Jim Halbeisen

Survivor

Jim Halbeisen had a bone marrow transplant (BMT) in 2002 for a rare blood cancer. Prior to his BMT, his spleen was removed due to its involvement in his cancer and the possibility of it interfering with a successful BMT. (Sepsis and Impaired Immune System)

Jim eventually recovered from his BMT and rebuilt himself back to a strong/healthy man. In June 2010, he was working in his backyard and started feeling a “little sick.” He lay down in his bed and slept through the night. By the next morning, he had gone into septic shock. He was rushed to Cottage Hospital where he spent 10 days in ICU. He had acute renal failure and two heart attacks. His lungs were beginning to fail so he was intubated.

Jim_Halbeisen__2He was critically ill with sepsis running rampant throughout his blood stream affecting numerous organs. The sepsis, along with the medicine which was required to increase his blood pressure, caused his hands and feet to die.

After 5 weeks, Jim was released from the hospital. Luckily he had no permanent organ damage. He came home with two prosthetic legs, a prosthetic arm, and no fingers on his other hand. (Sepsis and Amputations) Jim quickly adapted to the new challenges in his life. One by one he knocked obstacles down. No one could tell Jim how to do anything so he figured everything out for himself. His wife puts on his legs every morning and he is off and running. He drives, mows, bicycles, sweeps, weed whacks, vacuums, walks the dogs, holds his grandchildren, and holds his wife’s hand. He faces every day with a positive outlook and strives to motivate others. Jim is the strongest man I know!

Jim_HalbeisenYouTube videos:

Recovering from Sepsis–Jim Halbeisen

Jim Halbeisen Rides On

Source: by Cheryl McLain (Jim's sister-in-law)

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