Kairi
Hello! My husband has been struggling with his weight since he was a child. We met on the internet and began dating June 9th, 2000. We were wed at the McKinley National Memorial in Canton, Ohio on July 20th, 2002. At that time he was 450lbs. We both attended Columbus College of Art and Design. Unfortunately, we had to drop out, due to his illness. In January 2004 the arthritis in his knees got worse. Because he was no longer able to walk he reached a weight of 747lbs. in May. He had severe lymphodema, sleep apnea, arthritis, cellulitis, and low testosterone (Froelich's Syndrome). I love him so much and support him through the battles we've been facing. Jeremy had his surgery at OSU with Dr. Muscarella on November 23, 2004. He spent 5 months in SICU because of several complications, then 9 months in a nursing home. His weght before surgery was 803lbs (his highest known weight).
Co-morbities include:
Froelich's Syndrome (low testosterone), Sleep Apnea, Arthritis in Knees, Lymphodema, peaked at 803 pounds.
Complications:
Heart in Atrial Fibrilation (discovered a few days before surgery and lasted for 5 months), Sepsis, Part of Colon Died (has colostemy bag now), Abdomen Left Open (still open), Possible Mini Stroke (turned out to be ICU Neuropathy, lost movement and feeling in legs and still can't walk yet), Bed Sores (over 20 of them, one went to the bone), Kidney Failure (twice, but came back with dialysis), Liver Damage (but okay now), Possible Staph Infection in Heart (we'll never really know), Multiple Infections (including Pneumonia, Psuedemonis, blood infections, urinary tract infections and infections in the sores), Tracheostomy (couldn't talk for 9 whole months and was on the ventilator), Thrush (ew, no kissies for a while), Multiple Sores on Legs (about 5 on each), Hair Loss, Hearing Loss in Both Ears and I know there is more, but it is So hard to think of it all right now. I'll update as I remember. These past 24 months have been a long, blurry nightmare.
He came home January 30, 2006. Since then he has received in-home nursing and physical therapy. He had his cathedar removed in February. He officially has No More Bedsores! yay! (He came home with 19). His abdomen is still open, but it is Much smaller and should be completely healed by the end of the year. His hair has grown back twice as thick and twice as dark, too. He now has double hearing aides. He has regained a lot of strength and movement in his legs and arms, but still is unable to sit or stand. He is now going to outpatient therapy at Peterson in West Virginia three times a week. Because of his surgery he was featured in the ObesityHelp Magazine in Fall of 2005, Entertainment Tonight with Richard Simmons (visited him in the nursing home in January 2005), and on the local news WTRF (in February 2006... updates coming soon). He is now looking into attending an online university to become a Christian councellor/motivational speaker. And last, but not least, he was Finally weighed October 17, 2006...... 343lbs! He has lost 460lbs!!!!!! Way to go Jeremy!!!!!! He is starting a webpage and we will let you all know when it is up and ready!
Visit his ObesityHelp profile at
www.obesityhelp.com/?N=N1088200526
Now about me. I am 24 years old and am currently 125lbs. My heaviest weight was 151lbs when Jeremy first went into the hospital, then I lost 15 pounds while he was there. After we came home we have been living a healthier lifestyle together and I have lost an additional 11 pounds with simple diet and exercise. Okay, maybe it's not That simple, but it wasn't complicated, either. Be sure to visit my profile at myspace to learn even more about me:) www.myspace.com/poopie__kitty
