Over the last few years post-polio syndrome had reduced John’s mobility, but in 2019 he also developed sores on his legs that refused to heal. For many months home-care nurses came three times a week to dress and bind his legs. Finally a skin graft was possible and John seemed to be on the road to recovery.
But in May 2020 one leg suddenly became severely infected and he spent seven weeks in hospital. They cured the infection but couldn’t get the painful sores under control. Eventually the leg had to be amputated. Seven weeks of physio- and occupational therapy in a nursing home were followed by readmission to hospital when the sores reappeared. For the whole month of September the doctors fought to save John’s remaining leg but all treatment failed. Just days before the planned amputation they decided to try one more thing. And they found the cause! It was an extremely rare auto-immune skin disease that can be distinguished from the usual causes of leg ulcers only by the fact that an odd combination of medications works. And yes, that was it! Pyoderma Gangrenosum.
John’s leg and stump healed quickly and he was transferred to a nursing home in Amsterdam to build up the strength he would need for life at home in a wheelchair. All summer long, with the help of the children, I had been in the process of moving to an apartment fit for wheelchairs and closer to family. The flat in Delft where we’d lived for 50 years was impossible. It was a gargantuan task but worth it if John would finally be able to live at home again.
But it was not to be. In a cruel twist of fate—just as a brighter future seemed within our grasp—John fell over backwards in his temporary wheelchair, fractured his skull and suffered massive brain damage. He died three days later, never having regained consciousness.
Those of you who knew John well will not be surprised to learn that he remained mentally fit and optimistic throughout the many months. The man was remarkable; he never lost his sense of humour. And as Peter has so eloquently written, this terrible year has given the Warman family unique opportunities to spend time together and to work as a team to achieve the new life we all envisaged. Peter, Andrea, the grandchildren and I have suffered a devastating loss, but we have memories we will treasure forever.
This website is taking the place of a funeral during these days of Covid-19. It’s a virtual celebration of John’s life, where his family and friends can share their memories of him.
Marilyn Warman
