On a morning like any other, our alarm went off to get ready for work. Mike noticed his hearing was muffled, and as he tried to get out of bed, he fell to the floor and couldn’t move his legs. I called 911, and the ambulance initially thought it was a stroke, but scans revealed a bleed into his brain from an aneurysm. We were told he needed to get to Iowa City immediately, but it was too risky to move him because of the heart medication he was on. The medical team worked to flush the medication from his system before transferring him, and it felt like his heart and brain were fighting each other—one needed something while the other didn’t.
After arriving at Iowa City hospital, Mike underwent a procedure to wrap a coil around his aneurysm to stop the bleeding. The surgery took longer than expected, and the plan to install a catheter had to be changed. The surgeon explained it was an acute situation, and they would have to try another route. Mike spent two weeks in the ICU, and every day since has been a battle. He was just moved to a normal room, but his recovery is far from over. His body is struggling to retain sodium, which is crucial for his brain to heal, and we recently met with a kidney team to explore options. There’s a drain in his head, and attempts to remove it have been unsuccessful due to high pressure. If it doesn’t work, a shunt will be installed to drain into his stomach. Physical therapy is also part of his recovery.
I manage a restaurant, and Mike is a postal carrier who usually walks 14 miles a day and works 65 hours a week. He won’t be able to return to work for a while, and the lost income is a real challenge. Our family routine has been turned upside down. I had to go back to work just days after the emergency, and our parents and children’s godmother have stepped in to help with our three kids and daily life. I drive to Iowa City every day before or after work to spend time with Mike. Our family friend helps with our dogs, and everyone is doing their best to keep things as normal as possible for the kids. This journey is long, and I’m tired, stressed, and worried, but grateful for the support we’ve received.
Funds from this fundraiser will help pay bills, medical expenses, travel costs, and cover lost income while Mike recovers. I never thought I’d ask for help, but after hearing from friends and family, I took the leap. Thank you for supporting us and helping lift some of the pressure during this long journey.
After arriving at Iowa City hospital, Mike underwent a procedure to wrap a coil around his aneurysm to stop the bleeding. The surgery took longer than expected, and the plan to install a catheter had to be changed. The surgeon explained it was an acute situation, and they would have to try another route. Mike spent two weeks in the ICU, and every day since has been a battle. He was just moved to a normal room, but his recovery is far from over. His body is struggling to retain sodium, which is crucial for his brain to heal, and we recently met with a kidney team to explore options. There’s a drain in his head, and attempts to remove it have been unsuccessful due to high pressure. If it doesn’t work, a shunt will be installed to drain into his stomach. Physical therapy is also part of his recovery.
I manage a restaurant, and Mike is a postal carrier who usually walks 14 miles a day and works 65 hours a week. He won’t be able to return to work for a while, and the lost income is a real challenge. Our family routine has been turned upside down. I had to go back to work just days after the emergency, and our parents and children’s godmother have stepped in to help with our three kids and daily life. I drive to Iowa City every day before or after work to spend time with Mike. Our family friend helps with our dogs, and everyone is doing their best to keep things as normal as possible for the kids. This journey is long, and I’m tired, stressed, and worried, but grateful for the support we’ve received.
Funds from this fundraiser will help pay bills, medical expenses, travel costs, and cover lost income while Mike recovers. I never thought I’d ask for help, but after hearing from friends and family, I took the leap. Thank you for supporting us and helping lift some of the pressure during this long journey.