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Joe Mecca set out for Texas a year ago to gain a fresh start with new job opportunity. The Texas sun sure was a challenge for the big guy, but he found his groove working construction with a long time friend. Unfortunately about 3 months ago, Joe hurt his shoulder and with no health insurance nor funds for medical assistance, he fought thru the pain and proceeded to work a very physical job day in and out. His luck was not great and gained several other injuries mostly impacting his initial injury of his shoulder. As time passed, he became very ill with what hospitals and urgent care stated was the flu. It became unbearable with a 3rd trip to hospital the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving. Again, given antibiotics and pushed along since no medical insurance. He pushed thru to see friends and family on Thanksgiving. Unknown to all that shared in his presence, that maybe the last time Joe would be seen in his larger than life self.
His mother had not heard from him since that day and became concerned. She reached out to his long time friend, Joel, to check on him. To his dismay, he found Joe incoherent on the bedroom floor of his apartment. Luckily for Joe, Joel was able to handle his weight and rushed him to the hospital to later get a spinal tap. Result: bacterial meningitis. He was in very bad shape and no estimates could be given for his survival. He was transferred to a new hospital with an isolated ICU to begin the road to recovery.
Here, the hospital also learned that he had a severe infection of the blood and the infection had been pumping thru his body for a length of time. It was touch and go the 1st week. Luckily, Joe is a big guy and his body was able to handle the stress!! After getting diagnosed with insulin dependent diabetes as well, the doctors/nurses struggled to keep him stable. slowly Joe started to become coherent.
Break thru in week 2! Large abscess was found in the shoulder that he injured so many months ago, the size of a baseball that started to solidify. Surgeons went to work ridding his body of the infectious abscess. With a pump, lots of IV antibiotics Joe is coming around. The source of all the illnesses and pain that was plaguing his body was found!
He is on a LONG road to recovery! Joe will be in the hospital until all bacteria levels are back to normal in his blood, blood/sugar levels are kept normal and body temperature stable. Doctors have no idea as it is a day by day process with many tests. We hope, for all the doctors/nurses sake that Joe is back at home on the mend as his over the top personality is hard to contain!!
Once released he will have to undergo IV antibiotic treatments everyday for 4-6 weeks.as well as starting a new regimen with insulin and diet. IF this was all he is up against, that would be AMAZING! However, the blood infection pumped thru his whole
body affecting his heart and muscles. He is very weak and cannot walk or get up on his own. road to recovery is 3-6 months once final treatments are made. At the end, the hope is that he is back to his vibrant self!!
Joe has been trying to stay cheery and be proactive. working with a social worker to hopefully obtain some level of charitable health insurance and possibly disability. The social worker is not optimistic about much aid coming thru. With no health insurance, or savings his family has been helping pay his rent until he can get back on his feet, no pun intended...
I am reaching out to all his friends and family that he has spread his contagious laugh and witty personality with to help Joe on his journey from death bed to life! He will need help with medical bills, medications, therapy, and everyday life expenses until we see him on his feet ready to share large hugs with all!
His mother had not heard from him since that day and became concerned. She reached out to his long time friend, Joel, to check on him. To his dismay, he found Joe incoherent on the bedroom floor of his apartment. Luckily for Joe, Joel was able to handle his weight and rushed him to the hospital to later get a spinal tap. Result: bacterial meningitis. He was in very bad shape and no estimates could be given for his survival. He was transferred to a new hospital with an isolated ICU to begin the road to recovery.
Here, the hospital also learned that he had a severe infection of the blood and the infection had been pumping thru his body for a length of time. It was touch and go the 1st week. Luckily, Joe is a big guy and his body was able to handle the stress!! After getting diagnosed with insulin dependent diabetes as well, the doctors/nurses struggled to keep him stable. slowly Joe started to become coherent.
Break thru in week 2! Large abscess was found in the shoulder that he injured so many months ago, the size of a baseball that started to solidify. Surgeons went to work ridding his body of the infectious abscess. With a pump, lots of IV antibiotics Joe is coming around. The source of all the illnesses and pain that was plaguing his body was found!
He is on a LONG road to recovery! Joe will be in the hospital until all bacteria levels are back to normal in his blood, blood/sugar levels are kept normal and body temperature stable. Doctors have no idea as it is a day by day process with many tests. We hope, for all the doctors/nurses sake that Joe is back at home on the mend as his over the top personality is hard to contain!!
Once released he will have to undergo IV antibiotic treatments everyday for 4-6 weeks.as well as starting a new regimen with insulin and diet. IF this was all he is up against, that would be AMAZING! However, the blood infection pumped thru his whole
body affecting his heart and muscles. He is very weak and cannot walk or get up on his own. road to recovery is 3-6 months once final treatments are made. At the end, the hope is that he is back to his vibrant self!! Joe has been trying to stay cheery and be proactive. working with a social worker to hopefully obtain some level of charitable health insurance and possibly disability. The social worker is not optimistic about much aid coming thru. With no health insurance, or savings his family has been helping pay his rent until he can get back on his feet, no pun intended...
I am reaching out to all his friends and family that he has spread his contagious laugh and witty personality with to help Joe on his journey from death bed to life! He will need help with medical bills, medications, therapy, and everyday life expenses until we see him on his feet ready to share large hugs with all!
Organizer
margaret mecca
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA