This time we need a little help

On August 4 Bridgette was taken by ambulance to Tauranga hospital unable to breathe. Within hours of being in emergency Bridgette was transferred to ICU on a respirator life support system, and the family was called and advised she may not survive the day. Bridgette was then transferred by helicopter to Auckland ICU and placed on an ECMO machine. This machine took over the functions of Bridgettes lungs and heart. At this stage there was no diagnosis as to cause. The machine was literally keeping Bridgette alive until a cause could be determined. Bridgette was on this machine, in total for approximately twelve days. Three times during this period we were advised that the machine might have to be turned off. Finally a diagnosis of Influenza A, on top of pneumonia, which was on top of still undetermined lung problem was the cause.

After twelve days Bridgette was taken off the ECMO machine and flown to Waikato ICU, and placed on a respirator and tracheotomy machine. During this entire period Bridgette had been in an induced coma and been on increasingly heavy drugs to ensure sedation. We were advised of two things at this stage. One that Bridgette was still at risk of death due to the still undiagnosed underlying lung problem, and two, that due to the extended period on ECMO that there would be a high probability of brain damage, major organ damage, or both.

After two days in Waikato ICU we were advised there was nothing left that they could do, and they decided to fly Bridgette back to Tauranga ICU so that she could be closer to her family. I had been with Bridgette the entire time.

Bridgette remained in ICU for approximately six weeks. The withdrawal from sedation commenced. The withdrawal from the drugs was severe and it was hard to determine if it was brain damage or simply withdrawal causing the problem. We were advised once again that there was a possibility of a recommendation to turn off the life support system due to quality of life issues.

To everyone's amazement after five weeks Bridgette was conscious and WITHOUT either brain damage or major organ damage. She was however unable to speak or move. The lack of speech was due to the tracheotomy, and the lack of movement due to being immobilised for such an extended period.

Bridgette was moved to High Dependency for a few days, and then to a normal ward for several weeks. During this time two other events occurred which were difficult to bear. Firstly I was diagnosed with lung cancer, and secondly our family dog, of fourteen years had to be put to sleep. Very hard time.

For the past ten weeks Bridgette has been in the rehabilition section of Tauranga hospital undergoing daily physio and occupational therapy. Bridgette is on oxygen and still becomes exhausted with the slightest exertion....but she is alive. At this stage let us say how grateful we are to Medical Staff and all friends who supported us through pray and care.

For Bridgette to remain at home the house we live in requires huge renovations. Currently our house does not have an indoor toilet and so a bathroom with shower and hand rails etc needs to be built. We also require an oxygen condenser to ensure that Bridgette has oxygen whenever it is required. My cancer treatment commences on November 30, therefore I also will be limited in the amount of daily support I can provide. The extra bills pile up, and we genuinely need support in The form of financial relief. The bathroom alone is quoted as over thirty thousand.

Any help you can provide will be gratefully received and appreciated.