Tommy Durr

Tommy Durr is diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called dermatomyositis. Due to medications for his disease severe complications have occured. He was first admitted to the hospital for throat swelling called, epiglottitis. A scope was performed and they found 9 ulcers in his stomach, one that was very large and full of blood. This was causing him to hemorrage and vomit a significant amount of blood, which they believe is caused from his intense steroid and antibiotic. They stopped medicine for his throat and began ulcer medication. This caused throat swelling to go back up. A decision was made to go back to medication for his throat and this caused the large ulcer to cause internal hemorrhaging. Due to large amount of blood loss, he needed a blood transfusion. He coded yesterday morning and CPR was performed. Brain function has been tested and because intense CPR was given oxygen was still able to make it to his brain and we are hopeful for no brain damage. Tommy is intubated and will continue to be on a ventilator until the swelling is controlled. After intubation emergency surgery was given to stop all internal bleeding. He is stable this morning and a second surgery is scheduled for this afternoon to drain an abscess that has formed in his throat. More updates will be given as we receive information. We ask for continued prayers as this will be a long road to recovery.

Update for Tommy:
He has been transferred to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. They have found two aneurysms, one below his heart and one on his carotid artery. They will be addressing the aneurysm on his carotid artery first, as it is the most significant. Emergency surgery is set for today.  He is currently in critical condition and we ask that you continue praying for him. There is a possibility for a second surgery tomorrow, we will be updating all family and friends as we know information.

Update for Tommy:
He has made it through his surgery today to repair the carotid artery. The surgery went as planned. He is being sedated to get rest for the evening. His next surgery is to drain infection from his upper body tomorrow. Please continue to pray for him and his mother, father, sister and all his family and friends. Please pray for all our medical staff all the time as well. Thank you.