Jeremy update.

I had the opportunity to visit with Jeremy again yesterday. He is on the 11th floor of Doan's Hall in Select Care. Jeremy was asleep almost the entire time that I was there but, I did speak to Robbie and his dad. Jeremy has a continued fever and infection in his body. The duration of the hospital stay and the numerous problems that he has had has caused the family to become very confused and in some cases I believe the hospital staff might be equally confused as to who has the "lead" and what the next steps are. Jeremy has been sleeping allot lately and has descreased his movement in his legs and arms. His father told me that his arm strength has decreased and that his leg movement has almost ceased. The family is discouraged because they feel that there is no continuity between the doctors and the nursing staff. I believe the duration of the illness has caused the family much stress. At this point here are the facts as I know it. --Jeremy's is sleeping allot. --Jeremy has lost some arm strength --Jeremy has reduced his leg movements. --Jeremy has an infection of unknown origins. --Jeremy has not responded to several antibiotics. --Jeremy is being turned every two hours on his side. --Jeremy has lost 210 lbs since his RNY procedure. --Jeremy has several wound vacs on his body 1 on stomach and at least 1 more on his backside were the bedsores were cut and removed. I know this is not a "rosey" report but, it is an honest one. Jeremy needs much prayer and his family needs your support. Sincerely, Bo McCoy

Thanks Bo! You know we have him in our hearts and prayers. Everyday. I believe that being honest about the situation is the best. Sometimes it isn't always what we want to hear, but it's real and we know what we have to work for. It does get hard when you are a long term patient to keep continuity with the docs, nurses, pt, ot, rt and everyone involved in the care. I sensed the frustration too when I went to see him. I am wondering, does he have a case manager or a PCRM that is working with his case? Having one central person helping to orchestrate some things would be a huge help. I wish I could do more. Thanks for the updates. You know how much we all appreciate it. Hugs, Val

I'm sorry to hear that he's not doing as well as he has been. I hope the infection starts to ease soon so that he can get healing again! I wanted to say that I agree with Valerie - I also work for OSU Hospitals (not the main hospital) and it can be very hard with long-term patients. Perhaps involving the social workers, the PCRM or even having the family contact customer service for some mediation could help? Customer service is there to work as advocates when patients/families feel their needs are not being met - they can also work "behind the scenes" to organize some continuity of care if that really is a problem. It sounds like everyone could benefit from a team meeting that outlines where he is now, and what the next steps will be? If you talk to the family, you may suggest some of those ideas. In the meantime, I'll keep Jeremy and his family in my thoughts and prayers!

Bo, Bless you heart for going to visit Jeremy. I know that your support and love have been such a blessing to their family as they know there are people who do care a great deal about him. I wish I lived up there too and could see them. Thank you for report and for visiting Jeremy. You are such a kind caring friend to him. Amy

Wow... I had my surgery in August last year and relied very heavy on the boards for support post-op. I don't frequent them as much, but have came back several times just to see if there have been updates on Jermey. For some reason he ha**** a note in my heart and I just find myself thinking about him and the rollar coater him and his wife have been through. I will contine to keep him in my thoughts and prayers... Karen Smith