08/20/2025
Friends:
On July 31, I was experiencing severe pain at an old surgical site. I was advised to go to the ER to get the pain under control. Kelly took me to UW East, as that is where my surgery team is located. They provided me with both oral and IV pain medications and admitted me to the hospital so the surgeons could evaluate my condition in the morning. An hour or so later, the nurses came in and woke me from my sleep to ask if I was okay. They were concerned because my respirations had dropped to five, and sometimes lower. The feeling was that I was administered too much morphine. Doctors ordered a dose of Narcan, which was given without any change to my condition. Another dose was then administered. It was at this point that I lost consciousness. I’m not sure how long I was out, but I’m told that during this time, I exhibited a stroke event. When I came to, I remember the room full of people calling out my name, asking me many questions.
Long story short, I was transferred to Meriter Hospital ICU and then to a regular room where I remained for 12 nights. The good news is there was no brain bleed. This is being called a symptom of Functional Neurological Disorder. Currently, I am still having issues with my left leg and my right eye. I am at home and have home nursing care. Each day I am seeing improvement and I’m confident that I will be there for our first meeting on September 8 and ready to go on September 15. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the Meet and Greet tomorrow evening. Please have a good time and welcome any new members who may be there. If you would like to pay for your music tomorrow, you may do so. Kelly will be there later in the evening, and you can pay her, or you can send me the money directly via Venmo. Thank you to those of you who have already paid.
I’m looking forward to a fun and successful symposium with all of you! And of course, your prayers and positive thoughts are always welcome.
Blessings!
John
