Support John's continued COVID journey!
OCT edit..
My brother John completed his first week of long-term acute care (LTAC) which we referred to as rehab but then developed blood clots and spent a week in the hospital being treated and recovering from that. That is how he spent the last week of September 2021. As I write this he is making arrangements to go to another LTAC and do PT/OT with some rehab and prepare for the next journey which is expected to last anywhere from 21 to 40 days depending on how well he "performs" I guess is a great word to use.
I've spent the last 3 days in Kansas City visiting my brother daily. It's been both a joy and emotional; a reminder of how precious time and life is. I've watched him cough and wish there was nothing for him to expel. I've watched his hand shake and wish that he had the strength of the young 42-year-old man he was back in July prior to covid attacking his body. I had the pleasure of speaking with one respiratory therapist who was there last Friday night when he came in and in her words"I was with him for 2 hours when he came in - It was dicey". If you ever wondered how personal some healthcare providers take their job I can tell you that when they see success in their patients it absolutely means the world to them which tells me that they also heavily relate to those losses.
Yesterday I was in my brother's room when a flurry of doctors came in and out doing their daily rounds. One doctor told him not to be tough (pulmonary) He has a long way to go. another doctor (rehab) told him to just start where he is and put in the work.
When I asked my brother if he wanted any window decorations for his next facility we quickly went into our old routine of bantering. he said, I don't know what they'll allow and I said I'm not asking what they'll allow I'm asking what you want and tears swelled in his eyes as he said he just wanted to get out of there and get back to living life. Maybe I should be doing this update in a video so you can see the tears roll down my face and the moments when I have to stop and get my composure so that you can understand the reality still that families go through even as they are experiencing the joy of making it through all we have the last 60 days.
It's tough, it's really tough but I guess that is one thing my family is known for We have many disagreements on a variety of topics but when it comes to family we always pull together. With my brother being able to provide his own videos I haven't done as much updating but as I prepared to go home I will work with him to do better or at least give a weekly update.
Always desired
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And donations are still very beneficial and quite the blessing✝️
Thank you all so much.
The original info:
My little brother John Boyd was very recently transferred to a rehab facility after 40 + days in the hospital.
Just 2 weeks ago he was AWAKE after a week OFF the ECMO machine fighting for his earthly LIFE! LORD WILLING he will be going to rehab no later than the end of the month!
Please support... our family is covering his immediate bills, but we want to set up something to ease everyone's burden including John's once he returns HOME.
Although he has insurance and likely some VA coverage as a veteran the out-of-pocket cost for his medical bills is unknown at this time and I've read rehab can be upwards of $5,000 a month!
NEW....Updated Timeline below (on or about):
July 9th- exposed to COVID at a family reunion dinner
July 25-31st- developed cough and tired
August 2nd- went to local VA and diagnosed with COVID
Aug 5-6th- made 2 trips to the emergency room (had cough, temps over 101, tired, dehydrated)
Aug 7th admitted to the hospital
Aug 11th moved to ICU
Aug 19th due to oxygen dropping in the 60s he was placed on ventilator & that evening an ECMO machine
Aug 25th.... fighting, praying, crying.
Aug 26 there was bleeding in the groin area around the ECMO tubing. It was adjusted as well as blood thinners adjusted.
Aug 27/28 bleeding in the lungs with some coming up in the tube. Again meds were adjusted and we saw some positive results.
Sept 1 ECMO decreased and/or turned off with positive results from John. The healthcare team was monitoring for the next 24 hours or so to make a decision about removing him from the ECMO.
Sept 2 We thought he was going to be removed from the ECMO but there were periods where he could not maintain the oxygen himself so they decided to keep him on ECMO and sedated.
Sept 3 (noon eastern) there was bleeding from various areas like John's nose and ears and the medical team and colleagues of doctors determined it is best to go ahead and remove him from the ECMO and avoid the worst case scenarios of that situation. Within 3 hours he was off the machine and seemed to be doing well oxygen and breathing wise but still bleeding. The transition off ECMO is not one that is always successful and we are thankful to be getting good reports at the moment.
Overall John was showing a good response to the machine, temp seemed to stay down & vitals are good.
SEPTEMBER 5TH John's nostrils were packed because he had experienced some bleeding from them. He remained sedated and in no pain he was now off the ECMO!
Friday September 10th vitals have been sustaining blood pressure overall good he received a bath. No changes to oxygen setting. This day we learned about secretion suctioning and acquired quite an in-depth awareness of the damage to his lungs. The nurse said he has a long way to go.
Saturday September 11th... Still on ventilator sedation medicine decreased blood sugars elevated but lowered with fast acting insulin. Nurses he's going to need a lot of rehab and she wants to manage the family's expectations. Potassium was low but they treated and balanced him out. They continue constant suctioning.
Sunday September 12th 4:30 p.m. pleasantly surprised to learn he was very awake and giving some physical responses to questions. Off all sedation IV meds. Spent two hours sitting up in the chair. Today we felt the heavy weight lifted!
Monday evening September 13th we continue to discuss the road ahead and rehab. Thankful to be discussing the rehab road and not no road if you understand what we're saying.
Sept 17- transferred to a rehab center. He made it through the weekend despite some mood issues ( my words) and adjustment to a new location.
Monday Sept 20th- HE ATE BREAKFAST!! It wasn't his favorite flavors and seasoning, but this is HUGE!
He may have about 3 weeks remaining still.
No he was not vaccinated...like so many probably reading this now. Just learn tonight the 13th, that all but one patient in this particular ICU unit were unvaccinated.
YES, we are and have been SAD, somewhat frustrated, mostly just heartbroken.
The GOFUNDME will be used to ensure JOHN gets to return to his own home with bills paid; assist him in his recovery...all money will be used for HIM.
I will continue providing updates to his health here when I get something substantial to share.
John during the first week of his hospital stay...
John and sisters.
part of the ECMO machine he is currently on; and his bed.
John and mom 2019
John with brother Dusty and nephews Trevor & Travis...years ago!
John and Christian artists at concert... 2016-2019 sometime.
Our Franco / Boyd family and spouses!
PLEASE pray, think, meditate and make a contribution. We will be forever grateful. You can even pick your own AMOUNT for the page; you dont have to accept their percentages when you GIVE!
Thank you,
Dena