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[Patty G]

When I first hit the case, we were split 50/50 on whether or not the cataracts were related to lying with his eyes open after the assault. It would be extremely unusual to say the least.

IIRC, cataracts of that type are usually formed over time due to exposure to water and sunlight or perhaps snow reflection and sun light. They can be accelerated by alcohol or drug abuse. The last time BK and I had a discussion regarding this he indicated he had spoken to a physician who said it was possible for them to have formed quickly. Everyone we contacted in the medical field regarding this, and mind you they did not have him in front of him, did not believe it was possible.

My working theory has always been that he could not recognize himself because his field of vision had been closing down for years-so combined with the amnesia it created more confusion...this is just my opinion, mind you and I am not a medical professional.

I'm wondering if he was on "predisone" for any length of time as this may have caused his cataracts too!

 

[believe09]

I'm wondering if he was on "predisone" for any length of time as this may have caused his cataracts too!

BA-BOOM-great theory!!!!!!! He seemed to me by the descriptions of his weight (no disrespect, Mr. Kyle) at the time of his injury to be a bit bloated...you are an out of the box thinker.

Hey folks-if you get a chance to get onto the Message Boards over at the Dr. Phil show, there is a TON of stuff being posted there, from proposed ID's to suggestions. Most of the proposed matches have been looked at I think, but not all and it would be awesome to assist in vetting what is being posted...I did contact the FBI to see if they wanted help sifting through it and I will let you guys know what I hear back from them.

 

[Patty G]

Do you know if it is normal for a 50-60 year old to develop them? And also how long it takes them to get to the point of them being blinding if not removed?

My brother at the age of 55 had to have cataract surgery do to la ong period of time on Predisone. My brother was on Predisone for well over 15 years.

 

[believe09]

My brother at the age of 55 had to have cataract surgery do to la ong period of time on Predisone. My brother was on Predisone for well over 15 years.

Just spoke with NB-in her opinion long term prednisone use would have shown through blood sugar issues, and BK has none of that.

 

[BeavisMom62]

Just going to pop in here. Will go back and read all the posts but something just occurred to me that I can't believe I hadn't thought of before and I haven't seen mentioned. He said he wanted to see the "coast" or the "beach". I used to live in Savannah and if IRC, the closest beach was Tybee Island. Which is quite a little ways from Richmond Hill but FROM Richmond Hill, Tybee Island would be where you would go to the beach. I was in a horrific car accident on Tybee Island when I was in the army. Hit head on at 60 MPH by a drunk woman with children in her car. I was hospitalized for six weeks with broken bones, etc. Anyway, maybe someone with map skills can post a map showing Richmond Hill to Tybee Island. And has anyone been questioned at Tybee Island to see if he was ever there? (RIP Tybee)
http://www.mapquest.com/mq/8-GDHEI_Ohzm7ekmA3VEGB

Not sure how valuable this is, but its more information.

 

[BeavisMom62]

eek, I don't dare ask the cost but I sure hope it didn't total near the $800 figure the hospital wants for his medical records.

That is an incredible amount of money for medical records. Copying medical records is part of my job as a neurologic assistant. and while I realize that the charges are different from state to state, here in FL we charge $1.00 per page for the first 25 pages, then .25 per page thereafter. Using FL formula, that means he would have had 3125 pages of medical records! (If my math is correct). How long was he in the hospital?

 

[believe09]

That is an incredible amount of money for medical records. Copying medical records is part of my job as a neurologic assistant. and while I realize that the charges are different from state to state, here in FL we charge $1.00 per page for the first 25 pages, then .25 per page thereafter. Using FL formula, that means he would have had 3125 pages of medical records! (If my math is correct). How long was he in the hospital?

I was just told recently that a donor took care of the fee...hmmmm...

 

[BeavisMom62]

I was just told recently that a donor took care of the fee...hmmmm...

Yippee! That is good news! :clap:

 

[Patty G]

Just spoke with NB-in her opinion long term prednisone use would have shown through blood sugar issues, and BK has none of that.

