday and were astonished at his progress. He was very coherent - no real short-term memory, but he was aware that he didn't have it; and greeted everyone and pointed out to the nurse how long he had known us ... He had had a pretty bad day, feeling very depressed, and cheered up considerably with the company (Sanatani, Auntie, Neela, Tink, then Kumkum, Anantarupa, Lilashakti)

From Lilashakti didi and Anantarupa prabhu:

A short but informative visit today. They took him for a walk, he was tired so they cut it short and took him back to rest.

The nurses took out his feeding tube today and gave him soft foodstuffs like applesauce and he did well with that but he aspirates a little with water. Sooooo a new smaller tube will go in much to his dislike and they will reevaluate on Monday. They do not have a speech therapist on the weekends to help with all of his swallowing stuff etc, so he has to go through this again for the weekend.

The therapists are working on getting him physically strong. Besides getting more physically fit and he also has trouble with his short term memory. When he can function pretty much self sufficiently , without assistance, they will discharge him from this rehab unit and check him back into the surgery unit to replace the skull flap. Then they will discharge him! They do not know how long this will take to get to that point.

He is very anxious to come back to the ashram. He never wants to leave again and just wants to attend the programs and hear, chant and do his service.
He feels sad that he cannot offer his dandavats.

He is getting better and looks forward to seeing the devotees who visit so if you can go and see him.

From his sister, Lynn,

To All,
I wish to thank all of those who remembered my brother in their thoughts and prayers. There were many denominations from around the world praying for him. It is my belief that it is these prayers that have provided the strength for my brothers healing. Please continue to remember him. We thank you all so very, very much.

I would like to share with you the recent good news that I have received concerning my brother John.
He is currently showing great progress. He has been placed in the Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center in San Jose, California. This site is equipped with the therapeutic staff John will require to continue progressing neurologically. His room is designed to allow him the freedom to move about independently without concern of injury. He requires a helmet as his skull flap has not been replaced as yet. This is due to the possibility of brain swelling during the healing process. It is not as bad as it sounds. He receives 24 hour therapeutic services. Although he continues to require a feeding tube, he has shown great promise in re-learning to swallow.

Hopefully, on my return visit, John and myself can walk around the hospital campus and enjoy the sights and sounds of the day.

Blessed day.

Lynn Kelly

From Anantarupa prabhu and Lilashakti didi,

as reported to Swarnangii

What a wonderful visit.
He is in the E building ( across from the Wendy's, Taco Bell and Subway) second floor room 47. This building is the only entrance facing Bascom avenue. The best parking is either on Bascom itself or in the parking lot by Enborg Lane and Bascom. This unit has a much more positive and optimistic environment. Everyone is friendly and greets him when he is "out and about"

When they arrived he introduced them to his speech therapist! He speaks with a hoarse whisper but if you stand beside him you can understand his words. He receives very good therapy at this new site. Twice a day sessions with a physical therapist and other times with an occupational and the speech therapist.

He had some Sprite and chocolate pudding today but he aspirated a little so the tube remains. They will try again tomorrow. They expect to remove the tube soon. He has learned the technique to swallow but doesn't uniformly use it. Once it is removed he can take prasadam as long as it is soft, pureed, no solids and no chewing for a while yet.

He desperately wants to get out of there and he is being very cooperative. He seems to understand when you explain to him that he needs to cooperate in order to get better. No more thrashing around and he is working with the therapists, following their instructions etc. not fighting them. He asked if he still has service. Can he still come back to the ashram? He doesn't want to be around maya anymore :0)

They took him for a "stroll" in his wheelchair with an orderly nearby. At one point he got up and walked a little and asked if he could walk back to his room but he was told that the physical therapist needed to be there for that to happen so he sat back down and buckled himself back to his chair. He has good use of both legs and arms.

He has no memory of the accident and his short term memory is foggy.He reads the guest book and sees who has been there to visit him so please sign it if you go.

If you go to visit they have his daily schedule with his therapists posted. You can view that and see what is a good time. They did suggest the evenings are better as he has no therapy then. The visiting hours are 11-8.

From Lilashakti

Here is a link to the unit Jatindra was transferred to. His room number is 2E047. On the 2nd floor of the hospital at the far end from the ER. They said to use the entrance that faces Bascom.

in order to place the entire link on this blog I had to shorten it so take out the #signs,there are three and any spaces, and cut and paste away

http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/vmc/vmcarticle?path=%2Fv7%2F
#
Santa%20Clara%20Valley%20Medical%20Center%20%28DEP%29%2F
#
Contact%20Us&contentId=4e6a5ab116c34010VgnVCMP230004adc4a92____

OMG!

Thanks to Jagadananda prabhu, I got a phone call form Jatindra Mohan himself today! He has moved into a new padded room in a Rehab section of the hospital in a different building. All I know is second floor room 37.
He was very talkative, calling everyone, dialing the numbers himself. He really wants to get out of there. He still has the feeding tube but he can get around by himself. Jagadananda asked him to tell him his name and he said "Say please." He talks in a whisper but he's definitely talking and very conscious and responsive.

