Sign out
Back on his feet after a long hospital stay from organ failure
Skilled and compassionate care from Kaiser Permanente helped John Lynn recover from multiple life-threatening complications.
John Lynn (pictured above), age 63, started his day with bad stomach pain. He had felt this pain before, so he tried to ignore it and went to work anyway. But as the day went on, he felt worse. He developed a cough that made it hard to breathe. Then he collapsed.
“I don’t really remember the ambulance ride,” Lynn said. “I only recall telling the EMTs that I couldn’t breathe. That’s the last thing I remember until I woke up a month later.”
Serious health complications led to a fight for his life
Lynn’s medical situation was critical. He was admitted to Kaiser Permanente Zion Medical Center in San Diego, California. He had severe breathing problems, multiple organ failure, sepsis, and necrotizing pancreatitis, which causes parts of the pancreas to die.
For 78 days, care teams worked tirelessly to save him. He faced more problems: systemic inflammation, a blood clot, and multiple counts of sepsis.
Lynn woke up about 30 days after his collapse at work. He knew his condition was serious. Even so, his care team gave him hope every step of the way.
“They always did what was best for me,” Lynn said. “No one ever told me I wouldn’t make it. When I asked a doctor if this would be a long-term thing, they told me they would keep working with me. They lifted me up when I felt depressed.”
Emotional support every step of the way
Lynn’s wife, Becky Lynn, and their children stayed by his side through it all. Becky Lynn had helped her own parents during their hospice care, and she noticed how different Lynn’s care experience was. The care teams never asked Lynn’s family to leave his room, even during medical emergencies.
They watched doctors, nurses, lift team members, physical therapists, nutritionists, dietitians, social workers, occupational therapists, and housekeeping staff care for Lynn with kindness and skill.
Healthy habits keep him thriving
Lynn spent a year recovering with many hospital visits and appointments. Today, he has made major lifestyle changes with support from his care team.
“My eating habits were terrible, and I had been drinking all my life,” Lynn said. “Dr. Joy Ye, who was the sweetest lady, told me, ‘John, do not drink anymore. It will kill you.’ And I haven’t had a drink since August 14, 2023.”
On the one-year anniversary of his first hospital stay, he and his wife went back to Kaiser Permanente Zion Medical Center. They visited the care team members, who had become like family, and expressed their gratitude.
Because of the care he received, Lynn is now thriving and enjoying his second chance at life.