Risks of Prednisone
While it is unclear if doses of prednisone of 3 mg or less have clinically significant toxicity, doses of even 5 mg per day carry the increased risk of:

osteoporosis
cataracts
affecting lipids

http://arthritis.about.com/od/prednisone/f/risks_benefits.htm
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-938...id=6007&drugname=Prednisone+Oral&pagenumber=6

 

[SeekingJana]

Posted on the theories thread also -

Cataract development is usually a very gradual process of normal aging but can occasionally occur rapidly.
Rarely, cataracts can present at birth or in early childhood as a result of hereditary enzyme defects, and severe trauma to the eye, eye surgery, or intraocular inflammation can also cause cataracts to occur earlier in life. Other factors that may lead to development of cataracts at an earlier age include excessive ultraviolet-light exposure, diabetes, smoking, or the use of certain medications, such as oral, topical, or inhaled steroids. Other medications that are more weakly associated with cataracts include the long-term use of statins and phenothiazines.
There is an even more specific change that occasionally happens, when the opacity develops immediately next to the lens capsule, either by the anterior, or more commonly the posterior, portion of the capsule; these are called subcapsular cataracts. Unlike most cataracts, posterior subcapsular cataracts can develop rather quickly and affect vision more suddenly than either nuclear or cortical cataracts.
• The closer people live to the equator the greater the chance for cataracts. As suggested by a study in Southern France, sunlight exposure in these climates also increases the risk for severe cortical or mixed cataracts. In this study, even wearing sunglasses did not reduce the risk for these cataracts, although it did for posterior subcapsular cataracts.
• People whose jobs expose them to sunlight for prolonged periods are at higher risk. People in Southern climates whose occupations, such as fishing or oyster farming, exposed them to very intense sunlight were at high risk for all cataracts, including posterior subcapsular cataracts. (People in more Northern climates with similar occupations may not have as high a risk.)
• Occupational exposure to very intense artificial light, such as arc welding, increases the risk for cataracts.
Long-term environmental lead exposure may increase the risk of developing cataracts
Smoking
Heavy alcohol usage
Other conditions that can trigger the process leading to cataracts include:
• Physical injury to the eye (such as a hard blow, cut, or puncture)
• Chemical burns
• Electrical shock injuries
• Chronic exposure to intense heat or cold
Exposure to cosmic radiation (airline pilots, astronauts)

Thank you for posting the informative article for people who might not understand traumatic cataract formation.
I am familiar with the cause of traumatic and drug- induced cataracts vs. the very common type of " senior age" onset cataracts. That's why I had such a strong opposition to the idea that Benjaman, who was around 55 years old when found with the fully mature cataracts bilaterally, developed them over time and went blind without medical intervention.
I do not believe that this man had a gradual cataract formation leading all the way to blindness. He would have gotten treatment way before he was blinded. Vision is very blurred with impaired night vision especially in the early stages of cataract formation.

Imagine trying to see the world through saran wrap coated with Vaseline. That's how cataracts cause vision to be distorted long before blindness is present.

This strongly suggests that the injury to his eyes was acute, due to acute intraocular injury and inflammaton. We know he had proper medical attention to other injuries when he was in a position to do so, e.g., his spinal injury and his arm fracture, both of which have internal hardware present.

IF he had taken corticosteroids in a dosage high enough and long enough to cause cataracts, a bone density scan would also show changes to his bones indicating either osteopenia or osteoporosis. His serum cortisol level would also be abnormal, and never returning to baseline after long term use of cortisone- type products, such as are given for asthma and some chronic skin conditions.

 

[believe09]

Yes, I am quite familiar with the cause of traumatic and drug- induced cataracts vs. the very common type of " senior age" onset cataracts.

We are not talking about a senior adult, nor do I believe in any way that this man had a gradual cataract formation leading all the way to blindness. He would have gotten treatment way before he was blinded.
This strongly suggests that the injury to his eyes was acute, due to acute intraocular injury and inflammaton.

IF he had taken corticosteroids in a dosage high enough and long enough to cause cataracts, a bone density scan would also show changes to his bones indicating either osteopenia or osteoporosis. His serum cortisol level would also be abnormal, and never returning to baseline after long term use of cortisone- type products, such as are given for asthma and some chronic skin conditions.

