Randy Kleinheider Medical
Donation protected
Randy Kleinheider… Husband, Father, Friend, Colleague.. Committed ASPE (American Society of Plumbing Engineers) member for the past 14 years who served in many capacities on the Chapter Board (Including President) as well as the Society board needs our help.
On January 17, 2017, Randy suffered a mild stroke in the cerebellum where coordination is controlled. He recovered almost 95% by the 19th and went home but the very next day he suffered a second, more severe stroke, sending him to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Over the next few weeks while plans were being made to begin the recovery process he suffered several more strokes that caused brain swelling and damage to the brain stem. The last MRI showed massive damage to the brain stem, cerebellum, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes of the cerebrum. He couldn't talk much, was almost blind, had no movement or feeling on his left side, and extreme weakness to his right side. Swallowing was difficult at times and the only things still intact in his brain at the time were his cognitive thought and his hearing.
Fighting the good fight
After all of this happened palliative care and end of life plans were being made but Randy is a stubborn man and has chosen to fight this battle. He was transferred from ICU to Transitional care, then Mercy Rehab. While there, he developed aspiration pneumonia and was sent back to Mercy St. Louis. A week later, he went back to Rehab then was transferred to New Haven Care Center on March 24th where he remains today.
His Recovery
While his speech has returned and is fairly clear, Randy's vision is still unfocused, he can't sit up or walk on his own due to loss of equilibrium, but does well with help, and with that assistance has taken 8 steps. He has a feeding tube and a catheter as his entire digestive and urinary systems are damaged. He can now, however, have 'pleasure foods' like ice cream and soft foods, and can now drink 'honey-thick' liquids, so Pepsi is back on the menu. His cognition is very good for the most part, but at times, he still has some confusion. During anxious times, he 'surveys' whatever room he is in to see if he can improve on the plumbing and fire protection design. I am sure most of his ASPE colleagues can relate lol.
Medical Bills and Other Expenses
He has made great strides in therapy and continues to do so, but insurance doesn't cover an extended stay in skilled nursing and as of April 21st the Insurance company has denied an extension. He wants to come home soon, but he will require a great deal of care when that happens. The family home will need a great deal of work to make it handicap accessible. His wife is also disabled so in-home caregivers will be required. A wheelchair van will also be needed at some point to get Randy around. While insurance will help with some of the equipment, it does not cover caregivers or transportation costs.
How you can help
Other than your continued thoughts and prayers this is where you can do the most help. Please thoughtfully consider donating to this fund today… Randy, his wife Debbie and all of his children will greatly appreciate anything you can do.
On January 17, 2017, Randy suffered a mild stroke in the cerebellum where coordination is controlled. He recovered almost 95% by the 19th and went home but the very next day he suffered a second, more severe stroke, sending him to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Over the next few weeks while plans were being made to begin the recovery process he suffered several more strokes that caused brain swelling and damage to the brain stem. The last MRI showed massive damage to the brain stem, cerebellum, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes of the cerebrum. He couldn't talk much, was almost blind, had no movement or feeling on his left side, and extreme weakness to his right side. Swallowing was difficult at times and the only things still intact in his brain at the time were his cognitive thought and his hearing.
Fighting the good fight
After all of this happened palliative care and end of life plans were being made but Randy is a stubborn man and has chosen to fight this battle. He was transferred from ICU to Transitional care, then Mercy Rehab. While there, he developed aspiration pneumonia and was sent back to Mercy St. Louis. A week later, he went back to Rehab then was transferred to New Haven Care Center on March 24th where he remains today.
His Recovery
While his speech has returned and is fairly clear, Randy's vision is still unfocused, he can't sit up or walk on his own due to loss of equilibrium, but does well with help, and with that assistance has taken 8 steps. He has a feeding tube and a catheter as his entire digestive and urinary systems are damaged. He can now, however, have 'pleasure foods' like ice cream and soft foods, and can now drink 'honey-thick' liquids, so Pepsi is back on the menu. His cognition is very good for the most part, but at times, he still has some confusion. During anxious times, he 'surveys' whatever room he is in to see if he can improve on the plumbing and fire protection design. I am sure most of his ASPE colleagues can relate lol.
Medical Bills and Other Expenses
He has made great strides in therapy and continues to do so, but insurance doesn't cover an extended stay in skilled nursing and as of April 21st the Insurance company has denied an extension. He wants to come home soon, but he will require a great deal of care when that happens. The family home will need a great deal of work to make it handicap accessible. His wife is also disabled so in-home caregivers will be required. A wheelchair van will also be needed at some point to get Randy around. While insurance will help with some of the equipment, it does not cover caregivers or transportation costs.
How you can help
Other than your continued thoughts and prayers this is where you can do the most help. Please thoughtfully consider donating to this fund today… Randy, his wife Debbie and all of his children will greatly appreciate anything you can do.
Organizer and beneficiary
Paul Hellickson
Organizer
St Louis, MO
Debbie Kleinheider
Beneficiary
