Friends & Family,
As many of you may already know, Austin is currently in the ICU at Saint Joe Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN.
The journey began on July 11, when Austin began experiencing flu-like symptoms which continued to get worse throughout the next two days. By Tuesday, July 13 he had to leave work early due to the continued worsening of his symptoms. By Wednesday, July 14, he was experiencing severe abdominal pain, and after a doctor visit and two trips to the emergency room at Goshen Hospital, he was admitted and placed on IV's.
Much to our dismay, Austin's sickness continued to get worse. A colonoscopy was ordered and performed on Saturday which determined he had ulcerated colitis. Doctors immediately prescribed several antibiotics and pain medications over the next few days to treat this condition. However, instead of improving, his condition continued to get worse to the point where he couldn't keep any foods or liquids down. Blood tests were ordered and he was moved to the ICU at Goshen hospital Monday morning. The ICU Doctor at Goshen then brought in a consultation of other doctors, specialists to help provide some insight into Austin's continuing worsening symptoms.
It was determined this morning, July 20, that Austin's body has taken on toxicity in the blood system that originated with some form of bacteria that he has been dealing with from the beginning (most likely the culprit of the colitis). The condition he is currently experiencing is quite rare and requires a series of plasma transfusions in order to remove the toxicity from his blood that has been attacking his liver and kidneys.
He was transported to Saint Joe Regional Medical Center via ambulance this morning. His first plasma exchange treatment starts this evening. The specialist handling Austin's care believes this to be the best course of action at this point. Our hope is that this plasma transfusion will provide a much needed chance for Austin's body to begin the process of recovery which will take as long as needed.
As a family, we appreciate your continued prayers as we walk this journey with Austin. Though it doesn't always make sense, we are reminded that God is still sovereign - even over this - and he is needed more than ever.
Austin, We love you so much. We are beside you every step of the way. We pray that you find strength to heal and know God is always present. You are a special man to anyone who meets you. Love, Aunt Phyllis, Uncle Kenton and Ian
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Austin's illness. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteWe will certainly keep him and your whole family in our prayers.
Please give your Mom a hug for me.
Love,
The Rizzas
Dear Austin,
ReplyDeleteYou have made such a BIG impact on our family. You are such an amazing young man. Your words to me before we left for Ohio were, "we are family now, now we can hug." I do think of you as family and it hurts to know you are so ill. Praying that God will heal your body and give you and your family a peace beyond earthly understanding.
Love & Prayers,
Maggie
Dear Austin,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult time.
Our family is praying for a rapid healing and peace for the entire family.
Blessings,
The HUffmans
Dearest Austin,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear that you are so sick. We are holding you close in our hearts and praying that the plasma transfusions begin to bring healing to your body quickly! We pray that you will feel God's love and care in this difficult time. Sending you and your family our love and prayers. From your Kansas family, Gary & Marlene
Austin, Ritch, Char and Leslie....you are all in our prayers. We were so sorry to hear of this and the need to transport to SB. Thanks for sharing your journey with us and for the powerful Psalms. We have a powerful and awesome God...and we are calling upon His name for Austin. We are praying for healing!
ReplyDeleteJudy Yoder
Austin, Ritch, Char
ReplyDeleteWe send all our love and prayers from Cleveland...It was so great to see Austin and all of your family at Leslie's wedding. We were just discussing the Message version of Psalm 23 in our staff meeting...may those words resonate with each of you...we pray for Austin's complete healing.
Craig & Rosy
Austin, Char and Ritch, Leslie and Tyler,
ReplyDeleteKnow that you have family way up north in the hinterland called Canada who are holding each and everyone of you in prayer. Thank you for this blog, it helps us to feel a little closer to you in the midst of the tragedy.
God's Grace, Comfort and Peace to you in the midst of this unwelcomed illness.
Brian Bauman and Nancy, Scott, Jenn, Meg, Mike, Kate and Sam
Austin and family,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about all of this and soo thankful to have a place to check up on Austin's progress. I will be praying for all of you!
Blessings,
Jessica Bubp
I was remiss in not saying (in my earlier post) that we are including Leslie & Tyler in our prayers out in Cleveland, too!
ReplyDelete"I'm not afraid when YOU walk at my side."
Craig
We know so well what you are going through and our hearts are breaking for you. Glad to hear there are positive things starting to happen. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove, Nathan and Rochele Beachy
"The Lord of Hosts is with us and He who watches over you will not slumber" Psalms 46:7 and 121:3