He said that he wants to go back to the Seva Ashram and see Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. It was suggested to have a kirtan and Jatindra wanted to lead! Pretty amazing.
If anyone can give better specifics about his room and which building I will post that, Thanks

AND FROM LYNN
Morning,
I am pleased to read that my brother is continuing to heal. I am in the process of filing for benefits. I was told that this may expedite his medi-cal and hopefully get him into a facility where he can receive the care he needs.
Please understand that John has family. Unfortunately, we all live on the east coast and can not physically be there as much as we would like. I am going to try and come back out there by the end of August maybe mid-September. Money and time are factors that have caused much heartache in this situation.
I remember the nurse that you speak of. She is kind. During my visit I became aware that most of the staff had been curious. I think the out show of devotion to John has caused them to inquire. This is good.
Please remind John that I love him. There is no way to contact him other than through your eyes, ears and tongues.
Thank you for sharing your time with him.
Lynn

THEN
Wonderful evening,

Please pass these good words along! I just received a call from Jaga who was visiting Jatindra. He put us on speakerphone. It was fantastic. Since Jatindra's voice is still weakened, he translated. It was wonderful to hear him talking. He is progressing at a blessed rate! As I have said before, I believe that it is all of the giving spirits that come to him through his many visitors that have brought him through at such a pace. Those of you who share your time and devotion are truly the healers for John.
More good news! I just received a call from Susan to verify that he is being moved to a room which will aid with his rehab!
I just wanted to share all of this joy with all of you who have touched my heart and spirit.
Lynn

From Diksavati

Sunday
Dandavats to all the devotees reading this,

I went to Valley Medical Hospital to see Jatindra Mohan P. I was so surprisingly shocked at his progress since my last visit. I think it's only been a month, but he is doing soooo much better. There is a very wonderful Indian nurse tending to him. Her name is Meena and she said she will come to our temple in SJ. When I told JM that his nurse liked Krsna he very lovingly took her apron and placed it on his head. We were so surprised by this. I took him on a spin in a wheel chair which he liked very much. He wanted to get out and go outside, but I insisted it wasn't time yet. We even went up in the elevator.

He'll meet with a speech doctor tomorrow. As of now he can only whisper very slowly. If he can speak something and swallow his food they'll remove his feeding tube and he can start eating on his own. He tries to pull it out and the staff do not want that. They can't feed him solids through the mouth cause he will get pneumonia. He does have phlegm and he very thin.

He is still very confused about what has happened to him. I told him many times, but it does not register yet. He is getting so much better and I kept reassuring him that he is going to be OK and all his friends have come to see him and miss him very much. He's so anxious to get out of the hospital. He can walk with a walker and supervision. He has to wear a helmet to protect the fragile part of his head which has not healed yet. He is much more coherant. I mentioned a lot of devotees' names and he became so happy remembering you all. I am begging on behalf of Jatindra Mohan, please give up some time to go visit him. He is so alone and in a very sad and lonely situation. He loves to hear from our books. He needs some interaction with other people, beside the hospital staff. Meena asked me today if he had any family close by. So family, please take one hour and drive on over. You will feel so glad you did. I did!!!!!!!

Sincerely with affection,
Diksavati

A note from his sister Lynn

Good Afternoon,
Again, I am pleased to see that he has so many caring friends around him. His "rolling eyes" are an indication of, "ok look, I know you care and I appreciate that, but let us not get carried away!". This is his independence. He is a brilliant man and is in a position of tolerance. I believe that this all may have happened to teach him tolerance and show him unconditional love really exists for him. I may be hurt by his current state but know in my heart, it is temporary. Each of us touched by his life has something to learn from this.
I am pleased to read that my brother is sitting more. I do believe this is a prevention for his lungs filling with phlegm. I have written a letter to the hospital customer service office and am awaiting a reply. I plan on a follow-up on Tuesday. If possible, I need to know the physical and mental processes that you see him initiate. I was told by his doctor that patients with his condition may never heal. I know the medical staff may see this everyday, but John's spirit is not ready to give in. I pray for him and his healing.
Thank you.
Lynn

