LIFE BEFORE 08/19/2019
Active
FIREFIGHTING
FIREFIGHTING
I was always doing something active, whether that be coaching soccer, playing soccer, hunting, fishing, building things, working in our huge organic garden, raising animals and being a father. I did not like sitting still and loved being productive. Slalom waterskiing was my favorite sport. Living a healthy lifestyle was a point of pride for me.
FIREFIGHTING
FIREFIGHTING
FIREFIGHTING
My first career was a firefighter. I worked both in a largely residential rural fire department and I was a contractor for USAP, firefighting in Antarctica.
Dr. Gauthier
FIREFIGHTING
Dr. Gauthier
I wanted a challenge so I returned to University to get my doctorate in audiology. With a background in public service and experience working for the government, I chose to take a position with the Department of the Army, as a civilian.
Life changed August 19, 2019
TDAP
I was administered a TDAP at my position at Darnall Army Hospital on August 19, 2019. Throughout the following week, my left leg began to feel like it was on fire, I had severe tinnitus in my right ear and I would be woken multiple times a night by my right foot cramping. Finally, I was admitted into the hospital on Friday August 23, 2019. That Sunday, I began to lose feeling and strength in my right arm. Shortly after, both legs went into severe spasms and cramps. The pain was excruciating. After this subsided, I was no longer able to lift either leg while laying. My right arm lost significant strength and sensation. I lost nearly all sensation to my penis and bladder spasms began. I also lost hearing in my right ear and had balance issues. Symptoms continued to progress. The spasms and cramping extended to most of my body. We continued to search for answers.
Close call
As symptoms continued to progress, there came a time where I didn't believe I would make it. A few days prior to this event, I said goodbye to my children and wife. I truly didn't believe I was going to survive. I was in respiratory distress, at times only taking one breath per minute. My body would spasm, then lock, and I went unconscious many times.
NEgative results
I had hundreds of tests to confirm that the TDAP injured me.