Posted on 07/24/2006 2:03:53 AM PDT by West Coast Conservative
Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's medical condition has deteriorated over the past few days. His kidney function has declined, causing fluid to accumulate in his body, and he may soon be permanently hooked up to a dialysis machine that will regulate this situation. Medical examinations have also showed changes in Sharon's brain tissue, and his doctors fear that he may be harboring an infection.
According to a senior physician, whose assessment is based on the information released on Sunday by Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer: "Sharon is facing a serious threat to his life, and if he is not treated with kidney dialysis he could die within several days."
In May, the former prime minister was moved to Sheba's respiratory rehabilitation unit, after being hospitalized at Hadassah University Hospital, Ein Karem in Jerusalem since his massive stroke on January 4. At Hadassah, Sharon underwent several very complex operations. He has not regained consciousness since the stroke, and is breathing with the aid of a respirator.
Senior rehabilitative physicians who are not involved in Sharon's treatment have described his condition as vegetative, and say the likelihood of an improvement in his condition is almost nil.
"The doctors are continuing tests in order to diagnose the changes which have taken place in Sharon's body and to administer the appropriate treatment," sources at Sheba said on Sunday. They added that his family receives frequent and complete updates on his condition and maintains a constant bedside vigil.
A senior medical expert told Haaretz Sunday that the kidney malfunction may be responsible for the changes noted in Sharon's brain tissue.
He said the kidney problems could be caused by an infection, by medication, by cardiac insufficiency or by a fluid imbalance in the body.
(Excerpt) Read more at haaretz.com ...
So sad... what a great warrior. My prayers are with you and Israel, Mr. Sharon.
That's exactly what I thought after only having read the title.
A tragedy on all counts. Israel needs all her warriors now.
True, but would Sharon be up to the job of defending Israel if he were conscious? Before he became prime minister, it seemed that he could--and would--do just about anything for that cause, but after the 2001 election, he started implementing the land-for-peace policy he had denounced previously. And we probably wouldn't have the southern front in today's war if he hadn't pulled out of Gaza. To me he seemed like the latest example of the Peter Principle in action.
'breathing with the aid of a respirator'
Poor reporting. A ventilator is the proper term, as well as nothing 'breathes' for you. Secondly the word 'stroke' describes nothing. Did he have a CVA or ICB, or both ?
Let the poor man meet his maker. He has served the living as best and as long as he could. Give him peace.
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