Help Doug Porter's Rehabilitation

Up until a month ago my dad, Doug Porter, was an active 65 year old who golfed, rode his Harley and walked 3 miles a day. Today, he is in critical care on a ventilator at Riverside Hospital in Columbus fighting for his life.

 

At the beginning of the year, after receiving a clean bill of health, Doug was scheduled for hip replacement surgery in mid January. One week before scheduled surgery, he started to complain about lower back pain which was pretty standard for him after his years of playing football at The Ohio State University. After treating his back with heat and ice, the pain continued to worsen and an x-ray was scheduled.

 

Once the x-ray was performed, it was thought that Doug had a bulging disc and he was set up for an MRI to determine the source of the issue. On January 21st, I went to pick up Doug for his MRI and it was obvious that it was something much more serious than a bulging disc. I called the ambulance and at that time, my dad was able to walk on his own to the stretcher and was taken to the ER. Within a few hours, Doug had lost movement in his arms and legs and doctors were scrambling to figure out what was wrong with him. He was sent to Riverside Methodist later that day for further evaluation. Over the weekend, the doctors communicated that my dad had a blood infection and they were treating him with the necessary antibiotics.

 

On Monday, January 24th with little improvement to his status, it was discovered that the infection had spread to his spinal cord. The doctors went in for an emergency surgery to remove the infection pockets that were causing pressure from the C-1 vertebrae down through his lumbar. During the surgery, Doug's breathing became difficult and doctors had to stop the procedure. Our family was allowed into the hospital where the doctor informed us that if my dad did make it, there was the possibility of paralysis from the neck down.

 

After seeing a little bit of movement in Doug's arms a couple days after the first surgery and believing that he was strong enough for another surgery, the surgeon had communicated that the only chance of survival was for them to go back in and remove what was left of the infection.

 

Since the second spinal surgery, Doug has remained in Riverside's Critical Care unit working to breathe on his own and get his body strong enough so he can begin rehabilitation. Since the injury was due to an infection and not a trauma related accident, the doctors have no idea what the long term outlook will be. All that we currently know is that it will be a very long, arduous and costly road for him and my mom, Karen. As it stands now, Doug can feel everything from head to toe, however, his movement is extremely limited and he has not regained the use of his legs.

 

My goal is to ensure that Doug has access to the best medical care and rehab facilities that Columbus has to offer in order to get him back on his feet. He knows how many people have been in his corner pulling for him and he appreciates all of the love, support and prayers that have been sent his way.

 

My dad is fully aware of what his body has been through and he communicated that he knows what lies ahead. He is the toughest person I know and this campaign will further help his care and rehabilitation.

 

Thank you all for your support!

 

Anthony