Patrick's Road to Recovery

On November 17, 2022, my husband Patrick was admitted to the hospital. We could have never imagined the path life would take after that day. He was admitted for severe knee pain and somehow, 10 days later, I was being informed by the surgeon who had just completed his abdominal surgery that “He could die from this.” He was experiencing septic shock and organ failure. I was told to prepare for his death. He would spend the next 15 days in ICU, 8 of which he was on life support.

With the amazing support of family and friends, countless prayers, thoughts and love sent to us and an amazing medical team, Patrick recovered. Two more weeks would pass in the hospital before he was medically cleared for discharge to a rehabilitation hospital. There he would spend 19 days rebuilding his strength through physical, occupational and speech therapies. We are extremely fortunate and on January 11, 2023, Patrick returned home after 55 days in the hospital. However, his recovery is far from done.

We have learned that a stay in the ICU is much more complicated than the medical needs that put him there. Through this journey, we have learned about Post-Intensive Care Syndrome or PICS. This is a condition that involves problems that remain even after the patient’s medical issue has been resolved. These problems can include the patient’s body, known as ICU-acquired weakness, cognitive or brain dysfunction and other mental health issues. Patrick is experiencing each of these and requires ongoing home health care. We are unsure when he will be able to work again due to these physical and mental constraints. We are asking for your help during this time so that Patrick continues to thrive in his recovery.

If you are unable to contribute financially, please consider donating blood. Having donor blood was a crucial part of Patrick's recovery.