Please support Tom's surgery recovery
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After not feeling well for over a week Tom hit the point on Thursday that he could no longer manage the pain and pressure that he was feeling. He made the decision to be taken to the emergency room. Upon arriving home from school our 15 year old son helped Tom into the car and drove him to the hospital while I left work to meet them there. After immediate pain medication and a CT scan the surgeon came to his room to inform him that he would be taken in for emergency surgery within the hour. To say that shock and disbelief were are reactions would be an understatement. She explained that he has diverticulitus, is extremely ill, and restated that he is a very sick man. Surgery prep began on Tom and I was to contact family.
Surgery lasted 2 hours. The surgeon explained that she had removed the entire left side of his colon. It had extreme sepsis and was 'rotted'. The diverticuli had ruptured and infection had spread throughout his colon and abdomen. She saved his life by washing and suctioning his abdomen and giving him a stoma with ostomy. Tom remained sedated through the night and on a ventilator until the following day in ICU. Each doctor, surgeon, specialist, and nurse who entered his room in ICU reminded him how lucky he is to be alive and that he is an extremely sick man.
After two days of prayers, family traveling to share their love , and close friends giving incredible support Tom was moved out of ICU. He is now progressing in baby steps day by day. He is overwhelmed and still in shock as he learns about his surgery, wound care, and new self-care requirements.
Once Tom is released from the hospital he will have on-going medical appointments and require ostomy supplies for the next 6-8 months. The plan at this time is for him to undergo a second surgery at that time to reconnect his colon and bowel and remove the ostomy.
Any assistance with medical expenses and supplies during this time is greatly appreciated. Tom will be out of work and I will be assisting him with daily care, working full-time, and managing the household.
I appreciate all continued prayers and support for our family!
Surgery lasted 2 hours. The surgeon explained that she had removed the entire left side of his colon. It had extreme sepsis and was 'rotted'. The diverticuli had ruptured and infection had spread throughout his colon and abdomen. She saved his life by washing and suctioning his abdomen and giving him a stoma with ostomy. Tom remained sedated through the night and on a ventilator until the following day in ICU. Each doctor, surgeon, specialist, and nurse who entered his room in ICU reminded him how lucky he is to be alive and that he is an extremely sick man.
After two days of prayers, family traveling to share their love , and close friends giving incredible support Tom was moved out of ICU. He is now progressing in baby steps day by day. He is overwhelmed and still in shock as he learns about his surgery, wound care, and new self-care requirements.
Once Tom is released from the hospital he will have on-going medical appointments and require ostomy supplies for the next 6-8 months. The plan at this time is for him to undergo a second surgery at that time to reconnect his colon and bowel and remove the ostomy.
Any assistance with medical expenses and supplies during this time is greatly appreciated. Tom will be out of work and I will be assisting him with daily care, working full-time, and managing the household.
I appreciate all continued prayers and support for our family!
Organizer
Stacy Harrold Richards
Organizer
Fort Wayne, IN
