Donations for Jeffrey's kidney transplant

Hi, my name is Patricia Otten. I am the mother of Jeffrey Otten and the organizer of this fund raiser on his behalf.

It has been 24 years that Jeff has dealt with Diabetes which has taken its toll on his body and at 50 yrs. old he is now in need of a kidney transplant. The 3 weekly dialysis treatments over the past

2 1/2 yrs are crucial to his life while waiting for this transplant.

Due to this horrific disease he is on permanent disability supporting his wife and 3 daughters which has been difficult as the cost of living continues to rise. His travel over the years from his home in Elko Nevada to the University of Utah in Salt lake City for treatment and surgeries is where his kidney failure was diagnosed and is related to his Diabetes. He was transferred to Las Vegas, Nevada for dialysis and a limited time of rehab. It was then necessary to find an available dialysis chair for the three times a week treatment. Nothing was available in his hometown so our search led us to Templeton, California near us. This allowed him to have a place to live and do dialysis for 2 months before a chair became available in his hometown of Elko.

When the kidney becomes available, he will go to the University of Utah for the kidney transplant and will stay 3 days in the hospital. Then transfer to a hotel in Salt Lake City for 4 to 6 weeks for recovery and the required daily doctors visits. As he improves the doctors visits will be twice a week then once a week until he is released to go home. My husband and I will be his caregivers 24/7 during his time of healing.

This GoFundMe has been set up to help support his family's needs while he is in Utah. Also pay for Jeff's lodging, food, transportation and medical needs while he recovers in Salt Lake City. Your contributions will be instrumental in allowing him to concentrate on healing to the point he can return to his family and home.

We are forever and eternally grateful for your consideration, prayers and contributions.

UPDATE ON

JEFFREY OTTEN

On December 22 Jeffrey experienced a fall requiring transport to the local hospital in Elko. His speech was slurred and lost use of his right hand and leg. Initial MRI, CT SCAN AND BLOOD PANEL found nothing to indicate he'd had a stroke or TIA. Today he was transferred to Northern Utah Rehabilitation Hospital. Since the 22nd there has been a slight improvement in his speech.

With more tests and pt our hope is for improvement. As we know more, I will post an update.

Update January 3

Jeff is making improvements in his speech. Adjusting his meds so he is awake more. Getting daily pt, speech, and occupational therapy.

He has been approved by Medicare to stay here til Jan 22. This facility is wonderful. Happy he is here getting excellent care.

His wife 3 girls Gene & I are staying til Jan 7. The girls go back to school the 8th and we head home. More later

Jan.5

Talked with the doctor today about a diagnosis of which we got nothing from the Elko hospital.

From Northern Utah Rehabilitation Hospital the bottom line is Jeff was categorized with a clinical stroke. Finally we can put a name to it.

He has slight movement in his r leg. Talking better and more awake.

Prayers are welcome that his recover will be achieved in the 100 day stay time set by Medicare

Jan.23

Today Jeff started a transfer to Twin Falls Idaho as his stay at the Utah Rehab hospital was limited per Medicare. In Idaho his stay is limited to 100 days per Medicare. He will receive dialysis, speech, physical & occupational therapy as he did in Utah.

Prayers are welcomed for his recovery to be achieved within that time so he may go home. His speech is better and movement in his r. arm and leg is slow to respond.

I will update as he improves.