My dad was in a bad car accident a few days ago and he's still in the hospital. The doctors say he's stable but he's in a...coma. Which I don't even understand because how can he be stable if he's in a coma?
Well I'm supposed to be moving out in like, 10 days because I'm starting college and I'm moving 4 hours away. The thing is though, I don't want to leave my mom and my sister if my dad isn't conscious by then. I don't know what to do because I'm so scared about my dad and I don't want to leave.
Classes don't start until the 30th but move in day is in 10 days. I don't have to move in by moving day but I know I have to be there by the first day of classes. I don't even know if I'm going to be able to pay attention during class knowing that my dad is in the hospital. I just don't know what to do, I'm so confused.
The other columnists have quite clearly covered how he can be stable yet still be in a coma, I won't repeat what they've said.
You should, as another columnist also advised, call the University and explain the situation and find out what all your options are. You can't make a good decision without knowing all the options.
You're likely right that you're going to have a hard time concentrating on classes while you're worried about your Father and your family.
But the question you should perhaps be asking yourself is, what would your *father* want you to do? Would he want you to put your education on hold so you can hold his hand?
With the wonders of modern technology, you're always only a phone call or a text message away from your loved ones. If there's any change in his condition, you can find out nearly immediately.
When I was in the middle of Paramedic school, my own father was hospitalized and actually very near death after two abdominal surgeries. It was very rough, and my school made some allowances for me, but I carried on because I knew my Dad would want me to. And besides, there wasn't much for me to do sitting by his bedside anyway.
So it comes down to knowing yourself and doing what is best for you and your family.
I trust you to make the decision that is right for you.
Blue421 answered Tuesday August 15 2006, 1:06 pm: Being stable in a coma just means that his health isnt going downhill.
As for leaving...I would say go ahead and go to college. Just ask your mom to fill you in every day. If something bad were to happen, you can always go home to be with them.
Igotamonopoly answered Monday August 14 2006, 9:51 pm: He can be in stable condition, which means that his health is not getting better or worse, but he is still in a coma.
heatherniffer answered Monday August 14 2006, 9:49 pm: wow that is a tough situation. i think that being stable while in a coma means that all his vital signs arfe in check hes just asleep. a coma is your brain's way of healing itself. you could move in all of your stuff now and then go back home so you wont have to worry about moving in and can stay until the last possible day to go back.
its such a blessing that you have your best friend as a roommate though.
DancinCutie08 answered Monday August 14 2006, 9:43 pm: That is a tough one because really you can't afford to miss either one. Even when he is in a coma he can still be in a coma.. it just means all of his organs are functioning and besides the coma he is fine. What i would do is go to school but stay on call and have a bag to go home or something incase he gets worse. if he is in stable condition he has a good chance of being alright and its not worth missing college unless things get worse
Chances are something will happen either better or worse within theose 10 days but for all you know he could be in a coma for the next 30 years. just pray for him and spend time with him while you are here
LadyJade answered Monday August 14 2006, 8:52 pm: This is tough. If you don't get there by the first day of classes you miss out ... but on the flipside-if you go any way you won't be able to cocentrate knowing that the people you love need you.
I think family comes first and you should really try to be there for your dad, your mom and sister. Maybe you could push back your college date 'cause you'd probably be off to a bad start-you'd be there physically but your heart & mind would be at home.
Razhie answered Monday August 14 2006, 8:47 pm: Call your college and explain your situation to the registers office, ask what you can do and what you need to do to make it work.
Colleges aren't huge evil corporations, they actually want you to learn and succeed. They have people on pay roll whose job it is to help students who find themselves in terrible situations like you are.
Stay at home and focus on your family if you feel that is what you need to do. Your college will understand. When you call them, ask about deadlines for changing your mind, dropping courses, how many classes you are allowed to miss, getting contact and information from your teachers, and anything else you can think of that you will need to know. You don't have to commit to anything right now, but find out the details and write them down. That will help you make your decision when the time comes, but for the next few weeks just be there for your family. [ Razhie's advice column | Ask Razhie A Question ]
LM answered Monday August 14 2006, 8:34 pm: Someone can be stable and in a coma because comas are sometimes part of recovery. Lots of times, they're even induced my the doctor so that you're not in pain as your body heals.
As for college, you don't have to move in right away. See how your dad is a few days before college starts. Chances are really good he'll be very improved by then. If you're not quite ready to leave your mother and sister, call the college and ask if there's any possible way you delay your starting time by a couple of weeks. I'm sure they'd understand.
duudee_advicer answered Monday August 14 2006, 8:30 pm: Oh my gosh, I'm absolutley so sorry to hear that.
Heres what I have to say about it.
Stay with your family, thats whats most important. Try calling your college administator and filling him/her in. They might also want you to let your roommate, or dorm adviser in on about you waiting to move in.
Just be there with your family, it'll make everyone feel alot better. In the meantime, stay close to your sister, mom, and friends. Praying can help if your the religious sort. Don't try to occupy your mind with TOO MUCH work, that would end up in a break down. <3 [ duudee_advicer's advice column | Ask duudee_advicer A Question ]
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