On Sunday, I was super sick, very short of breath, threw up most of the day, and had the worst pain in my lungs. I tried to sleep it off, but I woke up Monday morning and knew something wasn’t right. So with every ounce of energy I had, I drove myself to the hospital… well, I saved my life by doing so..
Not only did I have double pneumonia, but my white blood count was down to a tenth of what it should be, and I was septic. Once in the ER, they couldn’t keep my b/p above 75/50, and my O2 levels were 82-84 at their best. Then on top of all this, I find out I have a grapefruit-sized lesion in my upper right lung that’s been there for a long time, and it won’t go away. It’s not cystic, just a black mass at the top of my right lung.
Days in the ICU later, many tests and bloodwork, Bi-pap sessions, almost having to have a pic-line and ventilator put in, 10 different antibiotics to figure out which would work best for the type of pneumonia I have, the most amazing support from my family and wife, and an amazing job by my team at Marietta Memorial Hospital. I’m finally out of ICU and slowly recovering in the hospital on oxygen because my body still cannot function properly without it, as I slowly heal, which is going to be a long one…. But I’m still here.”
The challenges I experienced were overwhelming, and I’m grateful to be on the road to recovery. However, the costs associated with my treatment and the time I’ve had to take off work have put a strain on my finances. My wife also missed work to be by my side, which has made finances very tight.
If you are in a position to help, I would deeply appreciate any support you can offer. Donations will go towards covering medical expenses and helping with the loss of income during my recovery. No amount is too small, and your generosity will make a meaningful difference in my life. Thank you for considering this and for all the love and support you’ve already shown me during this difficult time. It truly means the world to me and my family.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for all the love and support you’ve already shown me during this difficult time. It truly means the world to me and my family.
With gratitude,
The Barton’s
