Roger/Amputee has 5 Back Surgeries
Roger, my brother-n-law, has been hit with an incredible medical emergency requiring 5 spinal surgeries and his relocation from his home in Montana and separation from his beloved Service Dog Odin.
Roger, an amputee and US Army Veteran, spent this summer volunteering in Montana with the U.S. Forest Services Invasive Species Program when he began experiencing back problems.
On Tuesday, September 19th, Roger underwent his initial back surgery to repair a herniated disc. Four days later the doctor found that the Dura was torn and leaking spinal fluid causing spinal headaches. They followed with two failed corrective surgeries.
On Friday, October 20th, Roger was flown by air ambulance to Seattle WA for emergency corrective surgery. (Air Bus approx $25k)
On Saturday, October 21st, emergency surgery was performed to repair the torn Dura. During this surgery, the surgeon determined Roger's spine was unstable from the subsequent surgeries and then executed a Spinal Fusion.
During this time period, Roger has spent 4 days in ICU and is now in a step down unit. His initial recovery period will be approximately 6-12 weeks.
Update, Oct 30th. Roger is still in the Hospital in Seattle expected to be discharged We'd Nov, 1.
His headaches are subsiding to a 6 out of 10 pain scale and his back has multiple incisions and is very sore.
Physical Therapy is now working with him to re-learn his Active Daily Living Activities and he is hoping to start walking on crutches soon.
The central line from his neck to his heart was removed, he's lost 15 lbs, slowly gaining that back.
Wed Nov 1, Rogers mother Judy will arrive and they will fly back from Seattle to Montana to start rehabilitation and his long recovery including to learn and walk on prosthetic again.
Since Roger is an amputee, he will most likely need a new leg socket for his prosthetic, expected cost $12-$15k.
He is looking forward to reuniting with Odin when he arrives back to Montana this week.
His family is attempting to raise money to assist Roger with his extensive medical bills including the air ambulance which will not be fully covered by insurance.
Your generosity and help would be appreciated.
Thank you.
