Johnny's in a Jam!

Johnny's in a JAM!...and not the kind he's used to being in!  

We'd been avoiding setting up any kind of help fund for dad, mostly due to the fact that Dad is too proud.  Always going out of his way to help others, he is the first one on the plate to set up a jam benefit or fundraiser for friends in need, so being on the opposite end is not what we're used to.

Dad was not feeling like himself in early June. He went in for a stress test which found some possible blockages. He had a heart cath and we were told bypass was needed ASAP. He underwent quadruple bypass (open heart surgery) on Friday, June 12th.

We were told he'd likely be off the vent the next day and out of the hospital in 5-7 days. That weekend his kidneys started to shut down and he went into acute renal failure, his heart surgery had gone well but the kidneys were in shock. He had to remain on the vent until his kidneys could work and pull off the fluid that was accumulating. Dialysis was started while intubated, still in the ICU. He then went into atrial fibrillation, a heart arrhythmia that required cardioversion. Every day all we got was bad news, we were terrified that we were losing our sweet Daddy.  6 days after surgery though we got the best news! He was off the ventilator! Still in need of dialysis, kidneys still not working, but off the vent!

In the next 48 hours, Nikki and I noticed speech wasn't normal and he was having some left-sided weakness. We were told it was probably just him coming off the vent and weak from medication. We urged the doctors to bring in neuro to evaluate. They performed a CT scan then MRI that revealed 4 small strokes. They're not sure when they occurred but are pretty certain that they were small enough to recover from. His speech is much better but he will require some OT for the left hand.

As we progress through his health situation, there's been a lot of unforeseen issues. What was supposed to be a week in the hospital has turned into 3 weeks and counting. We're praying he will either be able to go to inpatient rehab or possibly go home with Home Health sometime next week. Our main goal is for him to get the therapy he needs to become independent and get home. As most of you know, he is the owner of a small remodeling business and works full time. He will have to be off work much longer than expected. Also, as most know, our Dad is a musician, and has always used that to supplement his income. (Although he would gladly do it for free! Shhhh, don’t tell anyone!) 

He does have Medicare, however, the bills march on.

Due to the extended recovery and his inability to work and play music (out and about anyway!), we decided to go ahead and set up this account.

We appreciate any and all help. He loves all the well wishes on Facebook. He's really got some great friends and we love you guys!!! 

Thank you in advance!
Love ~ Nikki, Sophie, Katie, Hannah and Houston