×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Update on expat Ben Vaughn

14 years ago
Hi all, Rod´s have trouble posting:

Hello Friends and Family,

Can you believe it's just over two weeks since that dreadful night? Everything was a bit fuzzy that first week, but we all seem to be pulling out of the mental/emotional funk. He continues to get stronger... walking unassisted (albeit slowly) and talking softly now that the tracheotomy is out. Swallowing is by far the most challenging thing right now, and we're concerned he's not taking in enough fluids (read- calories, nutrients and hydration). Also, the phlem from the chest cold he caught that first week in ICU is still clearing which makes the whole process all the more difficult. The good news is he should be done with the antibiotics tomorrow (Friday). I don't have an update on the eye specialist, but I will let you know just as soon as he examines him.

Most importantly, I want to convey to everyone how much Ben is really, really trying. If you could see how difficult the simple things we take for granted are for him right now (i.e., swallowing), yet he continues to try and succeed, try and succeed... it's truly inspiring.

A generous friend of Ben's cousin has offered us a quiet place to stay for a month, and it's about a 5 minute drive from the hospital. Nat is still sleeping at the hospital, and we spell her during the day. She even managed to take a nice long and deserved nap today. I'm hoping this pattern keeps up, as it's super important that Nat gets refreshed. We still don't know when they will release Ben from the hospital... I told her, "when he eats a whole bowl of soup, then we'll discuss leaving the hospital." She laughed.

So... our beloved friend is improving along a winding and inspiring road to recovery. Until next time,


Rod Martin
For updates and to help:
http://www.helpbenvaughn.blogspot.com/

SJB Global
SJB Global

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Costa Rica GuideLiving in Costa Rica Guide

Our Living in Costa Rica Guide is a primer on everything about living in Costa Rica: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, and more.

Costa Rica Forum Costa Rica Forum
Join our Costa Rica forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Costa Rica.

Contribute to Costa Rica Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Best Places to Live in Costa Rica Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

If you're dreaming about living in Costa Rica, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Costa Rica in 2023.

Healthcare in Costa RicaHealthcare in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has both public and private healthcare systems. When you become a resident, you must enroll in the public healthcare system (CAJA). Many expats use the public system for routine healthcare and have private expat health insurance for specialists, surgeries and emergencies.

Cost of Living in Costa RicaCost of Living in Costa Rica

If you're moving to Costa Rica, you'll want to understand the cost of living in Costa Rica. Lifestyle, location and health insurance are part of the formula.

Moving to Costa RicaMoving to Costa Rica Guide

Moving to Costa Rica has become more popular among expats. Making this choice requires a lot of research to ensure the expat experience you hope for will be realized.

Real Estate in Costa RicaReal Estate in Costa Rica

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Costa Rica.

Pros Cons of Living in Costa RicaPros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Costa Rica.

Retiring in Costa RicaRetiring in Costa Rica

Advice for people retiring in Costa Rica.

Visa and Residency Costa RicaCosta Rica Visa & Residency Guide

Applying for residency in Costa Rica can be a daunting process. Which type of residency is right for me? Do I need an attorney? Do I have to leave the country every 90 days? What is a cedula? This article answers these and many other questions.

10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica

If you've recently arrived in Costa Rica, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Costa Rica.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Costa Rica Network Contribute
Help others in Costa Rica by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

SJB Global
SJB Global

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides