Ellan’s Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer Treatment

As you know, our beloved Ellan ‘Baby’ Nuñez Santiago, now 71 years old, suffered from a massive stroke in 2004 that rendered her immobile, her speech facility completely impaired, and her cognitive functions severely damaged. She was fully dependent on her husband, Mariano Santiago, for practically all her daily functions until she was widowed in 2010 when Mar suddenly passed due to heart attack. Since then, Ellan has been under the care of her eldest daughter, Marika.

Ellan has a wonderful support system at her daughter’s home who has done a remarkable job of providing proper care and keeping her comfortable. The years, however, have not been kind and Ellan, unfortunately, was not able to recover from her disabilities.

On Thursday, 22nd of March, Marika was alarmed at her mom’s noticeable regression and weakened appearance, which prompted her to rush to the nearest hospital by ambulance. Ellan was diagnosed with ‘septic shock’ and due to her immobility, has developed stage 4 pressure ulcer, a severe case of bedsore. She is currently admitted in the Intensive Care Unit at the San Juan Medical Center.

The infection and decay has reached deep into her skin, muscles and her bones. The bacteria has also reached her bloodstream and is currently under heavy doses of antibiotics. Doctors initially recommended for her to undergo an operation which requires her to be sedated, however, doctors believe that Ellan will not be able to handle this sort of procedure. Alternatively, they proposed that a series of operation using local anaesthetic would be a more appropriate treatment. She also requires a series of blood transfusions.

The family is reaching out to Ellan’s family and friends. On top of providing day to day personal and living care and the emotional stress, the family is faced with mounting medical and hospital bills to pay for with limited amounts of money to try to cover expenses. The cost of the ICU facility is P1500/day, her antibiotics P7500/day, and her tube feeding (through her nose) costs P361/day. These three items alone is adding up to approximately P9000/day. Doctor’s professional fees have been estimated to be P25000per specialist. She has 3 specialists looking after her. An anti-bedsore or an alternating pressure bed will also aide in facilitating the best care possible for her medical condition. This is estimated to be approximately P3900.

It is projected that she will require P200000 throughout her ordeal, if that. It will be greatly appreciated if you can extend your generosity to help defray the medical costs from her stay in critical and acute care, as well as the ongoing care post op.

Ellan is a loving wife, devoted mother to her children and grandchildren, and all who know and have experienced her presence can attest to her gentle heart and beautiful soul. Please pray for her recovery, as we believe in God’s grace and mercy. No amount is too little. The family could use all the help they could to get through this extremely difficult time.