Welcome to Jim Katzenstein's CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family, friends, and colleagues updated in one place, and to create a space where people can share thoughts/prayers/photos/jokes/etc. It will be updated by Grace, Todd, Wenny, Jessy, Angie, and Zak. Hopefully you'll contribute as well!
WHAT HAPPENED TO JIM? On Saturday, August 28, Jim was in an accident while riding his brand new bicycle. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and shattered his hip. A police officer arrived on the scene and called an ambulance, who brought him to the nearest hospital. He was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), where he has since remained unconscious and essentially non-responsive.
HOW'S HE DOING? As of September 3, we are expecting Jim to regain consciousness once his brain bleeds subside (think of these as bruises: they spread out a bit before they dissipate and the blood is reabsorbed), which my take a few days or—more likely—several weeks. Only then will the orthopedics team look begin to address his hip fractures. Once he's awake, the rehab will begin, and it may take many months.
WILL HE GET BETTER? WHEN? A full recovery is uncertain: the neurologist is optimistic and expects Jim to wake up and become more alert. However, he tempered our expectations, saying that there is a high probability of permanent personality change. There's no way to predict that, though. First we need the bleeds to subside and for Jim to wake up. Then we need him to regain physical strength, and fix (or replace) his hip. It'll be a long road, and though Jim may be relocated to other facilities, he may not be home for some time.
WHAT CAN I DO? The easiest thing to do is use this site to post your well wishes, prayers, favorite readings, photos, and thoughts for Jim. We'll read them aloud to him until he's able to read them himself (except for photos ... those are hard to read aloud).
Maybe instead of memories, you can share with Jim your plans for the future. Do you want to go on a bike trip through Tuscany with him? What will that be like? Will you accompany him on a trip to Ethiopia or Cameroon or elsewhere? Tell Jim what he should look forward to.
SHOULD I CALL OR VISIT? If you would like to visit Jim, please coordinate with Grace or Todd. Be aware that the ICU only allows two visitors at a time, and they are quite strict about that. They also require masks and proof of vaccination upon entry, and they don't mess around.
—If you want to talk to Jim, or read (or sing) him something, same thing applies: coordinate with Grace or Todd. Jim isn't awake and responding, but your voice can help. —If you want to check in on Grace or Todd, great! But if you just want an update, please do check here first.
We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