From Krsnapriya devi dasi

My visit with Jatindra Mohan das. This was my first time seeing him since the day of his accident. That day he was in a very good mood and looking forward to going to town for an appointment. Next thing I hear he’s been airlifted to a hospital. Anyhow DivyaShakti dd went with me and if it weren’t for her I wouldn’t have made it through the visit. She is amazing and she just gets right in Jatindra’s face and tells him what he has to do. He is very encouraged by this.
When we arrived he was in the hallway in a wheelchair. He had a helmet on and his wrists were restrained so he wouldn’t pull out the nose tube. He recognized DivyaShakti right away and when Divya said “ Here’s KrsnaPriya come to see you”; he looked at me but it didn’t seem like he comprehended who I was. He started coughing a very rattled cough. Divya told him to keep coughing and get it out. He looked at her and said,” Can you teach me how?”
Divya said that was amazing. And Divya told him what to do and even demonstrated but he’s still having a hard time with anything to do with his throat: swallowing, coughing, talking, etc.
He actually talked a lot during our 3 hour visit but it was such a quiet whisper we couldn’t make out too much of what he said. I tried to see if he could write on paper but he could only scribble a little. Divya and I then rolled him around in the chair around the hallways to windows where he could look out and see the hospital grounds. The nurse took the foot rests off so that Jatindra could “walk” with his feet while being rolled around. The nurse, Mary Anna said he was in the chair the day before for 4 hours. He was enlivened to have us there but he was also pleading for us to get him out of there. In fact that’s when I realized he recognized me is when he looked at me in desperation and said “ KrsnaPriya get me the heck out of here”. That was heavy. Several more times he told us to take him downstairs.
He wanted to use the bathroom a lot. Two therapists, Terry and Rudy had told Divya and me that they had already walked him to the restroom 10 times that morning but nothing was happening. He was very conscious the entire time we were there but very, very restless and frustrated at being strapped in the chair. The nurse let us untie his wrists since we were with him and he actually unbuckled the waist belt and adjusted himself to be more comfortable. His back was bothering him so I brought him a pillow. He actually lifted himself up enough for me to put the pillow under him.
He really wanted to stand up and wanted us to help him but neither of us felt able to do that and didn’t want to risk him falling.
There was a cup of ice chips and Divya fed some to him. He wanted badly to drink and even reached for our water bottles and wanted to stop at the water fountains in the hallway. I could see that tube down his throat is so uncomfortable. The speech therapist is the only one supposed to feed him anything but we didn’t know and gave him some ice chips. We saw her just before we left and she said the last time she fed him it resulted in too much discomfort and didn’t want him to aspirate (that means to breath in stuff like food along with air). This could cause pneumonia.
We did ask the physical therapist Terry about removing the tube and allowing his throat to heal so he could swallow but he again said there was the worry of aspirating. I didn’t think of it until later but it seems like they could put him on an IV solution for a few days and get him swallowing.

Before DivyaShakti and I left Jatindra was moved form his chair back to his bed. He was very tired.

At one point two phlebotomists ladies came in to draw blood. One of them, Jasmindra, saw the Bhagavad Gita and Divya gave it to her in Jatindra’s name. I gave here an invitation and she was very happy.
The nurse asked who Jatindra was in the temple and Divya explained he is a bramacari. The nurse asked about Lila Shakti and AnantaRupa as they visit Jatindra in devotional clothes. Divya explained they are married householders. And then she explained about Janardan Maharaj, Parvat Maharaj and Ramai being celibate monks. The nurse appreciated that. Then when Jatindra became very frustrated at one point she told us to say prayers to him. Divya had brought her ipod and played Srila Guru Maharaj chanting bhajans. Jatindra really didn’t want to stay in his room so much so we wheeled him around the 4th floor for quite awhile.
Everyone commented on how much affection Jatindra is receiving and again encouraged visitors often.
In a lot of ways I felt Jatindra was very conscious and cognizant of all that was going on around him. I think he was tired of being talked to like a little kid because he’s shrug and say whatever or roll his eyes when someone would tell him not to fidget, etc. However that was necessary sometimes. I hope he gets that tube out of nose ASAP. I think that will help him progress a lot faster.
All glories to all the devotees and their auspicious association. Jaya Srila Gurudev!

From Lynn, his sister after visiting from NY

Good Afternoon,
What a pleasure meeting those of you my sister and myself were able to meet this visit. I can not express how comforting it is to know that my brother has such caring and warmth around him. As you both massaged his feet and comforted him, I felt your kindness and sincerity. Each friend I met had a gentleness about them. I would like to add that I believe this light has helped his healing process quicken. On Monday, the 30th, prior to my returning home, I spent the morning with John. He raised himself several times to a sitting position and "hugged" me by leaning his head against my chest. I kissed his head and knew that he will recover. I felt his need and determination to heal. My understanding after speaking with the doctor is that John is thought to be not as responsive as we all seem to see him. However, He is a strong spirit and needs to be reminded that not all are aware of his ability to overcome trauma. Please keep encouraging him. I hope to return as soon as I have accumulated enough leave. I am working behind the scene to get his benefits in order and hopefully a setting where his progress can be encouraged by staff as well.
I look forward to meeting everyone again.
Lynn

From Sanatani:

When she arrived with Jivana in Jatindra's room he looked at her with full recognition and happily said "Oh my God."

