Timithy Portells Medical Fund
Donation protected
Around 10:30am on August 22nd, a Saturday, Timithy began complaining about neck pain. A short time later, he complained of feeling nauseous. After being told to get up and go to the bathroom, he collapsed on the floor. From there things spiraled very quickly. He was unable to move his arms and legs beyond that of a rag doll. He was trying hard to get up but couldn't. We got him up on the couch to start asking him what was wrong. He said his body felt weird and that his right arm and leg were tingling. He began not being able to hold his head up right. At that point we called 911. While waiting for the ambulance, he complained that his arm felt like it was asleep and he couldn't feel his legs By the time he was in the ER, he was no longer able to speak well and he had lost most of his muscle control completely.
While in the ER his oxygen levels slowly started dropping. He went into a state in which he was not able to speak, hold his eyes open, or move his body at all. He was completely limp. They ran a myriad of tests on him in the ER including a spinal tap. He didn't so much as grimace during any of that or the other procedures. His oxygen had continued to drop even with the mask on to the point where they decided they needed to intubate him. He was able to muscle one or two semi-deep breathes then settle into very shallow breathing. He was taken to Peyton Manning Childrens Hospital where he now remains.
Doctors have since diagnosed him with a stroke on his brain stem at the Medulla Oblongata. Strokes in children are rare. Strokes at this spot specifically are even more rare. We have been told recovery should be viewed in terms of years, and in terms of small recoveries.
OUTLOOK CHANGED:
Unfortunately our original goal is simply no longer possible due to the extent of the damage in his Medulla. We are now moving towards different treatment options. In the coming days and weeks, we will be researching, calling, and planning his treatment out that can hopefully get him off a breathing tube. At least one of these possible treatment options requires packing up and moving out of state. While doing this he'll have to be in a constant care facility. I'm not sure how much the insurance will cover and how much will be coming out of pocket. Anything you can help out with will be greatly appreciated and put to good use. Thank you all!
While in the ER his oxygen levels slowly started dropping. He went into a state in which he was not able to speak, hold his eyes open, or move his body at all. He was completely limp. They ran a myriad of tests on him in the ER including a spinal tap. He didn't so much as grimace during any of that or the other procedures. His oxygen had continued to drop even with the mask on to the point where they decided they needed to intubate him. He was able to muscle one or two semi-deep breathes then settle into very shallow breathing. He was taken to Peyton Manning Childrens Hospital where he now remains.
Doctors have since diagnosed him with a stroke on his brain stem at the Medulla Oblongata. Strokes in children are rare. Strokes at this spot specifically are even more rare. We have been told recovery should be viewed in terms of years, and in terms of small recoveries.
OUTLOOK CHANGED:
Unfortunately our original goal is simply no longer possible due to the extent of the damage in his Medulla. We are now moving towards different treatment options. In the coming days and weeks, we will be researching, calling, and planning his treatment out that can hopefully get him off a breathing tube. At least one of these possible treatment options requires packing up and moving out of state. While doing this he'll have to be in a constant care facility. I'm not sure how much the insurance will cover and how much will be coming out of pocket. Anything you can help out with will be greatly appreciated and put to good use. Thank you all!
Organizer
Kent Portell
Organizer
Anderson, IN