I have heard second hand that his MRI revealed no evidence of brain damage-so we have an incredibly healthy man clearly beaten, covered with ant-bites who did not suffer enough head trauma that it physically induced his amnesia. His eyes were open for the period of time he was unnoticed lying beside the dumpster, or at least for a period of time. He had blinding cataracts that were not accelerated by alcohol or drug addiction...we are talking about laying less than 24 hours with his eyes open, and not all of that time was laying directly in the sun. I do not recall hearing he had a profound sunburn.

Maybe he wanted to see the ocean because he was gradually going blind...

just throwing it out there.

 

[SeekingJana]

I was just told recently that a donor took care of the fee...hmmmm...

Believe, as I understand it, a donor paid for the eye surgery. Are you referring to this or to the actual medical record? Was it related to the Dr. Phil show preparation, which seems reasonable IMO?
Does this mean that Benjaman and those helping him in GA now have his medical record?

Thank you!!
Maria

 

[believe09]

And, second thought lol, he had an injury that caused him to be unconscious for a long period of time, but didn't leave a lingering mark on his brain. Now I am starting to wonder if he was slipped a mickey somewhere and rolled.....

 

[believe09]

Believe, as I understand it, a donor paid for the eye surgery. Are you referring to this or to the actual medical record? Was it related to the Dr. Phil show preparation, which seems reasonable IMO?
Does this mean that Benjaman and those helping him in GA now have his medical record?

Thank you!!
Maria

The statement was made to me and qualified because of confidentiality agreements.

And at this moment there are limited medical records available with those who care for him in GA. Not complete. There was never a complete set copied in the opinion of the person I spoke to, and the donor I believe still has whatever was copied by the hospital.

 

[MissOtk]

BA-BOOM-great theory!!!!!!! He seemed to me by the descriptions of his weight (no disrespect, Mr. Kyle) at the time of his injury to be a bit bloated...you are an out of the box thinker.

Hey folks-if you get a chance to get onto the Message Boards over at the Dr. Phil show, there is a TON of stuff being posted there, from proposed ID's to suggestions. Most of the proposed matches have been looked at I think, but not all and it would be awesome to assist in vetting what is being posted...I did contact the FBI to see if they wanted help sifting through it and I will let you guys know what I hear back from them.

Most of the posts there are ridiculous: posts from people who incredulously mentioned Benjaman having mannerisms similar to a well known serial killer, as well as the Bush family. And many people are saying he looks like "so and so" when there is no resemblance at all.

Nice posts from a few WS'ers there though.

There was one post that caught my eye (page 12) where a member wrote:"I know my friend is his brother! No one from the show has called me and I have left numerous messages!"

That's it. No details. Nothing. Things like that upset me because I fear BK will read that and get his hopes up.

 

[SeekingJana]

I have heard second hand that his MRI revealed no evidence of brain damage-so we have an incredibly healthy man clearly beaten, covered with ant-bites who did not suffer enough head trauma that it physically induced his amnesia. His eyes were open for the period of time he was unnoticed lying beside the dumpster, or at least for a period of time. He had blinding cataracts that were not accelerated by alcohol or drug addiction...we are talking about laying less than 24 hours with his eyes open, and not all of that time was laying directly in the sun. I do not recall hearing he had a profound sunburn.

Maybe he wanted to see the ocean because he was gradually going blind...

just throwing it out there.

HI, Believe,
I respect you greatly, and agree that there is no functional brain damage. This was stated in very clear terms on the Dr. Phil show by a physician.
I can tell you that NO ONE lives with cataracts which blur vision incredibly and can even be very uncomfortable in the intermediate stages or prepares themselves for a life of blindness in the USA.
We are not talking LASIK surgery, we are talking necessary surgery to prevent a person from being disabled due to blindness.

IF he had access to any type of medical care, this would have been addressed and surgery would have been paid for, either by the government if he lacked the money, or by his insurance plan if he was working.
It is outpatient surgery, the person is driven home the same day. There are Rx eye drops to be used for the first few days and intraocular eye pressure is monitored by the surgeon to make certain that acute glaucoma is not developing, which can happen after eye surgery of this type.

In about a week and a half to two weeks, depending upon the person's rate of recovery and perceived recovery, there would be virtually no indication to the world that this person had just had cataract surgery. It is safe, easy, reliable.