Also from New York his sisters Lynn and Kathy were there for the weekend to visit. He often gets into a state of discomfort and squirms around on the bed. He looks thin and week but he still maintains strength and muscle tone. It is hard to tell why he thrashes around so much, pain, uncomfortable, antsy?

When he started squirming while everyone was there, Lynn spoke to him and reminded him of an earlier conversation where they decided that when the pain gets too much he is to meditate on something else and calm himself down. That was how he was going to get better and not by taking more drugs or getting so agitated.

Well it worked, he calmed down and in a very focused way, said "Thank you" and then held her hand and kissed it. Everyone had tears in their eyes after that gesture.

Today he was very conscious and focused, he knew who was with him and tried to talk to them. His voice is very week and it's hard to make out what he's saying a lot of the time. But when Jivana said that she was leaving now he very clearly said "No."
All in all a good visit today.

A saffron envoy

Jatindra was blessed with the association of all of our saffron dignitaries from the Soquel Seva Ashram :
Janardan Maharaj, Parvat Maharaj, Ramai prabhu and our new brahmacari just back from India, Kamal Krsna prabhu.
They brought flowers and tried all kinds of stimulation but he seemed to be in another world. When he saw Ramai, he looked at him and said his name in recognition, he tried to say something to Parvat Majharaj but no one could make out what he was trying to say. The rest of the visit he pretty much non- responsive.

Then later that evening

Divyashakti didi went and she found him more focused. He looked at her and very faintly said "Help, help me. I'm very uncomfortable. Why have you come?"

She told him that he was uncomfortable because of the restraints and the feeding tube. She explained that the restraints were because he kept removing the tube and that was how he was getting his nourishment and that he really needs to learn to swallow. She offered to bring him caranamrta and mashed potatoes ( a favorite) and applesauce.

Then she had the nurses remove the restraints on his arms and loosen the ones on his feet so he could have some movement and she would stay with him. She made sure the pillow stayed in place protecting his injured side of his head and helped him raise his arms over his head giving him some movement. This lasted a little while and then he got too restless and squirmy. She then pushed the nurse button and they restrained him again.

She found him drifting in and out of an awareness of his surroundings. Sometimes focused and sometimes drifting. She wanted to encourage everyone that visits to encourage him to swallow by talking to him about it .

From Lilshakti didi:

Tuesday
Just a quick note, last night Sudarshan Prabhu (he had not even heard about the accident), Divya Shakti Didi, Ananta Rupa and I went for a late visit.
I called the nurses station and they said it was fine to come over (it was almost ten o'clock when I called). The nurse said he had been sleeping, but was awake and a little agitated. They caught him trying to pull the feeding tube out again that morning, so now it his taped up over his forhead and around the back of his head...

Jatindra was very excited to see Sudarshan! He also seemed a little embarrassed. Divya had visited him earlier that day and brought a bouquet of balloons. He seemed to enjoy those.

Divya was telling Jatindra that he needed to learn to swallow "tomorrow is Ekadasi - and I am going to make mashed potatoes - I know you love my mashed potatoes". He shook his head and said "YES!"

He kept trying to talk, but the sentences were not complete enough to understand.

Divya was holding his hand and telling him how much progress he has been making, and he drifted peacefully off to sleep.

Also, do you think it would be possible for visitors to bring a prasadam garland and/or flowers that have been on the altar? Sudarshan commented on how stark the room was - maybe that would brighten things up - he does have the picture of the Pancha Tattva and now the balloons..

Encouraging words from Goswami Maharaj:

I must admit that I am somewhat astonished and overwhelmed by the outpouring of affectionate care Jatindra Mohan Prabhu is receiving from all of the devotees.

Sometimes horrendous circumstances bring the most incredible good fortune to the surface. We hear from Srila Guru Maharaja that even Srila Saraswati Thakur used to say of his disciples,
"vipada uddharana bandhuâ gana":
"Oh my friends, who can give me relief from danger."
Jatindra Mohan Prabhu is discovering how many wonderful, lifesaving friends he has in the devotees.

From Lilashakti didi and Anantarupa prabhu

When Lilashakti arrived he was just returning from physical therapy. They had him help himself move in the wheelchair. He was able to move the wheels himself, the left arm was stronger than the right. At the entrance to his room the Physical Therapist helped him walk to his bed by guiding him walking backwards like a dance. He was able to get to his bed this way.

Lilashakti told him Parvat Maharaj was coming soon to visit and he said "Parvat?"

Then he looked at her and said that he had to pee. Surprised, she told the nurses and they came and helped him. This was a major milestone recognizing the sensation, articulating it, getting help and then executing the task.

He is not ready for rehab yet and has a way to go before that but there is concern about him. The staff is encouraging visitors. Stimulation is good for him, the more the better. So everyone is encouraged to visit as you are able. Even if it is once a month it will be of great benefit to him

From Lilashakti and Anantarupa

Friday
When they got to Jatindra's room he had pulled out his feeding tube and was rubbing his head where the surgery was. Apparently the nurses gave him too much freedom of movement and he took advantage. It seemed to have happened in a very short period of time. After the nurses were notified they proceeded to clean him up and change him etc.

