Jerrat McGowan's Journey To Walk Again
Donation protected
Most of you that know me well, know that I have a nephew, Jerrat that I have always been very close with and love with all my heart. We have always had a wonderful relationship and no matter what the circumstances, would be there for each other no questions asked.
Jerrat is an extremely private person, and for that reason many of you don’t know the details or severity of the medical condition that has impacted his life for the last year. His quality of life has changed drastically, so much so that he is only able to walk a few feet with a walker, if walking longer distances is necessary, then a wheelchair is required. I can’t even imagine being a 31 one year old that cannot walk.
For the last year, my sister Michele, has taken my nephew to see several specialists who have completed multiple tests and unfortunately in May 2018 Jerrat was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis https://www.drlox.com/hip-avascular-necrosis-avn/. Basically, he was told that his hips are disintegrating and that he will need both hips surgically replaced.
It all started one morning in February 2018. Jerrat woke up complaining of right hip and groin pain and could hardly walk. My sister took him to the walk-in clinic where he was put on medicine and muscle relaxers for a pulled hamstring and pulled groin muscle. He completed the medication, but instead of getting better, the pain continued to get worse. Not only was the pain increasing, he was having more difficulty with his mobility and being able to do normal, every-day tasks.
In May 2018, the pain became too unbearable and my sister knew she had to do something so she took my nephew to the Emergency Room for a thorough check, X-rays, and a CT Scan to get some answers. It was that night in the ER when we were given the shocking news that he had Severe Osteoarthritis that had advanced to Osteonecrosis or AVN/Avascular Necrosis.
The physician asked him about his medical/personal history, and due to his young age (30), asked if he played sports. Jerrat’s response: I have played baseball most of my life, I started at age 7 and played 11 months out of the year until I graduated college in December 2011. That is when we learned that this disease can target young athletes due to the physical demands and wear and tear on the body. Having severe osteoarthritis of both hips for an undetermined length of time that led to the diagnosis of AVN could have given Jerrat other treatment options, but the onset of his symptoms was so rapid that by then it was too late.
Unable to work or perform daily activities for over a year now, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel for Jerrat. We have found an excellent Orthopedic Surgeon and have scheduled a date for his right hip replacement for March 12, 2019, and anticipate a great recovery period. Post-op he will have joint therapy for a few weeks with the help of his therapist. The estimated recovery time for the right hip is six months. When strong enough the surgeon will make plans to schedule the date for his left hip replacement so we can repeat the healing process once again on that side.
Jerrat has always been a strong and motivated person and has continued to persevere against all odds during this time, even though it has deeply affected him physically and emotionally.
My sister is a single parent, Jerrat’s dad passed away in April 2018 after battling cancer. She has been a trooper and supported Jerrat through his illness. However, her job is one that if she is not there, she does not get paid. She has had to take off on many occasions to help my nephew with his appointments and if he is having a rough time with the pain. With his upcoming surgeries, she will need to be off to help with the initial healing process and to take him to his numerous follow-up and physical therapy appointments.
It has been an emotional 13 months, Jerrat, my sister Michele, and our entire family are ready for him to be pain free and able to walk again God Willing!
Your contribution will afford:
-Both Hip Replacement Procedures
-Possibility of Recovery Time: Living Expenses
-Outstanding Medical Bills: (Co-Pays, Co-Insurance)
-Extensive Post-op Physical Therapy
If you are unable to contribute financially, please know we appreciate your thoughts and prayers!
I want to thank everyone for your love and support during this journey to help Jerrat walk again!
Jerrat is an extremely private person, and for that reason many of you don’t know the details or severity of the medical condition that has impacted his life for the last year. His quality of life has changed drastically, so much so that he is only able to walk a few feet with a walker, if walking longer distances is necessary, then a wheelchair is required. I can’t even imagine being a 31 one year old that cannot walk.
For the last year, my sister Michele, has taken my nephew to see several specialists who have completed multiple tests and unfortunately in May 2018 Jerrat was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis https://www.drlox.com/hip-avascular-necrosis-avn/. Basically, he was told that his hips are disintegrating and that he will need both hips surgically replaced.
It all started one morning in February 2018. Jerrat woke up complaining of right hip and groin pain and could hardly walk. My sister took him to the walk-in clinic where he was put on medicine and muscle relaxers for a pulled hamstring and pulled groin muscle. He completed the medication, but instead of getting better, the pain continued to get worse. Not only was the pain increasing, he was having more difficulty with his mobility and being able to do normal, every-day tasks.
In May 2018, the pain became too unbearable and my sister knew she had to do something so she took my nephew to the Emergency Room for a thorough check, X-rays, and a CT Scan to get some answers. It was that night in the ER when we were given the shocking news that he had Severe Osteoarthritis that had advanced to Osteonecrosis or AVN/Avascular Necrosis.
The physician asked him about his medical/personal history, and due to his young age (30), asked if he played sports. Jerrat’s response: I have played baseball most of my life, I started at age 7 and played 11 months out of the year until I graduated college in December 2011. That is when we learned that this disease can target young athletes due to the physical demands and wear and tear on the body. Having severe osteoarthritis of both hips for an undetermined length of time that led to the diagnosis of AVN could have given Jerrat other treatment options, but the onset of his symptoms was so rapid that by then it was too late.
Unable to work or perform daily activities for over a year now, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel for Jerrat. We have found an excellent Orthopedic Surgeon and have scheduled a date for his right hip replacement for March 12, 2019, and anticipate a great recovery period. Post-op he will have joint therapy for a few weeks with the help of his therapist. The estimated recovery time for the right hip is six months. When strong enough the surgeon will make plans to schedule the date for his left hip replacement so we can repeat the healing process once again on that side.
Jerrat has always been a strong and motivated person and has continued to persevere against all odds during this time, even though it has deeply affected him physically and emotionally.
My sister is a single parent, Jerrat’s dad passed away in April 2018 after battling cancer. She has been a trooper and supported Jerrat through his illness. However, her job is one that if she is not there, she does not get paid. She has had to take off on many occasions to help my nephew with his appointments and if he is having a rough time with the pain. With his upcoming surgeries, she will need to be off to help with the initial healing process and to take him to his numerous follow-up and physical therapy appointments.
It has been an emotional 13 months, Jerrat, my sister Michele, and our entire family are ready for him to be pain free and able to walk again God Willing!
Your contribution will afford:
-Both Hip Replacement Procedures
-Possibility of Recovery Time: Living Expenses
-Outstanding Medical Bills: (Co-Pays, Co-Insurance)
-Extensive Post-op Physical Therapy
If you are unable to contribute financially, please know we appreciate your thoughts and prayers!
I want to thank everyone for your love and support during this journey to help Jerrat walk again!
Co-organizers (4)
Renee Carroll Nelms
Organizer
Tallahassee, FL
Jerrat McGowan
Beneficiary
Jerrat McGowan
Co-organizer
Michele Carroll McGowan
Co-organizer