Tony's Story
Donation protected
Update: The return visit to Iowa City to discuss surgical options proved to be an unsettling visit to say the least. Surgery won’t be schedule for seven to eight weeks …….so another long wait. Tony’s test results, previous procedures and current issues were discussed with his surgical team. The objective is to get blood flow restored to his leg and remove the blockage. At this time it is unknown how extensive the surgery will be…. However to do nothing keeps him at risk and in constant pain.
Tony and his family wanted to thank everyone who has provided moral support, positive thoughts and generous donations. They have a long hard road ahead of them, this display of support means everything to them.
In May 2018, Tony began to experience pain radiating down his leg. The emergency room visit provided a sciatica diagnosis, and directions to follow up with his primary care physician. In the weeks that followed numbness and tingling accompanied the significant pain. After testing the PCP scheduled physical therapy. The test results were presented to the first of two orthopedic surgeons who both stated it was not a surgical case and suggested injections for the pain. The PT and injections failed to provide any relief.
After five months of being unable to move, unable to work or support his family a follow up to the PCP was scheduled in hopes of a referral to Iowa City. During this exam, the doctor could not feel a pulse in his leg and he was taken once again to the ER. The exam revealed there was no pulse, but there was enough blood flow to sustain the leg. He was instructed to return home and wait for insurance authorization on a CT scan. The scan showed and iliac and popliteal occlusion. A consultation with the vascular surgeon was made, after which he was scheduled for a balloon procedure to remove the blockage. This typical hour procedure turned into three hours, at which time the doctor came out and said that a blood clot broke free and moved to his other leg and emergency surgery would now be required.
He was in extreme pain following surgery, complications required additional specialist to be consulted, he was told the pain would work itself out and he was discharged. A few hours after being home the pain became unbearable, so he was taken back to a different emergency room where he was admitted and, another CT scan was done. It showed that an abdominal aortic dissection had been performed, this information was not shared with them by the vascular surgeon. They were able to control the pain enough so he went home and lived with the diagnosis. After Two weeks he returned to work and things were good for a short time.
Two weeks ago, numbness, tingling, leg cramps and the coldness returned. Testing showed that there is once again decreased blood flow and pulse. The surgeon was hesitant to do another surgery due to all the complications (which were more than the surgeon had ever seen) after the fem-fem bypass. Tony left the office with no answers, no plan and still in tremendous pain. This time when the pain became unbearable Tony was referred to Iowa City. After being seen their main concern is the Abdominal Aortic Dissection. He is scheduled to return to discuss surgery. He will have another extended hospital stay and recovery ahead of him.
This has not only been hard on Tony physically, but emotionally and financially. Tony is a hard worker who supports his loving wife and children, one in college and one in middle school. Tony was out of work for six months. The family depleted their savings, they have medical bills piling up, and are looking at thousands of dollars in new medical bills, transportation to the hospital and loss of wages. Please consider helping this struggling family. The added stress of this financial burden makes healing difficult for Tony and for his family.
Tony and his family wanted to thank everyone who has provided moral support, positive thoughts and generous donations. They have a long hard road ahead of them, this display of support means everything to them.
In May 2018, Tony began to experience pain radiating down his leg. The emergency room visit provided a sciatica diagnosis, and directions to follow up with his primary care physician. In the weeks that followed numbness and tingling accompanied the significant pain. After testing the PCP scheduled physical therapy. The test results were presented to the first of two orthopedic surgeons who both stated it was not a surgical case and suggested injections for the pain. The PT and injections failed to provide any relief.
After five months of being unable to move, unable to work or support his family a follow up to the PCP was scheduled in hopes of a referral to Iowa City. During this exam, the doctor could not feel a pulse in his leg and he was taken once again to the ER. The exam revealed there was no pulse, but there was enough blood flow to sustain the leg. He was instructed to return home and wait for insurance authorization on a CT scan. The scan showed and iliac and popliteal occlusion. A consultation with the vascular surgeon was made, after which he was scheduled for a balloon procedure to remove the blockage. This typical hour procedure turned into three hours, at which time the doctor came out and said that a blood clot broke free and moved to his other leg and emergency surgery would now be required.
He was in extreme pain following surgery, complications required additional specialist to be consulted, he was told the pain would work itself out and he was discharged. A few hours after being home the pain became unbearable, so he was taken back to a different emergency room where he was admitted and, another CT scan was done. It showed that an abdominal aortic dissection had been performed, this information was not shared with them by the vascular surgeon. They were able to control the pain enough so he went home and lived with the diagnosis. After Two weeks he returned to work and things were good for a short time.
Two weeks ago, numbness, tingling, leg cramps and the coldness returned. Testing showed that there is once again decreased blood flow and pulse. The surgeon was hesitant to do another surgery due to all the complications (which were more than the surgeon had ever seen) after the fem-fem bypass. Tony left the office with no answers, no plan and still in tremendous pain. This time when the pain became unbearable Tony was referred to Iowa City. After being seen their main concern is the Abdominal Aortic Dissection. He is scheduled to return to discuss surgery. He will have another extended hospital stay and recovery ahead of him.
This has not only been hard on Tony physically, but emotionally and financially. Tony is a hard worker who supports his loving wife and children, one in college and one in middle school. Tony was out of work for six months. The family depleted their savings, they have medical bills piling up, and are looking at thousands of dollars in new medical bills, transportation to the hospital and loss of wages. Please consider helping this struggling family. The added stress of this financial burden makes healing difficult for Tony and for his family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Melissa Haskins
Organizer
Moline, IL
Tanya Carlson
Beneficiary