The nurses said that he is definately improving. Anantarupa said that he recognized them. He gave Lilashakti a smile, then Anantarupa a frown and when Ramai's name was mentioned another smile so he's gaining more control of his facial expressions :0)

From Ramai:

Thursday
Swaranangii took me to see Jatindra Mohan today. When we arrived she said "Look who's here Jatindra, it's Ramai!" His eyes opened wide and for that brief moment I'm sure he recognized me. I don't know how long that lasted but he did try to sit up in his bed and such. He looked around and moved about nervously. Then he gradually drifted into sleeping. The nurse came in and gave him some kind of juice. Later a man came in and asked me if Jatindra had a helmet and something like an"IV" I pointed to a helmet on the counter top under the television.

During this time I read from Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, His life and precepts by Bhaktivinoda Thakur. How much he heard on this level I don't know but some where I'm sure he was relishing the words of Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Come to think of it how much was I understanding while I was reading? But again on some level we both must have been so happy to be sharing the "Gaura Katha" Soon a social worker came in and asked if he was a normal person before the accident and able to participate in the services at the temple and all. She recognized me as a "Hare Krsna" and is happy to see devotees come.

Soon the man returned to change Jatindra Mohan's clothes so I excused myself and came back to Soquel for the noon arati.

From Rasangi

Monday

Murali Mohan and I went to see Jatindra today and he seemed to light up when he saw Murali. They go way back and are good friends. He is thrashing around and was tethered to the bed for his own safety. Murali read to him out of Reality The Beautiful and preached to the nurses. They were very receptive and one of them said her nephew is a somewhat of a devotee! I'm really glad we went. It is such a wakeup call for all of us. This life is really precious and we have no idea what is coming next for any of us. I am blown away by all of the love and devotion being shown to Jatindra. He is fortunate indeed.
Hari Bol
Rasangi

From Lilashakti Didi and Anantarupa Prabhu:

Jatindra was really really restless today. So much so that his feet kept sliding off the end of the bed. He is so tall that his movements cause him to slip and it's not far until he's off the end. They asked the nurses to lower the bed and he seemed to relax. He did not seem to be in a lot of pain today, but not comfortable. The nurses said that if any of the visitors notice that he needs something to push the nurses call button or go to the nurses station. As per Parvat Maharaj's request they brought a fan for Jatindra and he seemed to enjoy that. He responded to requests to squeeze my hand etc.They are getting him up and walking.

He had several visitors today. They do not seem to be as strict in this ward as far as visiting hours go. If you get there by 8 they don't seem to mind if you stay a little later.

From Kumkum didi

Sunday

I got to see Jatindra Mohan Prabhu this evening for about a half hour. He was sleeping when I went around 6:30 and the nurse said that a while before, she'd given him something to help him relax, because he is so agitated when he's fully conscious that he sweats profusely. About 4 times, he did open his eyes and looked almost at me as I told him who I was, said "Hare Krishna, Srila Gurudev is coming", etc. He didn't acknowledge knowing me at all, but it seemed the reason for that was because of grogginess, like any sleepy person.

The nurse, Alice, also told me that a physical therapist works with him each morning, trying to get him to at least stand with a walker. She thinks that he does get to standing, with full support on each side, but can't say whether he seems aware of what he's doing because she isn't present for the sessions.

I read Chapter 9 of Sri Gita, and felt very grateful for his reminding us of the value and omnipresence of our guardians' mercy.

Encouraging words from Dr Pusta Krishna

A most encouraging report. The devotees visiting him are all very loving and kind, and that is the best medicine anyone can hope for at this point.
Pusta Krishna das

Several reports from Friday and Saturday

Friday July 13
From Jagandananda and Madhumati:

DANDAVATS, we had a good visit with Jatindra Mohan Prabhu and felt very hopeful for his recovery.He seemed very happy and surprised. Divyashakti DiDi was also there and her positive spiritual energy was very enlivening to him as always. She is one of his regular visitors,always trying to give Gurudeva's affection and mercy! He answers some questions with the nodding of his head and the squeezing of his hand. He seemed to understand some of what we were saying because he answered us with his eyebrows, hand squeezes or nodding yes or no some of the time. He was able to hold the Bhagavad-gita for some time in his hand and was looking at it.We read Gita and chanted and he seemed to understand. He seemed frustrated at not being able to talk and when the doctor came in he said the brain injury was in his speech center so his speech is affected, but he did try to talk and form words.The doctor said this was the best he had seen him and was very positive.He asked what we called him ,then the Dr. started to call him Jatindra, and was happy to hear his real name. And said "No wonder he hasn't been responding to me!" The nurse said his prognosis was good. He seemed grateful and cheered by our visit and We are hoping everybody can visit regularly so he feels your love and support, and has some company.
Jagadananda Das and Madhu Mati Devi Dasi

Later that day:
Lilashakti didi and Anantarupa prabhu went in the evening and were happily surprised to see that he was being moved out of ICU. He is now in the main building room M4M 107. That's the main building , 4th floor, room 107.

