Mary Handley's Medical Fund
Donation protected
Please help my Mom.
Mary Handley went into Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago July 3rd 2015 for a bowel obstruction. They determined a section of her lower intestine had to be removed due to inflammation
possibly caused by diverticulitis.
The following facts are in order as they occurred:
July 4th - Removed section of lower intestine and installed a colostomy bag on her side. This was to be temporary for 3 months to heal. Another surgery would be scheduled to remove the bag and the intestine routed back to normal.
- Surgeon informed us surgery went perfect.
July 5th - 2.30am - Received a call from the hospital saying Mom took a turn for the worse. Blood pressure crashing and lost the ability to breath on her own. Not sure why.
Started Mom on blood pressure stabilizers and breathing machine.
Broad spectrum antibiotics started.
July 6th - Condition worsening. Surgeon informed us Mom needs another surgery immediately to find what the problem may be. Risky but necessary.
A second surgery was performed. Surgeon says a leak was found and repaired where the colostomy bag seals to the skin. A second colostomy bag was also installed. Bacteria that has seeped in her abdomen and infection was spreading was removed.
July 7th - Slight improvement but vitals still unstable. Mom still unconscious.
July 8th - CT scan results show another leak when the intestine was stitched together. Condition worsening. Surgeon says a third surgery is required to repair leak and drain the newly found bacteria. More risk but we would lose her if not performed.
- 2 liters of bacteria were removed from her abdomen
and two additional drain tubes were installed. Vitals improving but blood pressure still needs support.
July 9th - Still waiting for any sign of improvement. Noticed small things like a cool cloth on forehead and kisses on her forehead help lower heart rate.
July 10th - Progress slow. Another CT scan needed to check abdomen and head for any signs of trouble.
July 11th - CT scan shows fluid in the left lung. Pneumonia has set in. Mom running a fever. More antibiotics given.
July 12th - Condition improving but Mom still unresponsive. Started a nutrition tube in her nose.
July 13th - More cool cloths, lots of kisses and prayers.
July 14th - Mom wakes at times and nodes to answer simple questions. Doctor informs us her liver output is no good. More tests.
July 15th - More kisses, praying and playing Motown music for her. Nutrition increased.
July 16th - Mom unresponsive again. Still cannot breath on her own. Stomach incision opened up. Doctors can do nothing due to risk of infection. Wound covered with wet dressings.
July 17th - Running fever again. Nutrition cut back due to lack of absorption. Still on breathing machine and unresponsive. Possible tracheotomy needed if Mom can not get off the vent.
Mom is 74 years old and on a fixed income. The medical bills have already surpassed $300,000 and there is still a long way to go.
We are hoping everyone who reads this can give what they can to help her in her time of need.
All her life she has saved pop can lids for childrens kidney dialysis, volunteered at the local food pantry, donated to goodwill, saved coupons for people in need and a volunteer candy stripe at Gary Methodist Hosptial.
She is a wonderful Mother, Grandmother & Sister to 7 brothers & sisters.
We love her so much words cannot express.
Any donation you can make would be greatly appreciated.
Please help if you can,
Sincerely,
Her sons: Michael , John and Stephen
*** Updates now appear at the top of the post.
Mary Handley went into Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago July 3rd 2015 for a bowel obstruction. They determined a section of her lower intestine had to be removed due to inflammation
possibly caused by diverticulitis.
The following facts are in order as they occurred:
July 4th - Removed section of lower intestine and installed a colostomy bag on her side. This was to be temporary for 3 months to heal. Another surgery would be scheduled to remove the bag and the intestine routed back to normal.
- Surgeon informed us surgery went perfect.
July 5th - 2.30am - Received a call from the hospital saying Mom took a turn for the worse. Blood pressure crashing and lost the ability to breath on her own. Not sure why.
Started Mom on blood pressure stabilizers and breathing machine.
Broad spectrum antibiotics started.
July 6th - Condition worsening. Surgeon informed us Mom needs another surgery immediately to find what the problem may be. Risky but necessary.
A second surgery was performed. Surgeon says a leak was found and repaired where the colostomy bag seals to the skin. A second colostomy bag was also installed. Bacteria that has seeped in her abdomen and infection was spreading was removed.
July 7th - Slight improvement but vitals still unstable. Mom still unconscious.
July 8th - CT scan results show another leak when the intestine was stitched together. Condition worsening. Surgeon says a third surgery is required to repair leak and drain the newly found bacteria. More risk but we would lose her if not performed.
- 2 liters of bacteria were removed from her abdomen
and two additional drain tubes were installed. Vitals improving but blood pressure still needs support.
July 9th - Still waiting for any sign of improvement. Noticed small things like a cool cloth on forehead and kisses on her forehead help lower heart rate.
July 10th - Progress slow. Another CT scan needed to check abdomen and head for any signs of trouble.
July 11th - CT scan shows fluid in the left lung. Pneumonia has set in. Mom running a fever. More antibiotics given.
July 12th - Condition improving but Mom still unresponsive. Started a nutrition tube in her nose.
July 13th - More cool cloths, lots of kisses and prayers.
July 14th - Mom wakes at times and nodes to answer simple questions. Doctor informs us her liver output is no good. More tests.
July 15th - More kisses, praying and playing Motown music for her. Nutrition increased.
July 16th - Mom unresponsive again. Still cannot breath on her own. Stomach incision opened up. Doctors can do nothing due to risk of infection. Wound covered with wet dressings.
July 17th - Running fever again. Nutrition cut back due to lack of absorption. Still on breathing machine and unresponsive. Possible tracheotomy needed if Mom can not get off the vent.
Mom is 74 years old and on a fixed income. The medical bills have already surpassed $300,000 and there is still a long way to go.
We are hoping everyone who reads this can give what they can to help her in her time of need.
All her life she has saved pop can lids for childrens kidney dialysis, volunteered at the local food pantry, donated to goodwill, saved coupons for people in need and a volunteer candy stripe at Gary Methodist Hosptial.
She is a wonderful Mother, Grandmother & Sister to 7 brothers & sisters.
We love her so much words cannot express.
Any donation you can make would be greatly appreciated.
Please help if you can,
Sincerely,
Her sons: Michael , John and Stephen
*** Updates now appear at the top of the post.
Organizer
Michael Handley
Organizer
Lake Station, IN
