We have detected that JavaScript is currently disabled. CaringBridge is best viewed with JavaScript enabled.

T.J.’s Story

Site created on January 28, 2020

January 28-2020
Hi FB friends. I know many want to know what happened with TJ being in hospital.
After a harrowing night Sunday night of being told TJ was in heart failure and kidney failure ( sometimes it’s not good to be able to understand everything the doctor is explaining to you) .
TJ had had a 20 pound weight gain over a few weeks and shortness of breath and chest pains TJ insisted on going to hospital we ended up at Hamilton hospital in Dalton.
I’ll never say a bad word about a small hospital again. The ER doc rolled up her sleeves and started aggressive treatment that literally saved TJs life. He had massive fluid overload on his heart. He was literally drowning in his own fluid. His kidneys had not been working well for a while and fluid was backing up in heart. There is talk of possible temporary dialysis. TJ had not felt good for 2-3 months so this had been going on for a while. There is a working diagnosis of uremic pericarditis with much more to sort out. Thank you for all your prayers and concerns. It’s amazing to see all the people our “little boy” has touched over the years. Our little guy that we were told would not be able to function in the real world gets sick and rattles three counties. That is a God thing people. God is in control even though mom and dad would love to fix things. We know our TJ is in Gods hands no matter the outcome. We still have long way to go but keep praying. Gods got us this far he’s not going to stop on us now. Please feel free to text or call we will update as soon as we get some answers. We love you all and are working hard to get TJ back to his wild and crazy self.

January 30-2020
There has been many questions about whether TJ needs to be transferred to a bigger hospital.God has given us confirmation today that TJ is right where he needs to be. We have a doctor called an ICU doctor that has a son TJ's age that has Downs and has taken a special interest in TJ's case also a friend of ours came in with this hospital last year with a heart attack. They received phenominal care with a heart cath and several stents placed and this stopped a massive heart attack. We are confident this was all Gods plan for us to end up here.TJ is right where he needs to be.

Oxygen decreased from 100% to 50% creatinine from 3.1 to 3.5

Newest Update

Journal entry by Terri McMahan — Feb 14, 2020

Hello friends and family

I wanted to post the final update on TJs follow up with the specialist. We had 2 appts this week with a Infectious disease specialist and his nephrologist that will be following him for awhile. The final diagnosis was glomerulonephritis. This was where the strep he had at Christmas attacked the tubes in the the kidneys. This was all related to his diabetes. His diabetes weakened his kidneys so kidneys could not fight off the strep. This caused the “Acute” renal failure. He will be followed to see how the kidneys heal. This was a “rare” occuramce . Hopefully this will not happen again. T.J. is doing well. He is ready to get back to his routine.. Thank you for all you prayers, concerns and visits. We could not get through these stressful episodes without you and your prayers. We love you all. Get ready TJ will be back on his phone calling everyone soon.

Love in Christ

Tim,Terri,TJ

Read More of the journal titled "February 14, 2020"

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.

Help T.J. Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like T.J.'s for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

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

Personal Fundraiser

Support Links

Helpful Requests

Go to Ways to Help