The last few months have been a journey that I could never have imagined Tristan would ever be on. In December 2023, Tristan wasn’t feeling well on a Wednesday and scheduled an appointment to be seen by his dr for the next day. His mom came over to take him and immediately took him to the ER. He was immediately taken to ICU and went downhill very quickly. He doesn’t remember much at this point. He was transferred to KU Med for more intense care.
Major organs started shutting down as he was septic, had Covid, pneumonia, DIC, and a lot other ailments that I’ll just attach a picture of. Due to the meds that saved his life, his body stopped pumping blood to the extremities. His feet and fingers started swelling and turning black. His nose was also black and I was extremely worried about what that meant. Unfortunately, his fingers and feet were not able to be saved and he underwent surgery on January 30, 2024. Six fingers were removed and both legs amputated seven inches below the knees. Known as a bilateral below the knee amputation or BKA. His nose started recovering externally but the inside was doing what his extremities did. After seeing an ENT, it was decided that another surgery would need to be done and internally his nose and sinuses were repaired.
Tristan has been doing the best he can with his new life. The students and teachers of Local 45 Plumbers and Pipefitters installed a ramp at his house so he is able to get in and out. His coworkers at P1 Services have provided him with the utmost of support. Knowing he has such caring support network has helped keep him going.
He received a custom wheelchair in late April and his prosthetic legs on May 10. The wheelchair is smooth and easier for him to guide himself compared to the rental. The stilts, I mean legs….. well, they’re pretty. Pretty hard to walk in. He got an hour of practice and developed blisters so those need to heal before he tries again. I know he will get used to them quickly but it was discouraging to him.
Due to an icy bridge, he and the kids were in a car accident, in late November, which left his truck totaled. This means he is also without a vehicle right now. Obviously, he won’t be driving soon but it’s a huge goal of his to be able to get back some independence as soon as he can.
Now that brings us to today. He has let me know that disability has ended as of last week. I know it is stressing him out although he won’t admit it. I see it in his face. He is so very mentally ready to get back to work but isn’t quite ready physically yet. Since the world keeps going, the bills never stopped coming in and, thankfully, the donations he has received thus far have kept him afloat during this time. I know he is deeply appreciative for everything everyone has done for him. Tristan is the most giving, caring, and thoughtful man I have ever met. I don’t like seeing him worry about money. His energy will me much better spent learning how to walk on his stilts. If you can or have helped financially, physically, or mentally, thank you for everything. Every prayer, message, conversation, act of labor, and penny has been received and helped Tristan tremendously in his journey. We couldn’t have done this without all of you.
-Kelly