GRAY’S MAYOR
Courage, bravery and strength of character are qualities that show up during times of adversity, and they are certainly evident at the Barbee household.
What Ed and Ruth have been through since Ed went into septic shock following a ‘routine’ procedure to remove a kidney stone has been a roller coaster ride of horrors. But this couple has faced it all, together, and are determined that Ed will be back to assume his duties as mayor of Gray.
This is a story of faith, fortitude, tenacity and love.
Fewer than 200,000 cases of septic shock occur each year, but that is what happened to Ed during the May 4 procedure. Ruth said while Ed was in recovery, a nurse grew concerned that his blood pressure was dropping.
The next morning, Ed was in ICU, fighting for his life.
“I know he’s lucky to be alive,” the wife said.
That seems to be the secret to the way Ed and Ruth have handled what was to come. They are grateful that he survived and focused on overcoming the challenges put in their way.
Ed was elected mayor of the City of Gray in 2017, re-elected in 2021 and served four years as mayor pro tem before that. Barbee walked the streets of the city routinely, checking on constituents, and went to the gym every day. He was a regular visitor to downtown businesses.
The mayor serves on multiple boards and committees due to his position and takes each one seriously.
Barbee served in the Marines and is a member and former commandant of the Middle Georgia Detachment 970 Marine Corps League. He was selected as Marine of the Year for the State of Georgia for 2021.
After shock
It was touch and go for Ed for several days, and Ruth said there were IVs everywhere. Ed was on a ventilator, had three blood transfusions and had to undergo dialysis when his kidneys’ stopped working.
It was after he stabilized that Ruth noticed his fingers and toes had turned blue. When she asked about it, the wife was told that it was caused by the medications he was given – the same medications that saved his life.
The hope was the circulation would return, and some of it did. It did not in his toes on both feet, fingers and thumb of his left hand, and the fingertips of his right hand. Rather than getting better, they grew worse until they were black, obviously dead.
While Ruth was aware all this was happening, Ed was receiving so many medications, it was several weeks before he realized the severity of his situation. Ruth said he asked her several times for soap and water to wash the ‘dirt’ off his hands.
As the pain meds diminished, Ed grew less confused. Ruth recalled the talk they had when she had to explain to her husband what had happened.
Ed said he does not remember much about his stay at the Houston County hospital. He was moved out of ICU to an ICA room May 17 and moved to a Macon rehab May 27. He was receiving therapy at the hospital and was able to stand and sit in a chair.
When transferred to the rehab, he was again able to move to a chair and started to eat better. After meeting with the doctors, it was made clear that he would be losing fingers and toes but did not know how much. In mid-June, he was actually taking some steps and felt like having a few visitors.
When doctors talked about releasing him, the first thought was he would go to a nursing facility until the decision was made about the amputation surgeries. That did not come to fruition, and Ruth decided to bring him home and care for him herself.
Ed came home June 22. The Barbees were supported by home healthcare that came three times a week and friends, neighbors, family members and members of their church family who brought food and assisted when they could. “We couldn’t have made it without our kids,” Ruth said.
Their church, The Voice of Truth in Irwinton, constructed a ramp for Ed before he got home. That Sunday, Ed was outside riding on that ramp in his electric wheelchair.
The next challenge was getting to and from doctor’s office visits. That was solved by former Mayor Gus Wilson and his company On Time Medical Service. He contacted the Barbees and offered his services after hearing about Ed’s situation. Since then, he has made sure Ed made every doctor visit. The Sunshine Sunday School Class of Gray Methodist and a couple of friends bought them a transport chair to make getting around easier.
Amputations
They found out at a June 27 doctor’s visit which fingers had to be amputated and July 5 learned he would lose at least one-third of each foot. At first, the surgeries were scheduled separately, but the doctors got together and worked it out to get it done all at one time.
The date of the surgeries was July 13, this time in Macon, and he was sent home Friday, July 14. That return home was short-lived, and Sunday morning he was headed back to the hospital by ambulance due to a fever and excruciating pain.
Ed remained in the hospital until July 29. This time he arrived home to a hospital bed in the living room. The little mobility he had before the amputations was diminished, waiting for the wounds to heal.
Other mobility issues are areas on Ed’s heels, not included in the surgeries, but they have to recover for him to tolerate being on his feet.
With all that facing them, the Barbees are celebrating every victory. Ed is looking toward the future, setting small goals, then looking toward the next.
Since the amputations, his goal has been to sit on the side of the bed and eat. His appetite has not been good, but Ed felt being able to sit up and eat would help. He has met that goal, and it has helped.
His next goal is to be able to stand and transition to a chair.
Ed is working on that goal with a personal trainer from his gym, who comes to the house to work with him on core strength three times a week. At this point, Ed felt more comfortable with a familiar face with whom he could communicate.
“I’m going to be back. The question is what that will look like,” Ed stated. “It could be in a wheelchair or a walker.”
In between the visits from home health care and the trainer, Ruth helps Ed work out with hand weights to help him recover muscle mass. On Sundays they rest.
Not a sprint
Whatever Ed’s recovery looks like, it is going to take time. His wounds are healing well, but doctors have already said another surgery is needed on his left hand.
The couple enjoy the cards they have received and visitors, now that Ed is up to it. As a people person, the lack of personal contact has been difficult, and Gray is missing its mayor and ambassador.
Ruth said they have a system going, but she would like to get out a few times a week. To allow her to do that would involve a visit with Ed while she goes to the gym or runs an errand. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact them through The Jones County News, 478-986-3929.
Cards of support can be sent to Ed in care of City Hall, PO Box 443, Gray GA 31032.