He is still receiving his blood pressure medicine, a feeding tube through which they are giving him Ensure, a catheter and they have reduced the amount of fluids that he is receiving intravenously.

They stayed until after 10 pm to see him settled in his new room and then went home.

July 14
Well I finally got to go see him today. That hospital is a maze. I think I parked in the farthest possible spot available. I ended up walking past all the back service entrances and finally found a person who directed me through emergency to the main hospital building. I took the wrong elevator and wandered some more and finally found another person who showed me where his room was. Just so you don't make the same mistake I did here's some directions:

Here is how to get to the online map of the hospital campus(the address for the map itself was way too long to copy and paste, half of it got lost when I uploaded it):
Go to
http://www.scvmed.org/portal/site/vmc/
Then
Go to Contact us on the left
Then scroll down to maps and directions click there,
Scroll down until you see campus map. There is an option to download this map if you like underneath it.
Anyway you want to go around the back of the main building park there and go through the lobby. Look for M1 elevator and go to the 4th floor. (Neuro Observation I think) room 107 . Take two rights and ask for room 107.
Please correct me if these instructions are not quite right.

Anyway he was awake when I got there. He seemed to recognize me. He was sweating a lot today and they had just changed his sheets and clothes before I got there to make him more comfortable. He cannot talk yet. They are trying to get him to swallow still but he chokes a little so he is still being fed with a feeding tube. He was very active tried to sit up several times and tried to rip off his restraints but that is why they have him restrained. The nurse gave him something to calm him down and for pain because he was grimacing earlier. I read two chapters of Bhagavad Gita to him. He calmed down and by the time I was finished he was sleeping peacefully.

Swarnangii

From Diksavati

I just had a very good visit with our Jatindra Mohan Prabhu. I had a clown gig in Menlo Park today so I decided since I was all dressed up silly I should pop in for a little tea and biscuits. He was sleeping soundly when I got there, but then a nurse wanted to wake him and try to stimulate his brain. He was awake to some extent and looking at me a lot. I talked to him face to face and very loudly. He did hear me. He cried a few times.(that was hard) I kept encouraging him that he was getting better and that we were all routing for him. I also told him Srila Govinda Maharaj would be coming soon. (I hope) He stared at me alot and even tried to talk, but couldn't. He kept putting his hand up to his head as to say, hey does anyone have a Tylenol. My head is killing me. He is no longer being sedated so I'm sure he's experiencing a lot of pain. He had a few ice chips and even a few spoonfuls of apple sauce. The nurse would put her hand on his throat to feel if he could swallow. She had to tell him to swallow and he did so. Good Sign!

The nurses told me he has a long way to go, but that he is showing some signs of improvement. They're still waiting for his brain to click on. The nurse said he gets frustrated cause he can't talk. But today she asked him to say Hi. He tried, but just a little ugh sound came out. But she said that was good. He found his voice. The nurse said he was up all night looking out the window and fussing with his straps and nose tube. Now they're trying to get him back on a normal sleeping schedule again.

I didn't see a lot of tubes so I asked the nurse. He gets some oxygen and feeding tubes, but he's almost on his own. I read to him from Golden Reflections and he liked that very much. I chanted to him also. The nurses asked me questions about him. Was he working, what did he do at the temple, how did he maintain himself, etc. I just told her I didn't know so much of those things, but that he was very loved at our temple. I think less is better. I felt very happy to see our old friend again and I feel very hopeful that he will be back to his funny, kidding and dedicated self.
Jatendra Mohan prabhu, Ki Jai!!!!!

From Divyashakti didi and Parvat Maharaj

Yesterday, Divyashakti didi went around 1 pm. He was awake and very active. She held his hand and told him to squeeze it if he recognized her. He squeezed hard but she's not sure if he just wanted to do that or he actually recognized her.

She noticed his head was throbbing which concerned her so she asked the nurse who said that they actually had to remove part of his skull to allow for the swelling in the brain, the removed portion is refrigerated and will be replaced at some future time.

She read the tenth chapter of Srimad Bhagavad Gita and sang Yasomati Nandana. She stayed for about an hour, singing, reading and giving as much comfort as she could.

Parvat Maharaj went to visit him around 4 pm but Jatindra was worn out and sleeping so Maharaj was asked not to disturb his rest.

Jivana didi also went around 8pm and read Chapters 8 and 9 Bhagavad Gita

From Madhumati didi and her son Ramananda prabhu:

The biggest change is they removed the intubation tube and he is now on a cpap machine which lets him breathe for himself and if he stops the machine kicks in to help. They have two tubes inserted through his nose and they shoot air if needed.
He is mostly breathing on his own.

