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Jo's Fight: Conquer Necrotising Fasciitis

  • NO GRAFTING REQUIRED!!!

      2 July 2024

    Jo had an appointment at Waikato Hospital on Monday, July 1st, to consult with the plastic surgeon about her skin grafting. Fortunately, they advised that she will not need any skin grafting, as her arm is healing on its own. This is a significant step towards normality, giving us hope for Jo's faster recovery. She is much more active now, staying positive, and pushing forward.

    She had the vacuum bandage removed but still needs a BTM graft on her wound. This synthetic polyurethane dermal matrix is used for complex wound reconstruction, such as deep dermal burns and necrotizing fasciitis. Over the next few weeks, Jo will have a few staples removed at a time, allowing the BTM to be taken off and her arm to start healing from the outside.

    We can only wish the best for Jo as she embarks on this new chapter.

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  • Closer to normality

      18 June 2024

    Jo has been recuperating at home for two weeks, showing remarkable progress. She's becoming more active and pitching in around the house whenever possible. Her arm is gradually gaining strength, marking a significant milestone towards her recovery to normalcy.

    Currently, Jo has a BTM graft on her wound, a synthetic polyurethane dermal matrix used for complex wound reconstruction such as deep dermal burns and necrotizing fasciitis.

    Next in Jo's recovery journey is skin grafting at Waikato Hospital, where skin from her thigh will be transplanted to the wound on her arm. This procedure will require additional recovery time and care as Jo will then have two wounds to manage.

    We eagerly anticipate the end of this challenging time and look forward to seeing Jo happy and enjoying her favorite activities soon. Keep pushing forward, Jo! 🩷

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  • The Severity of Necrotising Fasciitis

      4 June 2024

    Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, rapidly progressing infection that affects the body's soft tissue. The condition is often referred to as "flesh-eating disease" due to its aggressive nature.

    This is what took a turn for the worse with Jo (photo in the page gallery. Trigger warning, it is a graphic image). It nearly claimed her life within 48 hours, and it didn't stop there. She developed organ failure, collapsed lungs, pneumonia, and pleurisy.

    This is one of the hardest and most devastating things that has happened to Jo. She has an extremely long road ahead in her recovery, and even then, things won't be the same. Jo will have to relearn how to do simple things like showering, cooking dinner, and general household chores. She won't be able to enjoy the activities she loves, such as fishing and gardening.

    This disease has truly turned her world upside down.

    Now that Jo is on the mend internally, it's time to focus on getting her arm working again. Initially, Jo was told she could go home on June 6th, but she recently received the disappointing news that she needs to stay an additional 1-2 weeks for skin grafting, which will extend her recovery time.

    Hopping between hospitals is never fun; it's mentally and emotionally draining. Receiving conflicting information has been very confusing for Jo as well. We just want this ordeal to be over and for Jo to be safely at home with her loved ones and her dogs, Jax and Cooper, who are missing her dearly.

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  • Jo's Journey: Celebrating Her First Steps Towards Recovery

      27 May 2024
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    Jo has been improving every day. She reached a significant milestone on Sunday by taking a short, assisted walk—her first proper walk in two weeks. We hope to transfer Jo back to Tauranga Hospital this week, as her lungs have been getting stronger each day. We hope we can now focus on her arm, which is the reason she ended up in the hospital. We're definitely on the upward slope now!

    We want to thank everyone for their generosity, love, and support. Keep fighting, Jo. We love you.

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  • Jo’s first milestone since being in Hospital

      21 May 2024
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    Jo has endured an extensive week at tauranga and Waikato Hospital, undergoing surgeries, tests, and multiple scans. Since arriving at Waikato Hospital, she has been confined to her bed.

    This morning, on Tuesday, May 21st, we finally saw a glimmer of hope! With assistance, Jo managed to leave her bed and move to the chair beside it.

    It's the little victories that remind us of our humanity.

    We're immensely proud of Jo's progress, even though there's still a long journey ahead.

    Keep pushing, Jo. We're rooting for you and sending lots of love your way.

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