Jan 23rd Joann's Updates

1/23/06 Afternoon I just got off the phone with Joann. She was feeling down and gave me a call. She has such a strong will now to want to go on. She told me through her tears and excitement just how beautiful all the cards she's got so far have been and how they have meant so much. She said she could never express how much they have made her know she's not alone in all of this. I could hear through the tears her smile. She said thank you to everyone that's been supportive. There are some good things looking up now. They are sending in a Nursing Home/Rehab Facility to come evaluate her. She knows this is something she needs to do, but now the waiting to see the surgeon is the hardest part and not knowing what's next. They did confirm that she is actually under the original weight they thought, she's around 650. Also from the sounds of it's she's got Lymphedema and that's played a major part in why she can't walk very well. She told me today she wants to walk again and be normal. She's got a 26 year old and a 9 year old daughters. I told her to use them as her motivation in all of this. She said she would do whatever it's going to take. Please keep her in your prayers and thoughts and if you can find the time send her a card/letter, this will be a long journey for her and her knowing we are here to support her is keeping her spirits up. ----------------------------------------------------- 1/20/06 Afternoon I have spoke with Joann's cousin. Apparently much of the calling we all did in a group effort have paid off today. There has been some action taken to help get something done for her. We have found that the hospital that is willing to help doesn't have any beds open currently, she will have to be placed on a waiting list. Which I know sounds crazy, but it's not really considered a "medical emergency". So for the time being they are wanting to move her to a nursing home. The good news is that the bariatric surgeon did talk to this attending doctor, and the family believes he's got a better understanding now on what medical approach he should be taking with her. It's still a major waiting game and Joann is feeling very discouraged that nothing will ever change her situation. She is losing hope. I can't wait for her to start getting all the cards and letter because I KNOW they will keep her going during all of this. Right now she feels alone, but the outpour of our membership will make a difference to her. When I find out more information I will keep you posted. Please continue the good vibes and letter/calls. Once she is moved or can have visitors I will let those of you who wanted to visit know where you can go. ----------------------------------------------------- First I wanted to thank everyone who has responded to sending a card/letter to Joann during her very hard time. Please remember this is going to be a long process for Joann so she can use the continued support. Just to give everyone an update. Joann was rushed to the ER on Friday of last week Jan 13th. She has been homebound for 3 years, she's not walking in 1 1/2years, she's approx over 700 pounds. In fact calling an ambulance was one of the hardest things she's done, she was very embarrassed to ask for help. It took 10 men to get her out of the house, not to mention having to use body bags to transport her. Once she was taken to the closest hospital they where not equipped for someone of her size. They where going to move her to another hospital, but have put it off over and over for an entire week. As of today they have still not moved her.... The attending doctor at the current hospital she is at has given her very little hope. Today he said in front of her "you are hopeless". The plan he wants to undertake is just sending her to a local nursing home, but he said that there is NO rehab for someone in this situation and that it's the families problem for allowing her to get in this position. When I heard this today I able blew my top.... Reason I'm living proof she can walk again, I've seen plenty others in her situation walk again and get the help they needed. He made several other snide remarks to the family right in front of Joann. Basically this attending doctor wants her off his hands. He won't even call the bariatric surgeon at the other hospital to assist or anything. Thankfully I was able to get ahold of the surgeon's office who was willing to help, it's now just a matter of getting her to that other hospital for assistance, the attending doctor doesn't want to move her over there. Please keep Joann in your thoughts and prayers, she wants the help, it's been offered, but the current attending doctor has no clue how to help and doesn't want to. This is an awful situation for her to be in, but I'm not giving up and neither is her family that help is on the way. I will give you more updates as I have them. I was able to speak with Joann last night and she is trying to remain in good spirits, but this doctor has given her no hope to go on. Her breathing has improved, but they don't want to attend to any of her other medical needs (bed sores, possible gallbladder issues, she needs oxygen). Please email me if you would like Joann's address to give her support. [email protected] Thanks again Amy

Hi Amy, Do you know what hospital here in Chicago has agreed to help Joann? Take care, Kathy

See my recent update I just added. Amy