Patrick Schappaugh

Patrick was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth. He has been relatively healthy all things considered, "normal" hospital stays. We call them tune ups. We never thought we would be where we are now. Especially so out of the blue and fast. 
3 weeks ago Patrick was admitted to the hospital from coughing up blood, something that can be common in Cystic Fibrosis patients. Unfortunately the volume of blood he was coughing up began to increase and became alarming and a procedure to cauterize the arteries in his upper left lobe was performed. 
One procedure wasn't enough, he kept throwing new bleeds after new bleeds and cauterization was no longer an option.
Patrick was rushed into emergency surgery 08/15/17 for a lobectomy of his upper left lung. The surgery was successful and his family breathed a sigh of relief, but only for a moment.  
After 2 weeks of Patrick being on a ventilator, doctors finally made the decision it was safe for the ventilator to come out, and Patrick could start waking up from heavy sedation and being medically paralyzed. Upon Patrick waking up, it was quickly realized that something was not right. He was diagnosed with ICU delirium/psychosis. For those of you who don't know (because we had no clue), ICU delirium/psychosis happens (in Patrick's case) from being ventilated so long, and on many heavy medications for pain, sedation, and paralytics. There is no treatment for this besides time. Patrick was now in a relatively constant state of confusion and terror. Nurses were maids, he informed me he was leaving to go find his friends, and worst of all monsters were in his room. 
Shortly after being de-intubated a decision was made to reintubate for a CT scan of his lungs, and a bronchoscopy to remove mucus and get a better visual of an infection brewing in his bottom left lung.  The CT scan showed Patrick now has Pneumonia.
More bad news...
Wednesday 8/23/17 family was told to rush in, Patrick had become severely septic and Doctors said there was a high chance he wouldn't make it through the night. 
It is now Friday 8/25/17 and I am so happy to say Patrick is still with us, but he truly is still fighting for his life.  Since being admitted 3 weeks ago he has had fevers, but now his fevers are higher than ever. Patrick is battling infection in his lungs and blood, pneumonia and fevers.
He is truly a warrior.




***If you choose to so graciously donate to Patrick's GoFundMe please do not use the link in caringbridge as apparently the link gives donates to CaringBridge NOT Patrick and family, to donate please go directly to the GoFundMe site under HIS name, thank you so much****