Please support Jeff in his treatment and hopeful recovery from Cryptococcal Meningitis
Jeff Lynn has a rare type of Meningitis. He will require much love and support during his treatment and hopeful recovery.
Waikato
Jeff was admitted to the Acute Medical Unit at Waikato Hospital on the 16th of May. He was eventually diagnosed with a rare and complex illness called Cryptococcal Meningitis. It is a fungal infection of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord and a difficult illness to treat.
Unfortunately the drugs he requires for treatment are very toxic. They have unpleasant side effects and may only be used for a short period of time as they can cause organ damage. Jeff is also receiving regular lumbar punctures to remove pressure from his brain, and CT scans to monitor changes in the infection. He is taking numerous drugs intravenously to support his system and is being fed via a gastric tube having been unable to keep food down for several weeks. Intravenous fluids such as potassium and magnesium depleted by Jeff's drug regime are given daily.
Jeff currently requires around the clock care as many of his cognitive abilities are impaired by pressure on his brain. If he tolerates the treatment program it is unclear what ongoing health issues he may face. There is a possibility that some organs may be irreversibly damaged.
Due to the complexity of Jeff's care and a probable prolonged recovery and rehabilitation period, donations of any kind would greatly assist the financial and practical strain on Jeff's family as they care for him both now and in the coming months.
We know Jeff has touched the lives of many people in his community over the years and appreciate the many kind wishes we have received.
Amanda Lynn's involvement (page creator)
I am Jeff's daughter caring for Jeff alongside my mother (and Jeff's wife), Kaye.
Latest update
Week 11 18 July 2016
We now have confirmation that the culture has not grown in Jeff’s spinal fluid for 4 weeks indicating that the drugs have worked in treating the Cryptococcus Meningitis. Whilst this is tremendously good news, Jeff will need to continue to take anti-fungal drugs for the next 12 months in order to ‘mop up’ any residual effects of the disease in his system. According to the lead Consultant he will also face a long period of rehabilitation - the outcome of which will be unknown for some time as the brain can continue to heal for up to five years.
Based on his current cognitive abilities and psychological and physical state, Jeff’s medical team have decided upon a rehabilitation programme at home rather than at the Waikato Hospital Facility. A registered nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and health care assistant will oversee a program to support Jeff’s recovery alongside the input of his family.
As a result of the effects of the Meningitis, the Consultant has said Jeff has what can best be described as a brain injury. She has advised that visiting should be arranged in advance and kept to under half an hour at a time as Jeff tires very easily and finds too much stimulation difficult to process. His neurological impairment is such that he can become confused and distressed without visitors necessarily being aware of the impact of their visit.
Some ongoing issues as a result of the Meningitis and prescribed medications have not yet resolved, but Jeff’s overall health continues to be monitored by weekly blood tests and check ups with his medical team.
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