Help Shelby after Unexpected Amputation

Friends and family know Shelby as a fun, goofy person to be around. Often playing or chasing his nieces and nephews around the house, going on trips to climb mountains and hike, rollerblading and biking, and all other kinds of activities. Until recently when his outgoing, active, and playful antics came to a halt.

Shelby was taken into the hospital for sudden onset severe leg and foot pain on January 26th, which upon examination turned out to be multiple blood clots not only in his left leg but also a massive thrombus attached to the wall of his aorta. Due to Shelby’s history of blood clots, the diagnosis was not all that surprising… initially. After being admitted to the ICU he underwent his first surgery, a thrombectomy on January 30th, which unfortunately was deemed unsuccessful as the vascular surgeon was unable to remove any blockage. This minimally invasive procedure involves the insertion of a catheter with a small balloon at the end in which the surgeons go as far into the artery as they can, the balloon is inflated, and the surgeon pulls the catheter back out, removing any blockage.

(Shelby after being admitted to the hospital)

(Photos shortly after Shelby was returned to his room following the thrombectomy)

On February 4th, Shelby received an emergency fasciotomy as there was sudden significant swelling in his leg which could impact blood circulation in the tissue and muscle of the leg. This is a procedure which requires the surgery site remain open.

(Photos shortly after Shelby's fasciotomy)

On February 9th, Shelby was transferred to a level one trauma center - to receive more advanced care. Quickly into his stay he underwent his third surgery, a bypass in which the Vascular Team was to take a suitable vein from his leg, and use that vein to restore blood flow. It was at this time, 11 days after the fasciotomy, that his leg would finally be able to get stitched shut. Fortunately, the surgical team was able to perform a thrombectomy rather than a bypass on an artery different from the one he received the first thrombectomy, which resulted in restoring blood flow to his foot and toes. Though this artery was the only one that was operable, it provided some hope that the issue was resolved. Shelby’s third surgery was a success as there were now signs of a pulse in his foot. We felt optimistic and hopeful this was the beginning of his recovery. We took a big deep breath on February 21st when Shelby was finally discharged from the hospital, though still in severe pain which the doctors assured would be managed and go away with time.

(finally able to close up the fasciotomy)

On March 1st, Shelby had his follow up appointment with a Nurse Practitioner associated with the Vascular Team who saw firsthand just how much pain he was in. Following that appointment, Shelby was instructed to go have an ultrasound performed - a procedure that was originally scheduled for the end of March. Later that day, Shelby was contacted by the hospital with the recommendation that he come back in to be admitted. Our concerns and fears had come true - the blood clots in his artery had come back.

While this news was disheartening, we knew that there was, fortunately, still an option left - perform a bypass. Shelby underwent the bypass surgery on March 6th which was closely monitored and to heart wrenching news, the bypass had also clotted up within 5 days. Because there are no other veins to offer a second attempt, this surgery was called a “one and done”.

Following the failure of the bypass, the vascular surgeon overseeing Shelby's care offered one final option to try - an experimental procedure called "venous arterialization" which is a procedure in which they attach the artery to a vein, bust out the valves of the vein, and turn that vein into a blood supply rather than a blood return. By this time, Shelby was struggling significantly with the mental toll that all of this was taking on him. There was still some hope with this experimental procedure and Shelby did his best to keep his head up and spirits high. He was scheduled to receive this "venous arterialization" on March 14th at 2:30pm. However, one of the members of the Vascular Team came to his room 90 minutes before the scheduled surgery time and explained that the "venous arterialization" was not an option as it has a significantly high rate of failure. Shelby's only 2 options were to live with the pain and try to manage it, hoping the foot would get better, or get a below the knee amputation. Though Shelby was given the option to postpone the surgery given the timing of this news, signs of necrosis were beginning to show in his toes and there were no signs of any blood flow in his foot or toes. Knowing that "sitting and waiting" could potentially put his life at risk from serious infection, Shelby decided to keep the originally scheduled surgery time and was taken down to pre-op to prepare for the amputation.

(Shelby the morning of the amputation-as you can see the discoloration in his foot along with necrosis setting in)

(After the amputation)

(Shelby doing his physical therapy to be able to go home)

(Shelby is going home)

Shelby remained in the hospital until the March 21st, just shy of 2 months living in, and briefly out of, the hospital. So where does this leave him? Having time to get Shelby home has allowed us to assess his current and future daily needs.

This GoFundMe is to assist in providing funds for the following:

1. Unforeseen medical bills not covered by insurance- While Shelby does have insurance, some bills have already arrived for things that weren't covered. These fund will help go towards his hospital and medical bills.

2. Living expenses- Shelby lives on the 3rd floor of his condo, a building with no elevator. Since there's no elevator, Shelby's had to navigate and struggle getting up and down the stairs to make doctors appointments, leaving him in a near constant state of exhaustion. These funds will also assist Shelby in finding a more suitable place to stay that would better accommodate his needs as he goes through the healing process. These funds will also help cover his monthly expenses such as utilities, groceries, and his mortgage. Though he's on short-term disability, his income is a fraction of what it is normally.

3. Future medical care- It's estimated that Shelby will receive a prosthetic 2-3 months from now (on top of already being out of work for 2 months) at which time he'll still be out of work for additional 8-12 weeks, or more, undergoing intensive therapy and rehabilitation as he re-learns to walk, climb stairs, and get back to a "new" normal life. These funds will also go towards assisting with any unforeseen expenses during the rehabilitation process.

We all immeasurably appreciate any help that can be given and no donation is too small. If you cannot support monetarily, please share this link with your network to help get the word out. Updates will be shared as he progresses through this challenging chapter of his life.

Every penny, every prayer, every thought helps. Please feel free to include words of encouragement as we aim to keep his spirits high and his infectious personality at the forefront.

Thank you, from the bottoms of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and support.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Family, Friends, and most importantly Shelby

Up to mid-April, all funds that have been raised have covered medical costs from Shelby's hospital stay and costs of medications upon release from the hospital.