Jerry Lentz Has Swine Flu
It's a story that Jerry Lentz will appreciate when he's well: What he thought was an annoying fever turned out to be swine flu. In the meantime, he's really sick. He and his adoring wife, Jessica, need his friends' help.
Two weeks ago, Jerry and Jessica thought he had a flu that just wouldn't quite go away. He went to the hospital December 26 and they quickly realized he had double pneumonia. Today, he's intubated in the ICU and in an induced coma, which lets antibiotics have the best chance of fighting the virus.
He's also developed ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) and currently his blood is circulated by ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). This fights sepsis and circulates blood outside of his body, giving his lungs a chance to heal. All of this put serious strain on his kidneys, and he will likely need dialysis.
The Lentzes do have health insurance, but these bills will be massive — and Jessica needs to take the next two weeks off of work, without pay, to care for Jerry.
If you are in the Tennessee area, he's at Tristar Centennial in Nashville, on the 4th floor ICU, bed 7.