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Bruce Bartyzal & family - Medical Bills

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Hi, my name is Gwen Case. I am raising money for our dear friend, Bruce Bartyzal & his beautiful family.

Bruce had a routine total knee replacement (TKR) back on March 3rd, 2021. The family knew immediately that something wasn’t right. The next 16 days were filled with many calls, regular doctor visits, ER visits & an MRI. Because of the MRI results the doctor finally decided to do another surgery to clean up what they thought was some fluid build-up in Bruce’s leg. That’s when something went wrong. The surgeon closed him back up & rushed Bruce to Fairview Southdale in Edina. Natalie was told the plan was to first save his life & then do everything possible to save his leg. Although the odds were not good, they were able to do both by performing a fasciotomy. It was then that they realized he had compartment syndrome (which is very rare). This condition was caused by his artery being cut during the original TKR surgery - that surgeon had closed him up without noticing what he had done. Normally when this happens to someone, it is caught within 4-8 hours post-op. In Bruce’s case, he survived 16 days without any medical professional realizing the severe issue that was happening inside Bruce's leg. Natalie's determination & unwavering advocacy ensured Bruce didn't go another day without the proper medical attention he needed. Bruce is very fortunate to not only still be alive but very fortunate to still have his leg.

One year later in March 2022, Bruce had his 12th surgery (Subtalar Joint Fusion) since his original TKR in an attempt to fix the pain, swelling & fluid that was building up daily in his foot and leg. It’s now been 3 months since Bruce's last surgery. Unfortunately, Bruce is still struggling with pain and swelling after the recent surgery. He is now working with a new PT Group & Pain Specialist to try and get back to some type of normalcy. Bruce is encouraged this new plan will allow him to be able to get back to enjoying some of the things he used to do like golfing and bowling.

These very unfortunate circumstances have claimed Bruce's "normal" life. Yes, he is still the long-winded storyteller, dad-joke narrator, Tik-Tok star and overall awesome human being however, he has been living with constant pain, physical limitations, so many emotions, sleepless nights, restless days, uncertainty about his health, endless appointments and more surgeries than any of us could imagine. Bruce is working hard, following the doctor's orders, and leaning on Natalie, Cal & Leah, all while remaining positive.

While a Go Fund Me isn't something anyone asks for. Sometimes you have to trust that people truly want to help but don't know how. I have assured the Bartyzals this is how they can let us help. Please know your money will be put to important use. I had to specify a goal dollar amount to start this fundraiser & it might seem lofty but I assure you, it's not. If you have ever had an unexpected health concern, you know how outrageous & overwhelming those bills are & they don't stop coming.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post about our friend. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. I am so grateful we live in a caring, giving community.

To read more about Bruce's story, please visit: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brucebartyzal
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Donations 

  • Sean O'Neill
    • $100
    • 1 yr
  • Matt and Patty Friedrich
    • $100
    • 2 yrs
  • Terry and Jodi Fahey
    • $100
    • 2 yrs
  • Tyler Seurer
    • $50
    • 2 yrs
  • Stefeni & Jeremy Tupy
    • $100
    • 2 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Gwen Case
Organizer
New Prague, MN
Bruce Bartyzal
Beneficiary

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