August 16th Health Update
Since last update a new theory has emergerged to explain the deteriortion in energy level and ability which we have seen in Tristan in the past three months: Tristan has a condition called POST-TRAUMATIC HYDROCEPHALUS. We can see it on his CT Scans.
Hydrocephalus is a blockage of the VENTRICLES, open spaces in the brain, which causes poor circuation of CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) in the head.
The internet is full of scary things about the dangers of hydrocephalus, mostly as it relates to hydrocephalus causing increased pressure on the brain, which is a condition we’ve taken measures to prevent.
The good news about the hydrocphalus is that it should have caused no additional permanent damage to Tristan’s brain, although the doctors are unwilling to promise us that after treatment Tristan will just bounce back to his old improved condition from before onset.
In Tristan’s case, treatment of the hydrocephalus is a two step process: first a CRANIOPLASTY to restore functionality to Tristan’s skull, followed by a permanent internal SHUNT which will drain CSF from Tristan’s head to the lining of his abdominal cavity for the rest of his life.
On MONDAY AUGUST 10, Tristan underwent Step One of the process, the cranioplasty. During the cranioplasty, plastic moldings were fused with Tristan’s existing skull. Though the cranioplasty involved neuro-surgeons, they did not touch Tristan’s brain.
The cranioplasty was a large and intensive surgical procedure which took several hours. Since Monday evening, Tristan has been recovering in the Neuro-Surgical ward of Tel Hashomer Hospital. He is recovering slowly but steadily. He has suffered no complications.
In the coming days Tristan will be treated with Step 2, the internal shunt. The shunt is a much more minor procedure.
Both the cranioplasty and the shunt carry significant risk of infection. In the coming weeks we will be watching Tristan very closely for any signs that things could be going awry.
So far, so good.
**In other good news, Tristan has not visibly leaked CSF in several weeks. It seems that Tristan’s body may have repaired the CSF LEAK itself, which is excellent.
What, if anything, has the United States State Department (Secy Clinton) and/or President Obama said about the attack which led to this update?
I understand this is about Tristan’s health and recovery. But, seriously, those of us who have been there since Day One and before really want some answers. Anyone?
Always in my prayers…Tristan Anderson, Rachel Corrie and the tens of thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives or been crippled and maimed by Occupying Forces.
Spanish High Court offers “universal judgement on Genocide”. Israels former Foreign minister Ezechial (?) was condemned for an air attack in 2001 with a 1000kg bomb(”daizy cutter”) on the gaza residence of a suspected Hamas leader. 12 family members died.
As long as US Courts are still unable to judge war crimes and torture (like Gitmo)it deems useful to denounce these cases in Spain (Judge Garzon, who put Pinochet to jail. Obama admin also still rejects US participation to the ICC (Inntl Criminal Court).
Willy
PS in medical terms (im trauma surgeon) Tristans state of health looks quite well.
Hey,
Are there any updates on Tris’ health? Having hung out with him a few times I still feel pretty shocked about what the idf did to him. Get well Tris, solidarity.
Also, maybe you could delete manuel’s message?
Hey,
Any updates on Tristan’s health would be much appreciated. Those who keep the fight going in Occupied Palestine would appreciate an update.
Much love Tristan, and Solidarity!