Thomas Peters is a leading pro-life blogger and activist with Catholic Vote and is well known on Twitter for his pro-life advocacy. Two weeks ago, the pro-life word learned that he had been critically injured.
“Thomas was involved in an accident yesterday evening and has sustained major injuries. He is awake, responsive, and in stable but critical condition. Family and friends are with him,” CatholicVote said at the time.
Edward Peters, Thomas Peters’ father and a Catholic canon lawyer, said then: “Thomas Peters was seriously hurt in a swimming accident Tuesday evening. He has a fractured vertebra in his neck. His wife and mother are with him as he is undergoing tests. Prayers are requested. Thom can move his arms, docs are discussing the best treatment for his neck injury. Immediate concern is for the considerable water in his lungs. We are astounded at the expressions of prayers and support.”
Now, thanks to his wife, Thomas has sent two updates via Twitter about his condition, saying he appreciated the prayers and that his wife had to type the Tweets because he is still unable to use his hands.
Two weeks ago I suffered a life threatening accident. Thank you for the miraculous outpouring of prayers and support: https://t.co/NWcuj6jywn
— Thomas Peters (@AmericanPapist) July 30, 2013
And no, I have not yet recovered the use of my hands. These tweets are being transcribed by my beloved wife: https://t.co/NWcuj6jywn
— Thomas Peters (@AmericanPapist) July 30, 2013
“Peters, injured in a swimming accident, is in critical but stable condition. He has a fracture in his 5th cervical vertebra. He has had a HALO installed, and physical therapy begins as soon as possible,” his recovery web site explains.
The latest update on Thomas appears below:
Thomas’ fever continues. He has redness, soreness, and what feels like fluid under his skin at his trach which indicated possible infection. They began antibiotics first thing in the morning and a topical treatment to help bring down the swelling. Around 6:30pm he had a CATscan with contrast which confirmed infection. This infection explains Thom’s fever and the feeling of exhaustion he has had over the last few days.
Because Thomas was so tired today, and trach so sore, the respiratory team thought he should take a day off and not have his scheduled time off the ventilator. He did sit in his chair for 4.5 hours and loved it!
His friend Fr. Joseph came again (he was here last Sunday) and anointed him with Padre Pio holy oil and relic while we prayed Divine Mercy. Later a priest from their parish, Fr. Greg, came and said Mass in Thomas’ room, which was fantastic!
During the CATscan the doctors noticed that it appeared Thomas’ vertebrae had shifted. Around midnight he had a MRI to further investigate stability and the effects of the HALO. The MRI showed that indeed his C5 fractured vertebrae is being further crushed and isn’t strong enough to fuse itself (which is the reason they had opted for HALO). It looks like surgery will be necessary and options are, once again, being discussed. No operation can take place until the infection at the trach heals. In the meantime, the C5 vertebrae and his spine are stable and emergency surgery is not necessary.
While options are being discussed, we ask you to continue to pray for Natalie, Thom, their families and all those who have to make challenging medical decisions! Also, join the prayer group on facebook for daily prayers and reminders.