Andy Spann & Family Emergency Medical Assistance
Donation protected
On Wednesday, May 5th, Andy went to Gunnison Valley Hospital after experiencing varying symptoms for about 10 days. After a short period of time at GVH and one CT scan, he was transported via ambulance to St. Mary's Medical Center about two hours away, where he was admitted to the Neuro floor. There is currently a very extensive team of hospitalists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiologists, infection disease doctors, and more, who after multiple MRIs, CT scans, lumbar punctures, EKGs, and an unknown amount of other blood tests, have found what they think could be an infection IN the bottom of Andy's spinal cord. This has resulted in severe neuropathy, meaning Andy has lost most of his feeling and sensation from the waist down.
Andy is currently on antibiotics to try to reduce the infection. This is an extremely rare situation, and there are only around 100 known cases worldwide of this specific situation, so doctors are treating conservatively, for now. There is the possibility that surgery could need to happen, but for now, they are imaging weekly to hopefully see a reduction of the infection.
He is currently using a walker, along with a team of therapists and a wheelchair not far behind, to begin physical and occupational therapy, while we wait for weekly tests and updates. Even short walks feel like major hikes for Andy at this time.
On Friday, May 14th, we were hoping to be able to move up to the rehab floor to begin more frequent therapy while we wait for news on the infection. Unfortunately, before the move, Andy started experiencing shortness of breath, which alerted a whole new team, including respiratory technicians. They immediately jumped on board, and after a fast-moving morning of EKGs (2), a chest X-ray, and a CT scan, doctors found a very large blood clot in between his lungs. By midday, we had learned we would be moving down to ICU after a procedure to place a catheter to deliver blood thinners directly into the blood clot.
"Down," (ICU is on a lower floor) we have been told, is not the direction we want to go at this hospital. You want to go "UP!" We are hoping to be able to move back UP to the neuro floor soon, where, later in the week, another MRI and lumbar puncture will take place. We will hopefully see improvement at the infection site. We still have a very unknown amount of time in the hospital, followed by an unknown amount of time in acute rehab, which is yet another move UP to another floor. Unfortunately, because this is such a rare medical condition, there has not been an exact diagnosis, and thus, no specific timeline or course of treatment. The extent of nerve damage is unknown and, therefore, the degree of recovery is uncertain.
Megan, Andy's wife, has been spending as much time as possible at the hospital with Andy. They have 2 young daughters, ages 4 and 8. She is also self-employed and is feeling the need to be in Gunnison to care for their daughters and work as time and conditions allow. A variety of family and friends are helping with all they can, but there are many expenses that are accruing. This includes travel, lodging, meals, and other unexpected expenses. Regardless of insurance, there will be a major impact on the family's finances.
This fund will help relieve Megan and Andy's burdens and allow them to concentrate on Andy's health and recovery, whatever that may entail.
If GoFundMe isn't you're thing, please contact Rhonda directly.
Andy is currently on antibiotics to try to reduce the infection. This is an extremely rare situation, and there are only around 100 known cases worldwide of this specific situation, so doctors are treating conservatively, for now. There is the possibility that surgery could need to happen, but for now, they are imaging weekly to hopefully see a reduction of the infection.
He is currently using a walker, along with a team of therapists and a wheelchair not far behind, to begin physical and occupational therapy, while we wait for weekly tests and updates. Even short walks feel like major hikes for Andy at this time.
On Friday, May 14th, we were hoping to be able to move up to the rehab floor to begin more frequent therapy while we wait for news on the infection. Unfortunately, before the move, Andy started experiencing shortness of breath, which alerted a whole new team, including respiratory technicians. They immediately jumped on board, and after a fast-moving morning of EKGs (2), a chest X-ray, and a CT scan, doctors found a very large blood clot in between his lungs. By midday, we had learned we would be moving down to ICU after a procedure to place a catheter to deliver blood thinners directly into the blood clot.
"Down," (ICU is on a lower floor) we have been told, is not the direction we want to go at this hospital. You want to go "UP!" We are hoping to be able to move back UP to the neuro floor soon, where, later in the week, another MRI and lumbar puncture will take place. We will hopefully see improvement at the infection site. We still have a very unknown amount of time in the hospital, followed by an unknown amount of time in acute rehab, which is yet another move UP to another floor. Unfortunately, because this is such a rare medical condition, there has not been an exact diagnosis, and thus, no specific timeline or course of treatment. The extent of nerve damage is unknown and, therefore, the degree of recovery is uncertain.
Megan, Andy's wife, has been spending as much time as possible at the hospital with Andy. They have 2 young daughters, ages 4 and 8. She is also self-employed and is feeling the need to be in Gunnison to care for their daughters and work as time and conditions allow. A variety of family and friends are helping with all they can, but there are many expenses that are accruing. This includes travel, lodging, meals, and other unexpected expenses. Regardless of insurance, there will be a major impact on the family's finances.
This fund will help relieve Megan and Andy's burdens and allow them to concentrate on Andy's health and recovery, whatever that may entail.
If GoFundMe isn't you're thing, please contact Rhonda directly.
Co-organizers (3)
Rhonda Wenum
Organizer
Gunnison, CO
Megan Spann
Beneficiary
Christine Swope Cholewa
Co-organizer