On August 11th, 2023 Tom fell on the steps outside his home in Opelika. He was taken to the emergency room at EAMC in Opelika for evaluation with some nasty cuts and bruising on his face and arms. He was sent home the next day, but fell again on the stairs inside. We were able to get him up and put him to bed that evening with some meds for the pain. The next morning when he woke up, he was unable to get up out of bed from the pain and soreness, so we called emergency services to get him back to the ER to make sure everything was ok.
We were able to get him admitted to the physical rehabilitation center in Phenix City on the August 16th where he showed signs of improvement and regaining his strength. To this point, everything was strictly physical and strength related. There was nothing broken and no medical issues involved.
Unfortunately on Monday night we received a call from his nurse at the rehab center that he was being rushed to the ER at Piedmont in Columbus for a cardiac event.
When he arrived at Piedmont, he suffered a short cardiac arrest with CPR administered and started on a ventilator. It was a long night in the ER with basically no communication on how he was or if he was even alive. Mary Lynn and Kali finally were able to see him early the next morning. Since, the doctors have been working to maintain his stable condition while testing and trying to find answers to what may have caused the event and how to best handle it. Unfortunately, he sustained some injuries from CPR, as well, that have complicated the situation more from pain (broken ribs) and additional trauma to the heart and lungs.
We are so thankful first and foremost for the strength that God has given us to take each step through this process and for the ability to be in this position. It is such a one step forward, one step back process, and patience is a huge prayer request for us right now.
We are grateful to get to hold his hand and sit next to him while he fights and works to get better. We are grateful to get to talk to him and look forward to him being able to give us an “I love you, darlin’” and a “War Eagle!”
We are grateful for the team of doctors and nurses who have worked together and communicated so well with us since being in ICU.
We are grateful for all of you who have called and sent love and well wishes and for Tom and Kali’s teams who have picked up the slack to keep the offices running and are taking care of our customers.
We ask for patience and understanding as we are getting updates slowly and need time to process and share them.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Tom Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Tom's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
