Shelton’s Story

Site created on October 26, 2018


Thank you for visiting our site. We'll be using this to update Shelton's friends and family about his progress. This will help free us up to focus on Shelton instead of trying (and failing) to keep everyone in the loop. Here's what has happened up until Friday, October 26:


Starting October 12, Shelton started feeling ill with flu-like symptoms.  He had what his doctor thought was a viral GI infection. About a week into the illness, he began to feel very fatigued and foggy-headed. He went to a different doctor on October 22 who ran some tests. On October 23, the doctor informed him that his sodium levels were dangerously low and he needed to go to an ER to get IV fluids. We drove him to the St. Francis Eastside ER where he was admitted. They ran many tests - blood cultures, chest x-ray, urinalysis, CT scan, etc. The combination of his symptoms and test results led the ER doctor to admit him into the hospital to treat an infection they hadn't pinpointed yet. Over the next couple of days, we heard a few different possible explanations (our favorite - Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever). He was transferred to St. Francis Downtown to be closer to the infectious disease doctors. After an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), a transesophageal echocardiogram (heart ultrasound via the esophagus) and an MRI, he received his final diagnosis - endocarditis. Endocarditis is an infection of the heart. In Shelton's case, one valve of the heart has a pretty large vegetation of bacteria. Some of this vegetation is "flicking" off and wreaking havoc in other areas of his body - his kidney, brain (this is why he felt foggy), spleen, and blood. His valve is also not working properly, affecting his circulation. Because of the size of the vegetation, the risk for more septic emboli ("flicking" off of bacteria into the blood), and the poor valve performance, surgery is looking more and more likely.  We'll know more about surgery when we talk to a cardiologist or cardiac surgeon. We haven't been able to see them yet, but hope to see one tomorrow.


Okay, now that all of the medical stuff is out of the way, more about Shelton. Once he got fluids and tylenol to help with his dehydration and fever, he started improving and looking more like himself. He's been up and walking and in really good spirits. He appreciates all of the cards, visits, prayers, well wishes, and candy ;) that everyone has been sending his way. He is, of course, cracking jokes and charming everyone in the hospital. He and his loved ones want to thank everyone for their support and love.

Newest Update

Shelton back at the organ

Journal entry by Jennifer Craig —

Here's an update from Shelton's mom, Kimberly:
Quick update, Shelton is showing improvements every day for which we are so thankful. He has had doctor appointments everyday this week. Yesterday, after a 1 1/2 hour appointment, he wanted to stop by his church and try playing the organ for the first time in over a month. The organ is a difficult instrument to play, and I was thrilled with the result of his foot coordination and pedal technique. His recovery journey has its ups and downs, but each achievement is very satisfying and encouraging! 
Psalm 27:4, 6: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple; I will sing and make music to the Lord.“
Much love to all! ❤️❤️v ❤️

And here is the url to her Facebook post that has the video - https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.t.love/posts/10161344377120604
Read More of the journal titled "Shelton back at the organ"
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