On Tuesday January 18th my mom Heidi was taken to the emergency room after not feeling well that day and the day prior. She was evaluated and sent home after everything appeared fine. Heidi then returned to the emergency room on Friday the 21st after having a sudden onset of altered mental status. Thankfully my grandmother was with her when it started and brought her in right away. Heidi had a CT done of her brain which showed swelling and they determined it was encephalitis.

Due to her being severely confused and restless they had to intubate her for further testing and scans. Heidi had multiple procedures done and was placed on a ventilator. Her treatment was progressive and fast to make sure her condition didn't worsen. Heidi remained on a vent for the next 4 days and was recently extubated on Monday the 24th. Just recently she was able to move out of the ICU and onto a medical floor for the remainder of her stay. She is still healing but is on the road to recovery!

Due to the unknown extent of the treatments, recovery time, outpatient appointments, etc. I am starting this on her behalf because the last thing I want my mother to worry about when she returns home is any sort of medical bills. I am unsure as to how much will be covered by insurance and with an ambulance ride, 2 emergency room visits, 5 nights in the ICU, followed by an unknown amount of nights in another unit. I'm certain there will be treatment to follow we all know that they add up regardless of insurance. We are also unsure as to when she will be able to return to work as well due to the treatment that will follow once she is discharged.

Heidi isn't aware I am doing this on her behalf. I know her response would be "everything will be fine". My goal is to ease any worries she may have about missed work and medical bills so she can focus on healing.

For everyone who has reached out about flowers while in the hospital they currently aren't allowing any due to COVID. I do know she would love to have some cards to open when she is home and out of the hospital! If anyone needs her address feel free to contact me.