Recovery for Michael Turpin

My name is Amanda Edwards, and I am helping raise money for Michael Turpin's recovery. July 2022 has been an intense emotional ride. As some of you know, Michael has been in the hospital since the end of June. He had emergency surgery on Sunday, June 26th and spent four (4) long weeks in the Sacred Heat ICU after his lower intestines ruptured and caused his body to undergo septic shock.

After surgery, his immune system went into overdrive in response to the infection, and he fought intermittent fevers, elevated heart rate, fast breathing, and pneumonia. He was intubated with a breathing tube, extubated, and re-intubated. He was placed in a medically induced coma for approximately two (2) weeks while the team of doctors, nurses, surgeons, respiratory therapists, and infectious disease specialists all monitored him 24/7. He received several procedures during his sedation to include a bronchoscopy (to view the airways), thoracentesis (to remove fluid around the lungs), and paracentesis (x3) (to drain the fluid forming in his abdomen). A tracheotomy was eventually performed to allow his oxygen dependency to be more easily tested. Sedation was eventually reduced and he woke up from his slumber. Most of the following week for him was filled with disorientation, discomfort and being awake, but unable to speak. On Monday, July 25th, he was given the Passy Muir (speaking) valve and transferred to the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) in Sacred Heart. He spent less than 48 hours in the PCU and has since been transferred to a local specialty hospital, where he will stay until his recovery is complete. It took a month for his body and mind to turn a corner, but I couldn’t be more proud of his progress.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to inquire about his progress, and to check on me throughout this process. We appreciate all the love, positive energy, prayers, and encouragement. Now that he is on the road to recovery, we are asking for help with medical bills, extended care, and upcoming surgery(s). We truly appreciate any assistance you can provide.

If I’ve learned anything about Michael this month, it’s that he is a fighter…and he’s hella scrappy lol. He is motivated and determined to recover in a big way. Your donation will help alleviate some of the worry and stress associated with being out of work and the upcoming medical bills, and allow him to take the time needed to adequately heal & process the events once he makes it home.