Micklus Double Lung Transplant: Road to Recovery
Donation protected
Shortly after Christmas the world came crumbling down on the Micklus family as the man so many rely on for strength tested positive for the COVID 19 virus. This virus immediately began to immobilize John Micklus Sr. and hospitalized him at Southern Maryland for over a week, where they struggled to stabilize his oxygen levels. For those who know Mr. Micklus, he wasn't going to go down without a fight! He continued to do more than what was asked of him for his breathing treatments and fought each day to remain positive; a daunting task nontheless when you are unable to see your loved ones. Communication was mostly through text messages as Mr. Micklus did not have enough oxygen to speak. He finally reached a point where doctors would allow him to come back to the comforts of his home ONLY if he remained on oxygen until his levels returned to normal. This was arranged and the warrior was finally home!
The celebration was short lived. Not even two weeks since he had come home, Mr. Micklus became so weak he was unable to physically move. He could not breath, the situation was dyer. Mr. Micklus was taken back to Southern Maryland Hospital where he was immediately admitted to the ICU. During this time, his oxygen levels fluctuated so severely they had discussed putting him on a ventilator; news that destroyed the family. It's a terrible thing when the nurse calls crying to explain this news and arrange for a priest to be there with him. They had explained there was nothing else they could do for him. This cant happen and his family won't let it!
After 11 days the second go round at SOMD Hospital and after much discussion, on February 9, 2021, Mr. Micklus was flown to The University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore to see a pulmonary specialist. Upon review of Mr. Micklus, it was discovered his lungs were in such bad shape from the attack, he needed a double lung transplant ASAP! A comment was even made by a doctor that a normal person shouldn't even be alive with lungs like that; clearly they don't know this fierce man like we do. They immediately began testing Mr. Micklus in hopes he was fit enough to be put on the organ donor list. With a heart of gold, it is no surprise he was fit enough to be a candidate for a double lung transplant. Unfortunately, his lungs were in such severe condition, he did not have time to wait.
Initially the doctors assured us he would have a donor by the end of the week, however, that never came. Each possibility ended with a let down. The hope was dwindling but his will to survive was not. On February 24, 2021, we received word of a possible donor available. After testing, this was confirmed and on February 25, 2021, Mr. Micklus underwent a double lung transplant to save his life. After a 6+ hour surgery, we received word in the early morning hours his surgery went well and he was in recovery.
It is a true miracle to receive a gift of organ donation, but unfortunately the road to recovery is just beginning. Mr. Micklus will face many more days in the hospital, rehabilitation and doctors visits for years to come. He is expected to take roughly an additional 25 medications for the rest of his life. This does not include the near two months he has already spent in the hospital or receiving medical care to keep him alive. The expenses are growing.
For those who know Mr. Micklus, he is one of the greatest men you are likely to have ever met. He came from nothing and built himself and his family to be what it is today. Even if he didn't know you, he would give the shirt off his back if it meant you wouldn't go cold. He recently gave a brand new lawn mower to a less fortunate, older woman he frequently passed on his travels home and saw struggling. He did not know this woman. This is just a prime example of the tasks he did daily no one knew of. We know times are tough for everyone and if unable to donate, we ask you simply say a prayer and good thought to wish Mr. Micklus a speedy recovery and hopefully long, healthy life. No fear. Just Faith.
The celebration was short lived. Not even two weeks since he had come home, Mr. Micklus became so weak he was unable to physically move. He could not breath, the situation was dyer. Mr. Micklus was taken back to Southern Maryland Hospital where he was immediately admitted to the ICU. During this time, his oxygen levels fluctuated so severely they had discussed putting him on a ventilator; news that destroyed the family. It's a terrible thing when the nurse calls crying to explain this news and arrange for a priest to be there with him. They had explained there was nothing else they could do for him. This cant happen and his family won't let it!
After 11 days the second go round at SOMD Hospital and after much discussion, on February 9, 2021, Mr. Micklus was flown to The University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore to see a pulmonary specialist. Upon review of Mr. Micklus, it was discovered his lungs were in such bad shape from the attack, he needed a double lung transplant ASAP! A comment was even made by a doctor that a normal person shouldn't even be alive with lungs like that; clearly they don't know this fierce man like we do. They immediately began testing Mr. Micklus in hopes he was fit enough to be put on the organ donor list. With a heart of gold, it is no surprise he was fit enough to be a candidate for a double lung transplant. Unfortunately, his lungs were in such severe condition, he did not have time to wait.
Initially the doctors assured us he would have a donor by the end of the week, however, that never came. Each possibility ended with a let down. The hope was dwindling but his will to survive was not. On February 24, 2021, we received word of a possible donor available. After testing, this was confirmed and on February 25, 2021, Mr. Micklus underwent a double lung transplant to save his life. After a 6+ hour surgery, we received word in the early morning hours his surgery went well and he was in recovery.
It is a true miracle to receive a gift of organ donation, but unfortunately the road to recovery is just beginning. Mr. Micklus will face many more days in the hospital, rehabilitation and doctors visits for years to come. He is expected to take roughly an additional 25 medications for the rest of his life. This does not include the near two months he has already spent in the hospital or receiving medical care to keep him alive. The expenses are growing.
For those who know Mr. Micklus, he is one of the greatest men you are likely to have ever met. He came from nothing and built himself and his family to be what it is today. Even if he didn't know you, he would give the shirt off his back if it meant you wouldn't go cold. He recently gave a brand new lawn mower to a less fortunate, older woman he frequently passed on his travels home and saw struggling. He did not know this woman. This is just a prime example of the tasks he did daily no one knew of. We know times are tough for everyone and if unable to donate, we ask you simply say a prayer and good thought to wish Mr. Micklus a speedy recovery and hopefully long, healthy life. No fear. Just Faith.
Co-organizers (2)
Nina Lynn
Organizer
La Plata, MD
John Micklus
Beneficiary
Michelle Gibson
Co-organizer