May 3, 2014
Posted by Naomi and Jeff Harm
Jake made it through another femur surgery on Friday. A bolt holding his femur together was already coming apart from his previous surgery, as this was identified on an x-ray. To ensure the femur stays intact, they added an additional steel plate in his leg along with the other parts of the bionic build. Once again heavy medication is not allowing to wake up fully.
On a very positive note, the Warrior Transition Battalion will be flying Jake back to St. Paul, Minnesota to Bethesda Hospital hopefully on Tuesday, May 6th if there are no further delays. Most likely Heather will ride along with Jake in the medical airplane, and Jeff will close up all loose ends in El Paso, TX including Jake's townhome, belongings and bills. The Warrior Transition Battalion will also be helping us pack up and ship back Jake and Heather's household goods, Jake's truck and belongings back to Minnesota as well.
Jake is dealing with a higher temperature and blood pressure since last night. They cultured him again and he now has a lung infection. He will be provided with an antibiotic to head off this slight setback and they will continue to work on his lungs to keep them clear of any buildup. On the positive side after talking with Jeff today in El Paso - Jake is breathing on his own once again without the ventilator, but still has his trach tube to breathe through.
I have been back to Minnesota for about one week to tend to onsite technical trainings and consulting services for our technology consulting company. Jeff on the other hand, has been there every single day since April 6th for Jake - morning, noon and night. It is greatly wearing one him and he has lost over 20 pounds, but he is Jake's best advocate and voice - to make sure he is getting quality care and no more medical mistakes or bullying occurrences will occur with the UMC staff or Beaumont orthopedic surgeons. Someday this entire story will be written and published - sooner than later - in the El Paso, TX local newspapers and all names identified to educate the public, our government and US Army families of how one needs to protect your son and/or daughter's rights to medical treatment and care, when they have fallen victim to an injury or sickness and need to be hospitalized - especially in a southern state.
Comments (4)
Dear Naomi - you and Jeff will need to be the voice for many as you make known all of the issues you have been forced to deal with! Thank heaven you able to be the voice for Jake and advocate to bring an end to this nightmare. We continue to send you prayers daily - for all of you as you make your way through this struggle. Jeff needs to keep up his strength but it is understandable the strain is taking a toll on him. Take care and be safe in your travels back and forth, and also for getting Jake to St. Paul and into good hands! Hugs to all, Nan
Jeff, you're one amazing father and husband. I'm so proud to call you my friend. Jake is so incredibly blessed to have you advocating for him every day. I'm looking forward to seeing you this summer back in MN and buying you a well deserved beer. :)
Dear Naomi- You and Jeff both decided your roles in Jakes healing--- and they are both important! I was in Jeff's shoes and my husband was the person who had to be away. Neither are most important, they just happen to fall in place at the time and both roles are HARD! I appreciate you for keeping life moving forward for your family and I understand the importance of Jeff- someone always needs to be there to make sure your child is getting the best possible care. And when they aren't getting the best possible care it is up to both of you to scream about it and DEMAND it- don't ever feel guilty for that! I am excited for you to have him close to home this week. Please let me know if I can do anything for you.....really!!!!
It's disheartening to hear that on top of all you have to deal with the medical staff is a problem. I can't imagine what you must be going through. I am happy to hear that Jake is coming back to Minnesota. Hang in there Jeff! and Naomi if you need any backup/prep/help for area workshops let me know. I can make coffee, run out for lunches, get supplies etc.