Update on Brother-in-Law (Flesh eating disease)

Barker | 4/25/02 | Barker

[barker]

Update on my brother-in-law, Charlie, who has been in the hospital almost 2 weeks with necrotizing fasciitis, commonly called the flesh eating disease. Original thread is hereAfter some improvement last week the news over the weekend and early this week was not nearly as good. They found a soft spot in his lower are where they thought the disease may have spread and a spot on the bone itself where they also thought the disease was spreading. They had already removed some of the damaged tissue down to the bone. His heartbeat has been irregular and when they tried to let him breathe on his own he couldn't. Breathing was shallow and blood pressure and heart rate shot up.They decided on a tracheotomy before the tubes in his throat damaged his vocal cords.

Now for the GOOD NEWS:

The soft place they had found in his arm was a small deposit of fat which they removed. Closer examination of the spot on the bone showed it was a place where it was healing and not the disease spreading as they thought. A plastic surgeon decided there is just enough tissue left around the bone in his elbow for skin grafts to take. They plan on starting them next week if all continues to go well. He will have limited use of his arm after all the skin grafts but not like before because of the damage done and parts of the muscle removed. Tne doctors are talking about a year of skin grafts and physical therapy for his arm.

The incisions they had made different places to check the spread of the disease look clean and any redness that was around them before is gone. Barring any complications the doctors believe he will get through this. His irregular heart beat is now normal after the tubes were removed. They will insert a feeding tube in his stomach today. The doctors believe, barring any complications, the disease is no longer life threatning.

Did get to spend a couple of hours alone with my sister on Tuesday. She described the last 11 days as a rollercoaster ride through hell. It looks like God has heard all the prayers and is smiling down on Charlie. He has also been blessed with very good doctors

[janetgreen]

So glad to hear his condition is improving. I know a young woman who had this disease in some of her internal organs. She went on to have a daughter 9 years ago, and has never had a recurrence of her disease. She is also a believer in the power of prayer. Keep us updated.

[maestro]

Amen and Amen,..........More Grace and Mercy,........... In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen!!!

[Freedom2specul8]

Oh sweetie, I'm SO SORRY! I'm glad you wrote me, and I will pray for him and all of your family..that's so scary. 2 weeks must have been forever for all of you!

[Dubya]

Thanks for the update.

PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME

When prayers go up

Blessings come down

[lowbridge]

Thank God for the good news! More prayers on the way.

[wendelmyer]

Will continue to pray for Charlie and his family

Thank you very much for the updates

[Victoria Delsoul]

My prayers are with Charlie. May God help him and protect him.

[cowgirlcutie]

Thank you for the update. I will continue praying for Charlie's recovery and for God's love and strength to be with him and his family.

[marylina]

So glad to hear that Charlie is on the mend. Will be joining the others in continued prayers for him, as well as for your sister and family. Thank you for letting us all know how Charlie is doing, and I'm hoping the news is better every day.

[Alamo-Girl]

Praise God!!! Thank you so much for the update!

[Lorena]

Your update on Charlie's condition is much appreciated. What wonderful news to hear that things are looking so much better for him now. My prayers on behalf of Charlie, his family members and his doctors continue.

[tiki]

Great news and another prayer ping.

[d4now]

Consider it done.

Peace be with you.

[alfa6]

Thanks for the news, am glad to here that Charlie looks to be on the mend. Take care and best wishes.

Regards

alfa6 ;>}

[4CJ]

Charlie, you, your sister, and the rest our still in our prayers. Keep the faith.

[KC Burke]

Good to hear that there seems to be positive progress. The aid and comfort you have provided are critical.

[Aggie Mama]

Thank you so much for the update. Continued prayers for everyone involved. =)

[Ff--150]

THANK YOU, JESUS!!!!

[Walkin Man]

Thanks to the Lord for hearing prayers. Another on the way.