He was awake and moving , listening and very active. They have him restrained because he is so active they are afraid he'll fall out of bed. He would follow their voices as they moved around the room or read two chapters of Bhagavad Gita. He had a puzzled look on his face and we can only guess what he is thinking. He doesn't yet respond to commands so well, although he was very antsy and the nurse told him to relax and he did.

If he continues to breathe on his own they will reduce his sedation medication, they do not know how long that will take.

His temperature was elevated slightly but no fever.

From Lynn, his sister

I just called the hospital and the nurse told me that John is no longer heavily medicated. He still does not respond to commands. His fever is erratic. I asked if there was an infection, but she didn't know.

From Anantarupa prabhu and Lilashakti didi:

All Glories to Sri Sri Guru & Gauranga!


Ananta Rupa and I visited with Jatindra last night. When we arrived
they were busy "cleaning him up" and asked us to come back in about 15
minutes. We spoke at great length to Rachid who was on duty. He
explained the milestones they are looking for in a neurological
recovery.

The first thing they look for is involuntary movement - Jatindra has
been displaying this for some time.

Next they look for response to stimulus (usually pain) - Jatindra does
not like to have his nail beds pinched hard! This also includes some
voluntary movement.

Next they look for tracking - responding to sounds by turning his head
and opening his eyes - Wow! last night we called his name loudly and he
opened his eyes and actually LOOKED at us! His eyes were focusing. He
also looked around the room with a very puzzled expression. We
explained where he was. When we moved to the right side of the bed and
called his name - he purposefully turned his head towards us and opened
his eyes again. Rachid explained that it was good for visitors to move
from one side of the bed to the other to help stimulate the tracking.
He also said it was good to ask Jatindra questions - even though he
cannot answer while still intubated. He said this will help the brain
start "digging" through the memory to search for information.

Next they look for response to commands. So far Jatindra has displayed
his stubborn streak and does not respond much. Rachid seems optimistic
about his progress - it is still very early in his recovery. When you
visit, you can ask him to move his arm or wiggle his toes.

Rachid also mentioned that they do not disturb Jatindra's "rest" to
check his responses or vital signs. They will wait until he seems a
little restless and moving around. This allows him to get the rest he
needs. He did say when visiting it is okay to talk, chant or read even
if he seems asleep, but it is best to try to engage him in responses
when he is a little active.

He is still being given CPAP - constant positive air pressure - to help
his lungs work properly and prevent fluid build up. Once he starts to
respond to commands, they will discuss extubation.

They do have him restrained, both arms, legs and a chest strap - mostly
for his safety - and to prevent him from pulling on any tubes.

It was a very encouraging visit and we stayed until 8:45 (because we
had to wait to get in to see him:) We also read Chapter 5 from the
Bhagavad Gita.

From Sanatani

Called this morning. His temperature is a bit elevated but not a fever, they took away the ice blanket. The chest tube is out, but he is still on the ventilator. Otherwise there is still some movement much the same in that area.

From Lilashakti did and Anantarupa prabhu:

Sunday afternoon
Fever is back, they are watching it carefully and have him on an ice blanket. Kind of like a huge gel pack that they can control the temperature. They have removed the bandages around his head and one more tube has been removed. The chest tube is still in place but they are not using it . He is still intubated and they would like to remove it but they do not see when that will happen however.
He is still twitching and opening his eyes sporadically but not responsively.
The nurses really encourage visitors. They even said that we can talk or read a little louder now. It is really good for him and they are really happy when people come.

From Sanatani:

Saturday am
Not really any change. He is still moving sporadically but not on command.
His fever is still gone and that is good news.
His sedation is still the same level, half of what is was in the beginning and his lungs are the same.

From Sanatani:

2pm
Small news. His fever is gone, no ice or fan. Sedation is the same and all other conditions are the same.

From Ananta Rupa prabhu , Lilashakti didi and Devapriya didi :

They inserted a filter in the vena cava (the chest cavity.) Blood from the legs goes to the lungs to be re-oxygenated; this filter is to prevent any clots that may develop in the legs due to his immobility, from reaching the lungs, heart or brain.

There is still a tube in his chest that was used to inflate his lung but they are no longer using it to remove fluid from his lung.

He is still intubated and they want to remove it soon but they need to test and see if he can still breathe on his own.

He seemed agitated and was moving a lot. He still moves his left arm and leg. He can move his right side but doesn't and they don't know why. The nurse pinched him on his right hand and he definitely reacted. They are restraining him because he keeps trying to rip out his tubes.

He has a 102 fever and they have ice bags around him to cool him. He doesn't seem to like that and that may be why he was so active, he may have been trying to move away from the ice. The nurse said that his fever had gone down though. They do not know what is causing the fever.

