James Alan Shelton hospitalized

James Alan Shelton, long-time guitarist with Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys, has been hospitalized in Tennessee.

He shared the following statement about his condition.

James Alan SheltonFolks, I have not had a chance to explain to you what is going on with my health issues. After a weeks worth of intense pain in my back and ribcage, I checked myself into the emergency room at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, TN yesterday morning. I found out that I have a blood clot in my left lung and in my right leg.

It looks like I will probably be in the hospital a few more days until they can get this situation under control. I really appreciate all the prayers that have already been offered up on my behalf and I ask that you continue to pray for me in this difficult time.

Right now the plan is to insert a filter that will prevent other blood clots from reaching the lungs. My blood is a bit too thin right now to do this procedure. I am hoping that the doctors will be able to do it tomorrow. Right now it is basically a “wait and see” type situation. I will keep you posted as the situation unfolds.

On behalf of my wife Greta and I, we certainly appreciate your kind thoughts, encouragement and concern.

Let’s all hope to hear good news from James by the end of the week!

UPDATE 8:00 p.m. – James has shared these further details:

Just a quick update on my situation- I had the two procedures today so I am feeling pretty rough. They put the filter in to block any more clots and biopsied the liver. No results yet. Will take a couple of days to get the results back. Hope to get to go home soon. Maybe in a day or so. The words of encouragement and prayers from my Facebook friends have been overwhelming. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

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John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.