Matt’s recovery

Matt was admitted to the ICU on 5/2. What started out as gallstones escalated into severe necrotizing pancreatitis due to where the gallstone was stuck. Due to the sepsis, they were flushing his systems out with fluids, which in return caused him to be fluid overloaded, leading to issues with his respiratory system, resulting in him needing to be placed on BiPAP at 50% O2. They attempted to remove the gallstones in order to remove the gallbladder; however, the gallbladder and the duodenum were so enlarged that about 3 hours in, it was a failed procedure.

Fast forward to 5/5, the gallbladder has finally reduced in size, and they were able to place a drain in the gallbladder to drain fluid in attempts to reduce the inflammation on the gallbladder; however, they weren’t able to advance the drain as far as they would like. On 5/8, they placed a second drain that was able to reach farther to where they would be able to thread a guide wire to remove the stones. On 5/9, he was finally able to have some jello and broth. As of today, 5/13, he is still admitted to the step-down ICU and is being monitored very closely. GI and general surgery have decided at this time that due to the pancreas being necrotic, it is best that they continue to let the drains drain to risk further injury to the pancreas and other organs. We have been successful at getting him down to just 5L of oxygen and he has started eating.

Please understand at this time it is my sole focus to take care of him and see him through this. I have left the hospital twice in 12 days. I am not working right now, but my plan is to work as I can. With Matt not working, it will take a huge toll on us financially. We are working hard to get his short-term disability in place, but even then, it will reduce our income by 50%. Matt has a long road to recovery, and even when we make it home, there will be a substantial amount of time he will not be able to return to work.

Thank you to everyone that has helped with the kids, brought food, clothes, and supported us in any means possible thus far. We love each and every one of you ❤️