- J
We nearly lost our brother, and he’s not out of the woods yet. The Tuesday morning before Thanksgiving, Rick had a hernia that incarcerated and an area of bowel ruptured. The surgeon had to remove a fairly large section of bowel and do a colostomy. During the surgery he had some cardiac issues and stress to his kidneys. They've not been able to close the surgical site due to risk of infection so he will be using a wound vac for a few months. There is now an infection around his spleen and the surgeons have had to place a drain.
He was released from the initial operation and treatment Wednesday afternoon (Dec 7) and seemed to be doing ok. Then, Thursday morning the 8th, he called Kit and could barely breathe. She called Houston Fire Dept. and requested an ambulance. All the sisters are at least one hour away from Rick.
The result of his readmittance: Rick has fluid around his left lung and heart. He is also retaining a tremendous amount of fluid. The doctors are amazed at how good he looks. With his singing career and training his right lung is compensating for the left lung. Thursday evening or Friday morning (the 9th), the doctors will do a thoracentesis or possibly a chest tube if needed, to remove the fluid so the left lung can function. He will have a long recovery and require additional surgery in the future.
We appreciate all of your well wishes, texts, calls and the love you have shown for our wonderful brother. In addition, because Rick is an independent contractor (professional vocalist), this is a big financial setback, especially considering the timing around the Holidays when a large portion of his income is usually made. We, his sisters, are able to cover his living expenses through the end of January, and then of course afterwards as much as possible. He could really use some extra support. The funds from this gofundme campaign will go into a separate bank account and then directly to his medical expenses and some of his living expenses while he recovers. ANY amount you can contribute would help him recover. The world needs to hear Rick’s beautiful voice as soon as possible.
We will keep you posted on his progress. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your friendship and love!
The Files Sisters
He was released from the initial operation and treatment Wednesday afternoon (Dec 7) and seemed to be doing ok. Then, Thursday morning the 8th, he called Kit and could barely breathe. She called Houston Fire Dept. and requested an ambulance. All the sisters are at least one hour away from Rick.
The result of his readmittance: Rick has fluid around his left lung and heart. He is also retaining a tremendous amount of fluid. The doctors are amazed at how good he looks. With his singing career and training his right lung is compensating for the left lung. Thursday evening or Friday morning (the 9th), the doctors will do a thoracentesis or possibly a chest tube if needed, to remove the fluid so the left lung can function. He will have a long recovery and require additional surgery in the future.
We appreciate all of your well wishes, texts, calls and the love you have shown for our wonderful brother. In addition, because Rick is an independent contractor (professional vocalist), this is a big financial setback, especially considering the timing around the Holidays when a large portion of his income is usually made. We, his sisters, are able to cover his living expenses through the end of January, and then of course afterwards as much as possible. He could really use some extra support. The funds from this gofundme campaign will go into a separate bank account and then directly to his medical expenses and some of his living expenses while he recovers. ANY amount you can contribute would help him recover. The world needs to hear Rick’s beautiful voice as soon as possible.
We will keep you posted on his progress. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your friendship and love!
The Files Sisters