Medical and recovery costs for Karen Reeves

UPDATE: Yesterday, Karen underwent the second of three surgeries, lasting six hours, aimed at repairing what was both planned and necessary. The surgery was successful, and she is now progressing through the next phase of recovery at the hospital. While she will undoubtedly experience significant pain and require extensive physical therapy before returning home, we remain optimistic. As previously mentioned, navigating this has been financially challenging and will continue to be so. If you are able and willing to offer any additional support, we would be deeply appreciative. Thank you!

My wife, Karen was admitted to the hospital on September 11, after having been very sick for a few weeks. She could not keep any food down and was unable to even get out of bed. Upon being admitted we were told she would need to have her entire large intestine removed in a 6 hour surgery. Due to Karen’s existing immune deficiency disease and her autoimmune diseases, this surgery was risky, but the only hope for survival. She made it through surgery, but not without serious complications. Her large intestine fell apart inside her abdomen, leaving her with numerous abscesses and life threatening infections. She was put on high dose steroids and several antibiotics. She also developed a fistula, which is a hole, in her small intestine. After surgery, She was put on IV feeding through a picc line and was not allowed to eat or drink for several weeks. She has suffered with pain so intense that she would just lay there screaming. Her prognosis was poor and they weren’t sure she would survive. But, Karen is a fighter and she pulled through.

She has been in the hospital for two months and is finally making a little progress, but will have a very long road to recovery. She will have two more surgeries ahead, physical therapy and still has trouble sitting upright or walking. I have spent every minute I can with her, and I can tell you this has been brutal for her. It’s been brutal for me watching my wife waste away to 78 lbs and rendered unable to to take care of herself.

As you can imagine, Karen has not been able to work, nor will she be able for a long time. I have had to cut my schedule substantially in order to take care of her and visit with her, to give her some sense of normalcy and comfort, along with dealing with Doctors, insurance, and other tasks etc., There are also costs that aren't covered by insurance. It has been rough, financially and will continue to be. If you feel so inclined and have anything extra to give, we would both be so grateful.

I will post updates here, so I ask that you not reach out to Karen so that she can rest and get treatment. I am either with her or taking care of the dogs and the house and working where I can, so any well wishes can be posted here. We are so grateful for all your love and support.