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OGDEN — An Ogden man is hoping for a procedure that could save his life after the battery stopped working on an implant that has been successfully treating his depression.
The battery on Sean Kearney's implant needs to be replaced. But since the procedure is not covered by insurance, Kearney is left with few options.
Kearney's passion is painting.
"He's an awesome teacher, before he got sick," said his mother, Donna Kearney.
"I was so lucky I was able to make my living as an artist," Sean said. That changed with depression.
"It's a suffocating, terrible, insane way to live," he said. "Your whole life is sucked out of you. I think it makes you love people more, and makes you love your life less."
"It breaks my heart," Donna said, "because he's so sad all the time. And he tries so hard."
There had been years of improvement until the battery died. Under his skin is a Vagus Nerve Stimulator -- a VNS. The implant sends an electrical stimulus to the vagal nerve in his neck.
Sean's psychiatrist describes his illness as one of the worst he's seen in 30 years of practice. Dr. Joseph Dye writes the VNS "has probably saved his life." And, "His condition is rapidly deteriorating."
Dr. Peter Maughan said, "What we do know is that it works, but we don't know exactly how it works."
Maughan will donate his surgical time to implant a new battery, which costs around $10,000 and will be donated by the manufacturer.
"When his Vagal Nerve Stimulator works, it's night and day," Donna said. "He's a wonderful, functional, productive, funny, witty, on the ball person."
But Sean needs a hospital to provide an operating room, without charge.
"None of us are going to be exempt from having people that we love be mentally ill," Donna said.
The Kearneys feel the stigma behind mental illness stands in the way of critical care.
"If a heart patient has a pacemaker they'll certainly replace the battery to keep them alive," Sean said.
"What's the difference?" Donna asked. "If he were a heart patient they'd have him to the hospital right now. Even if he were 94. He's a dad with a lot to offer."
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