Also, intraocular lens implants are inserted during surgery most of the time. These are like contact lens, but are way down inside the eye. They correct the loss of normal process of accomodation that the cataract surgery removes when the diseased eye lens is removed.

Before the advent of the intraocular lens implant, the person who had cataracts had to wear very thick glasses, often with a very dark tint to the lens. This is a thing of the past.

Cataract surgery was revolutionized in the late 1970's- 1980's with the advent of the YAG laser and the permanent intraocular lens implants. I remember when it all changed very well. People were able to throw away their coke bottle sunglasses. Those who had older types of surgery could usually have the IO permanent lens implants, at least.

 

[SeekingJana]

Most of the posts there are ridiculous: posts from people who incredulously mentioned Benjaman having mannerisms similar to a well known serial killer, as well as the Bush family. And many people are saying he looks like "so and so" when there is no resemblance at all.

Nice posts from a few WS'ers there though.

There was one post that caught my eye (page 12) where a member wrote:"I know my friend is his brother! No one from the show has called me and I have left numerous messages!"

That's it. No details. Nothing. Things like that upset me because I fear BK will read that and get his hopes up.

I had a feeling it would be ridiculous. I remember trying to post once on a true crime case at AMW. Total jerks in the posting area there too!!

I really hope that Benjaman does not read the comments left from idiots on the Dr. Phil board.

 

[SeekingJana]

The statement was made to me and qualified because of confidentiality agreements.

And at this moment there are limited medical records available with those who care for him in GA. Not complete. There was never a complete set copied in the opinion of the person I spoke to, and the donor I believe still has whatever was copied by the hospital.

Hi, Believe,

Just to be clear. You are stating that someone paid for a copy of part of Benjaman's hospital record, and kept it.
You also stated that some people in GA who " care for him" have parts of the record. By care for him, do you mean emotionally care for him as in like him, or do you mean that he still requires some sort of assistance?
I am not understanding your posts too well today. My apologies.

Thanks,
Maria

 

[Patty G]

I have heard second hand that his MRI revealed no evidence of brain damage-so we have an incredibly healthy man clearly beaten, covered with ant-bites who did not suffer enough head trauma that it physically induced his amnesia. His eyes were open for the period of time he was unnoticed lying beside the dumpster, or at least for a period of time. He had blinding cataracts that were not accelerated by alcohol or drug addiction...we are talking about laying less than 24 hours with his eyes open, and not all of that time was laying directly in the sun. I do not recall hearing he had a profound sunburn.

Maybe he wanted to see the ocean because he was gradually going blind...

just throwing it out there.

Were the ant bites from fire ants?

The symptoms of an allergic reaction from a fire ant bite are similar to stings from other insects. These include general flushing of skin, hives all over the body, swelling of the face, eyes, tongue, lips, and throat, slurred speech, chest pains, headache, sweating and nausea, faintness, and wheezing or difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis). These systems usually occur immediately or within an hour of the stinging. In rare cases, serious reactions to fire ant bites may occur several hours after the attack.

I was bitten 11 times in 2004 and didn't know I was allergic and close to death. I was treated at the hospital and released but I have to say - I was so confused for months and months after the attack.

http://www.healthy-skincare.com/fire-ant-bite.html

 

[Julessleuther]

I have lupus and have been on pregnisone on and off (mostly off the past 10 yrs, as the stuff is brutal), and I do recall being advised of cataracts as a side effect. As far as the blood sugar, Believe, ask your friend, but I thought the blood sugar issue is only evident WHEN you are taking preg, and for a certain period of time after, but that it eventually stablilizes. I do not have blood sugar problems, and have been off preg for 10 yrs, but I also do not have cataracts... IF he had been taking pregnisone, why? Does BK have any skin problems? Any heart or liver problems?

Risks of Prednisone
While it is unclear if doses of prednisone of 3 mg or less have clinically significant toxicity, doses of even 5 mg per day carry the increased risk of:

osteoporosis
cataracts
affecting lipids

http://arthritis.about.com/od/prednisone/f/risks_benefits.htm
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-938...id=6007&drugname=Prednisone+Oral&pagenumber=6