Help Jeremy get stronger
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Jeremy Walz suffered a massive ischemic stroke March 8, 2020. He was airlifted to Gundersen Lutheran in La Crosse, Wisconsin and underwent a 5-hour unsuccessful surgery to remove the clot in his brain. As a result, Jeremy has hemiplasia (his right side was basically immobile) and has aphasia (the inability to speak). He initially spent 85 days away from our home between the hospital, a nursing home and inpatient rehab. He initially returned home during COVID-19, requiring 24/7 care in May 2020. In July, Jeremy began to experience seizures, causing weakness in standing and transfers which led to Jeremy to once again be hospitalized at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah for 6 weeks in August and September.
Once home in September, Jeremy maintained his ability to stand and transfer. We moved to a handicap-accessible house in October. However, another seizure-like episode in February and tightening abductor and hip muscles forced Jeremy into the hospital in La Crosse once again for rehabilitation. In March 2021 he was admitted and the doctors suggested Botox injections to allow for his muscles to loosen (finally administered April 8 as an in-patient), which would allow him to stand and transfer - making it possible for him to live at home.
Jeremy continues to have sensation to touch, heat and cold on the right side of his body. His upper extremity has been gaining voluntary movement on its own and therapists have been extremely impressed with his work ethic. The lower extremity (or leg) is a little less cooperative, which makes it impossible for me (Becky) to care for him at home alone. It is taking 2-3 therapists or nursing staff to get Jeremy into a standing position or a Hoyer lift device to transfer him from bed to wheelchair or vice versa - none of the equipment or staff available to me at home.
At this time, doctors and therapists are suggesting he continue therapies in a nursing home and our family is hoping to hear if facility in Waterloo will accept his case and work extensively with him for the next few months. While his insurance will cover a lot of the expense, our family is being asked to provide financial contribution ($2000/month) as well. Throughout the last 14 months, resources have been tapped and emptied, so I am asking for help to provide this therapy to hopefully give Jeremy the time and therapy he needs to return back to our home this summer - permanently.
As of today (Friday, April 30), Jeremy's possible discharge date from Palmer Lutheran Hospital is Tuesday, May 4 or Wednesday, May 5 - at which time he would be transferred and the first month's payment is due.
Once home in September, Jeremy maintained his ability to stand and transfer. We moved to a handicap-accessible house in October. However, another seizure-like episode in February and tightening abductor and hip muscles forced Jeremy into the hospital in La Crosse once again for rehabilitation. In March 2021 he was admitted and the doctors suggested Botox injections to allow for his muscles to loosen (finally administered April 8 as an in-patient), which would allow him to stand and transfer - making it possible for him to live at home.
Jeremy continues to have sensation to touch, heat and cold on the right side of his body. His upper extremity has been gaining voluntary movement on its own and therapists have been extremely impressed with his work ethic. The lower extremity (or leg) is a little less cooperative, which makes it impossible for me (Becky) to care for him at home alone. It is taking 2-3 therapists or nursing staff to get Jeremy into a standing position or a Hoyer lift device to transfer him from bed to wheelchair or vice versa - none of the equipment or staff available to me at home.
At this time, doctors and therapists are suggesting he continue therapies in a nursing home and our family is hoping to hear if facility in Waterloo will accept his case and work extensively with him for the next few months. While his insurance will cover a lot of the expense, our family is being asked to provide financial contribution ($2000/month) as well. Throughout the last 14 months, resources have been tapped and emptied, so I am asking for help to provide this therapy to hopefully give Jeremy the time and therapy he needs to return back to our home this summer - permanently.
As of today (Friday, April 30), Jeremy's possible discharge date from Palmer Lutheran Hospital is Tuesday, May 4 or Wednesday, May 5 - at which time he would be transferred and the first month's payment is due.
Organizer
Becky Walz
Organizer
Spillville, IA