He is still sedated but not as heavily. He opens his eyes but doesn't focus them although he is reactive. They are keeping him sedated to keep the inter cranial pressure down, allowing the brain to heal. They want the brain to stay relaxed.

They are really happy that people are visiting him. They say that reading or talking is really good for him. Just not to over stimulate him. He can hear and some movement is a reaction to who is around him. He is taking drugs that will prevent him from remembering these visits though.

From Sanatani:

Just got off the phone with the nurse. There is no change but he continues to open his eyes at random times and lift his left hand. He doesn't track with his eyes but opens them at his own will.
His blood pressure remains stable and that is a very good sign.

more from Santani and Swarnangii

From Sanatani:
He is continuing to move areas of one side and they are very happy about this, good news!
The neurosurgeon is considering taking one of the brain catheters out soon,his swelling gets measured and not yet but soon they feel they can take one out, more good news.
In the last 48 hours they have seen visible improvements. The MRI was also to check his cervical spine area (the top of the spine to the neck) and although he has a neck brace on, they felt the MRI was good news.

From Swarnangii:
I talked to Officer Valdez, who filed the accident report. He said that there were no witnesses and no signs of another vehicle being involved. He did notice a dip beside the road and a scrape on the pavement which matched a scratch on the pedal of his bike. He thinks that he might have gone through that dip and his pedal hit the pavement and that caused him to fall.

From Sanatani

Just called and there is no change. He is completely off blood pressure medicine though and holding. Still classified as "critically stable".

Note from Pusta Krishna prabhu

Encouraging sign, to raise left hand. 
Right side of brain controls left side of body. 
Hare Krishna.
                                                                  
                            Pusta Krishna das

From Ramai prabhu

Dandavat pranams
This evening (Saturday) when Parvat Maharaja and I visited him, Jatindra opened his eyes, it's doubtful he saw us, and also raised his LEFT hand. The nurse said that was a very good sign since he hadn't done any of those things yet. We were only there fifteen or twenty minutes but he opened his eyes several times and at least twice raised his LEFT hand.

Saturday

Jatindra had an MRI last night and although we haven't heard the results yet we have been told that the news is not life threatening and did not cause more worry to the Dr.
They were able to conclude that the damage to the aorta was a pre-exisiting congenital condition and did not cause the fall. He has a sister with the very same condition. They are not worried about the heart now and they have cut his meds by half and there has been no spike in his blood pressure and he is holding strong. They are worried about the brain now. It is a very good sign that they could lower his meds and they are carefully monitoring it trying to find the balance between the medicated coma and the pain.
There is no skull fracture although we have been told that the skull is very hard to crack, but the brain is not. The impact caused the artery in the brain to tear, and the artery pumps a lot of blood at a fast pace to the organs so it was very serious when it tore.
The punctured lung will heal by itself and while he is sedated they have him hooked up to a breathing machine which will aid the lung to heal.

We still have no idea what caused his fall. There are many many many theories out there, but there is no evidence to prove any of them. The bike is fine and no skid marks or witnesses. He was still straddling the bike holding on to the handle bars when Adi Kesava first saw him, laying on the side of the road.

Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes.
Swarnangii

recap

Recap:
Jatindra fell from his bicycle Wednesday June27 around 1 pm and injured his head. He was airlifted to San Jose Valley Medical Center Trauma unit. He underwent about 8 hours of brain surgery to repair a torn vein and artery in his head and it was also found out that he has some damage to the right side of his aorta and a broken clavicle, rib and scapula. His right lung collapsed and they re-inflated it with a tube which has since been removed. He was heavily sedated but as he stabilizes they are lessening the medication to see the extent of the damage. They expected him to be in a medical coma however for anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months depending on his condition. He was in critical condition and they expected him to remain in the ICU for a week or two. As of July 13 he has been move to After care Neurology in the main hospital building. His medication has been drastically reduced and he is showing good signs of improvement. The doctors are very encouraged with his recovery progress and although he has distance to travel yet things are looking very hopeful.

Calling/email updates:
Also the nurses have asked that not everyone call the hospital to inquire about his condition as it distracts from his care. Sanatani and Lilasakti are the official callers and I will send out the emails. This is why we have started this blog/and email updates, so if you know someone who would like to receive an update please email me their address.the blog and the emails contain the same information.

Visiting:
Please visit but we ask that you read the following:
His name is John Ackerman
He is in Valley Medical Center at 751 S. Bascom Avenue San Jose. His room number is M4M 107. That's the Main Hospital Building 4th floor room 107.
The hospital has regular visiting hours:
10-2
4-8 p.m.
Only two people at a time and No one under 14.
They are very happy for him to have visitors and he is responding well to the affection and attention. Go and read to him, talk or chant give him your encouragement and support.
Park around the back of the main building, go through the lobby and find elevator M1, go to the 4th floor and turn right and ask for room 107.

If you do visit and receive any information that we can share with this blog and the email updates please let me know.