Let's Help Jeff & Stephanie Hudgens
Donation protected
On Friday, August 19, Jeff had an outpatient procedure where a sebaceous cyst was removed from his back. He was instructed to take it easy for the rest of that day and the weekend, then he should be ok to return to work on Monday. He didn't feel well through the weekend, but got very sick suddenly on Sunday evening. He had complained of feeling nauseous through the evening, but suddenly started throwing up, shivering violently, and then was having difficulty breathing. Stephanie took him to the local ER. Within a short time of arriving at the ER, blood work determined that Jeff was in sepsis. Less than 12 hours later, he was in the ICU, intubated, and was fighting for his life. On Tuesday, he was transported to a different hospital where the intubation continued. He was also in kidney failure, so he was placed on continuous dialysis. For the next nine days, Jeff was dependent on a ventilator. He remained in CCU for a total of 18 days.
One of the symptoms of sepsis is a dangerously low blood pressure which compromises blood flow to the extremedies. In Jeff's case, his feet were particularly compromised. Following several different tests and professional medical opinions, the difficult decision was made for Jeff to have bilateral below knee amputations.
After 62 days in four different facilities, Jeff is now at home recuperating from this ordeal and healing from the surgery. The medical plan going forward is that Jeff will be fitted for prosthetics once the incisions have healed. Until that time, he is dependent on a wheelchair. He is in occupational therapy three days each week to learn how to manage without his legs and to build his upper body strength. He is having to learn how to navigate from the bed or chair to the wheelchair to perform the most basic of tasks, things we all take for granted.
Jeff was a healthy and hardworking cabinet builder prior to this tragic situation. There are numerous adjustments ahead for Jeff and his family. They are looking ahead to the time when Jeff is fitted for the prosthetics and is mobile again. Jeff hopes and prays that he will be able to return to work and continue to support his family. With the physical nature of his profession, his ability to return to the same job remains unknown. He will need a car with hand controls so he can transport himself. The family home isn't handicap accessible and they must determine if they will need to relocate.
This unbelievable event has changed Jeff’s life and that of his family forever. They are relying on their faith and friends and they appreciate all the assistance and love they have received. As traumatic as the health and emotional situation has been, there is a financial need with Jeff unable to work and all the expenses that have come from this. Any gift you choose to donate is appreciated and will be put to good use to assist Jeff and Stephanie in getting through the difficult days ahead as they settle into a new normal.
One of the symptoms of sepsis is a dangerously low blood pressure which compromises blood flow to the extremedies. In Jeff's case, his feet were particularly compromised. Following several different tests and professional medical opinions, the difficult decision was made for Jeff to have bilateral below knee amputations.
After 62 days in four different facilities, Jeff is now at home recuperating from this ordeal and healing from the surgery. The medical plan going forward is that Jeff will be fitted for prosthetics once the incisions have healed. Until that time, he is dependent on a wheelchair. He is in occupational therapy three days each week to learn how to manage without his legs and to build his upper body strength. He is having to learn how to navigate from the bed or chair to the wheelchair to perform the most basic of tasks, things we all take for granted.
Jeff was a healthy and hardworking cabinet builder prior to this tragic situation. There are numerous adjustments ahead for Jeff and his family. They are looking ahead to the time when Jeff is fitted for the prosthetics and is mobile again. Jeff hopes and prays that he will be able to return to work and continue to support his family. With the physical nature of his profession, his ability to return to the same job remains unknown. He will need a car with hand controls so he can transport himself. The family home isn't handicap accessible and they must determine if they will need to relocate.
This unbelievable event has changed Jeff’s life and that of his family forever. They are relying on their faith and friends and they appreciate all the assistance and love they have received. As traumatic as the health and emotional situation has been, there is a financial need with Jeff unable to work and all the expenses that have come from this. Any gift you choose to donate is appreciated and will be put to good use to assist Jeff and Stephanie in getting through the difficult days ahead as they settle into a new normal.
Organizer and beneficiary
Phyllis Howell
Organizer
Demorest, GA
Stephanie Hudgens
Beneficiary