[pct-l] Fwd: [Off-Topic] Marge (Old Gal) Breaks Left Leg

[Brick Robbins]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Carl Prothman <carl at prothman.org>
Date: Nov 4, 2006 9:41 AM
Subject: [Off-Topic] Marge (Old Gal) Breaks Left Leg
To: pct-l-owner at backcountry.net


I know Marge (Old Gal) has posted several times on this list and is
known in the PCT community. So I thought I share some news about her
while she was trekking over in Nepal. Marge broke her left femur and
cracked her right pelvis while walking on a road in Pokhara, Nepal.
She was hit by a car which ran over her left leg. Please keep her in
your prayers.

The current plan is to try to fly her back to the US via Bangkok on
Nov 8, 2006. And then have the surgery. She is currently at the
Medicare Hospital in Katmandu.


Thanks,
Carl Prothman (Marge's son)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------From:
Carol Brown [Marge's daughter]
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 11:41 PM
Subject: Marge at "Medicare Hospital" Friday afternoon

We arrived at the Medicare hospital and met with Dr. Pandey.  he is
wonderful.  said all the right things.  he is x-raying mom right now.
Met us at the emergency room.  Wants to consult with his colleague in
the States (the one that Dr. Winquist contacted first) about whether
or not to transport her to the states or do operation  here.  But he
will give us options.  I can't tell you how reassuring this all is.
The transport actually went fairly smoothly all things considered.
They were fueling the plane while mom was being unloaded at the
airport, just in time for a Sikorski helicopter to taxi buy spreading
rotor wash everywhere.  But hey.  Gotta stay flexible. Ambulances here
are just small jeeps with red crosses painted on them and bad drivers.
 No EMTs.   Much to tell you about today's transport.  But it gives me
hope because overall, Mom did good.  One thing I've been thinking
about - if we do transport her, she will need a paramedic who can
administer pain medication (prescription) for that length of journey.
So start thinking about all of Greg's friends who could be shipped
over here to fly back with her.  just an option to consider.  And
again, we'll hear from Dr. Pandey and make an informed decision.  If
we do the surgery here, plan on her being here about 8 weeks. (Think
how long it took Greg to get up and going after surgery.)   That's all
for now.  Must check to see if X-rays are complete and mom is moved to
a room yet.
love,  Carol

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: RAJARAM pai
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 9:07 AM
Subject: Re: Marge Prothman - broken left femur

We have taken all precautions to prevent such complication with
available medicines at our center, she also had signs of prerenal(
kidney) failure which we have managed effectively.. thanks for the
information given to us.. she is at a higher risk of clot related
problem now because bid ridden now for the last 3 days, and going to
have a high altitude air journey.. we pray for  her  safe journey and
speedy recovery  thanks for giving us valuable information ..
Dr. R. Pai



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------From:
Carol Brown
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 6:53 AM
Subject: Marge transferring to "Medicare Hospital" in Kathmandu

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I contacted Dr. Chakari
Pandy at home.  He is the orthopedic surgeon that comes most highly
recommended.
 He is currently working out of Medicare Hospital in Katmandu. (The
term Medicare has no relationship to what we know of Medicare in the
U.S.  Just a
coincidence.)

Dr. Pandy's cell phone number is different than what Kathie had sent
us. He instantly agreed to take Mom as a patient.  We should get mom
installed at the Medicare Hospital by about 2pm tomorrow, Friday, Nov.
3. (Remember, we are a day ahead of the U.S. - about 11 1/2 hours
ahead of Seattle.)

I feel good to have this plan - good to have a recommendation.  We'll
see how the actual transfer goes.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------From:
Francis Gilbert
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 7:21 AM
Subject: Your mother's accident and health




Mr. Prothman, am a US citizen traveling in Nepal. I was with your
mother at the time of the accident in which she suffered a broken left
femur and a cracked right pelvis. I spoke with her about 3h ago, and
she is stable. Several people here, including the manager of the
Fairmount Hotel where she was staying, one of the employees of Peter
Owens Trekking (your mother's trekking agent), and the couple who own
the car involved in the accident, are working to get your mother
transferred to Katmandu from here in Pokhara. The problem now is that
it is high season, and getting a commercial plane reservation is very
difficult on short notice. Crystal Mountain Tours is trying to get
something in 2-3d, but we don't know what the doctors will say about
leaving your mother untreated for that time. We will talk to them in
the morning to get their opinions.

I understand that you are making plans to come to Nepal. I think that
would be best. I will be leaving here Friday a.m., returning to KTM.
Others will be here, but it really would be best if a family member
could oversee arrangements for travel back to the States. Given your
mother's complicated insurance situation, I suspect that is going to
take either some bureaucratic pushing, or some money--perhaps both.

Your mother asked that your forward this email to your sister. Also,
if you could give me some idea of what your plans are, I could let the
others who will be managing here know what to expect.

You can reply to me at this address. It is 9:00 p.m. in Nepal, and I
am ready for a bath and bed. However, if you should wish to call, do
not hesitate to have the staff awaken me.

I am writing this from the Fairmount Hotel, Pokhara, Nepal.




-- 
Brick Robbins
brick at fastpack.com