Wowsers! He told me about this back in December, during the raffle... He said back then that he almost didn't make it when it had first happened. Total bummage. I am praying for you pal!
Oh no! I knew of his past health issues, but this is very bad news. Thanks for informing us, and I hope his condition will improve again soon!
This is sad to hear, always enjoyed Mike's comments and posts here at TSD. I'm not a religious man so I don't pray but will keep Mike in my thoughts and send some positive energy his way, and best wishes to his close friends and family.
I will, give him and or his family a call today. I've got his cell number. I'll let you guys know what I find out.
I have been in contact with someone close to Mike and have some news about him. He does not have an infection any more from when caving, that was treated almost two months ago. He is unresponsive, on a ventilator, feeding line, heart monitors and plasmapherisis. Doctors think it's what's called a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction from the massive die-off of the infection. (A Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction is a reaction to endotoxin-like products released by the death of harmful microorganisms within the body during antibiotic treatment. Efficacious antimicrobial therapy results in lysis of bacterial cell membranes, and in the consequent release into the bloodstream of bacterial toxins, resulting in a systemic inflammatory response.) His brain cannot remove the dead microbes which produced a neurotoxin that has him "locked in". Doctor's do say he is still there, but unable to communicate. Also, a blood transfusion will not help any. Any more news and I will post it here.
Thanks for the update. That is very worrying news. I sincerely hope he will get out of this in a good way! By the way, I really enjoyed Mike's contributions on TSD, and the few PM conversations we had here.
I'm so sorry to hear about Mike's condition. I have been wondering why he was no longer posting. I'll keep him in my prayers.
