Support Freddy's Healing Journey Home

I swore, I would never do this. But I am desperate and getting more and more stressed and overwhelmed by the events that occurred over the last 3 weeks.

On September 10, 2024, Freddy went to the ER for what he thought was a somewhat minor callus on his foot (it was black and smelled horrid). Little did he know that his life would never be the same again. When the medical staff at Wentworth Douglass Hospital saw his left foot, they knew how serious this was. They took his vitals and even took some blood. By doing this, he found out he was diabetic. His blood sugar was in the 500s (normal is under 100). Knowing that he had unmanaged and untreated diabetes for who knows how long, they knew this was not going to be a quick fix. When the doctor examined his foot, at that point the skin was eaten down to the bone and the doctor said he had a flesh-eating bacterial infection (necrotizing fasciitis). They rushed him to surgery with the expectation that it was only in his 2-3 outer toes, which would need to be removed. But once the Doctor got a closer look, he knew it would be more than just toes. The doctor called me (Jen) for permission to perform a guillotine amputation at the ankle to stop the fast spread of the infection. Of course, I gave the permission but what a horrible decision for me to make. After surgery, Freddy was monitored to ensure there was no further sign of the infection spreading. Luckily it did not spread further up his leg, but the doctor still needed to perform a below knee amputation and close up the wound.

On September 16, he had his second amputation. This surgery lasted 7 hours and he lost a lot of blood. He ended up needing 3 separate blood transfusions over the following week. During his recovery in the hospital, he was given insulin to manage his high blood sugar as well as received lots of education about diabetes. He met with reps for the prosthetic company who will fit him for his new leg once he is fully healed, and they explained the process. He met with the hospital social workers as well.

It's important to mention that 2 weeks prior, on August 28, Freddy unexpectedly lost his job, and with that, his health insurance. Which is why I am asking for help, anything would be a big help to us as he recovers from this and gets backs on his fee....um, foot. LOL

Not only did Freddy lose his income and insurance, but because he has been in the hospital for almost 3 weeks, unemployment will not accept his claim since he is not able to work right now.

Medicaid was applied for, and his application is pending.

SSDI application has been submitted but anyone who has ever applied for disability knows how long and arduous the process is.

So, we decided it was best to pay the extremely high COBRA premium to ensure he get the best services possible.

Right now, he is in a rehabilitation hospital and nearing discharge within the next week or so. Talking with his PT and OT, we realized there is a lot that we are not prepared for at home with him in a wheelchair (temporarily). He will have a wheelchair, but still needs a walker, tub transfer bench, versa frame for toilet, and the biggest cost, a ramp for our 5 steps outside going into the house. This has been very overwhelming for us.

We are trying to utilize any free or low-cost services available to us but unfortunately, we haven't had much luck yet. It's stressful thinking of him coming home and the house isn't ready.

So, as I swallow my pride, I am asking for any help to pay for medical expenses, equipment, and supplies for Freddy to be able to heal comfortably at home.

Thank you all for your messages and prayers. We both appreciate it!