John’s Story

Site created on December 16, 2017

John has been having health issues with his feet and toes over the last several years.  He has been seeing a podiatrist (Dr. Ho, who we love) mostly every month to prevent more infections and save his toes. John is not diabetic, but has major circulatory problems in his legs.  He had 3 major surgeries over the last 8 years and 3 stents inserted in his legs, these stents are now closed and he has maybe 5% if any circulation in his left leg from above his knee down to his toes. Three weeks ago, Dr. Ho performed surgery on 4 of his toes. Within 10 days his incisions all became infected and John was admitted to FMH for IV's and other care.  As of today, he now has an abscess in his left toes. Tomorrow morning, 12/17/2017 he is having additional surgery to drain and remove the abscess as much as possible.  Plans for the next 3 weeks are:

1; Continue with the 2 broad spectrum antibiotics IV
 
2. Incision and Drainage of the abscess in the AM at FMH

 3. Continue with IV's and recovery in Rehab Center for 3-4 weeks
 
4. If infections heal, come home.

 5. If healing will not occur, he may need an above the knee amputation.

He has been in the hospital for 7 days tomorrow and appreciates all the help as I do also.  We now have a ramp in place for safe access to our home.  This was needed for both of us.  An enormous thank you to Ed Mordan, Dave Hutchins, and Patricia Cronin who braved the cold weather and wind chill to complete the ramp in 3 days.  Words can never express our gratitude for this.

Also, Sandi Smith-Gill organized a “Go Fund Me” account and we thank you so much for your donations at this difficult time.

The “Meal Train” has been stopping at our house for the last several weeks and “appreciation plus” goes out to those who participated in providing delicious food.  I have many meals in the freezer for when John returns home. Julie Hanson thanks for coordination of this efforts for UUCF.

I will keep you updated as we go forth hoping for a cure for John’s infection.




Newest Update

Journal entry by Sue Thomson

Over the last 2 weeks John has fallen out of his chair, out of his bed, or when he gets up without telling us.  As of yesterday after over 20 falls in 3 weeks, I got him a hospital bed.  He is too weak and his foot is so painful he cannot even stand. 

He is eating very little, almost next to nothing.  He is still drinking fluids well.  He had to have a foley catheter placed just a few hours ago to prevent further skin breakdown. He is alert generally around 2 - 5 pm, but pretty confused the rest of the day and night.

This is the saddest time in our lives.  I am trying to help him not suffer but it is hard. Our 47th wedding anniversary will be this week on June 5th and when he is alert, I try to talk to him about some of our wonderful memories with music, travel, pool parties, and watching the 5 Dacey kids group up to be successfull adults.

We have been so lucky to have longtime wonderful friends through the years and have many of our friends for over 45 years.  My Unitarian Universalist church family has been there for us too and we have been so blessed to have these lasting connections.

I just cannot write anymore tonight but know that we appreciate all the help and love that has been given to us.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help John Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation powers a page like John's for two weeks.

If you donate by May 12, your gift will be doubled, up to $10,000, thanks to a gift from Living Water Foundation.

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top