Carl's Road to Recovery

Hi my name is Carl Roques.  Recently, I was diagnosed with Acute Heart Failure, which has put me out of commission and out of a job.  About two months ago, I randomly became sick with shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, but no arm or chest pain.  I could not sleep at night and climbing became a big problem for me due to the constant shortness of breath.  My wife finally convinced me to see my heart doctor, upon which they said there was nothing wrong with my heart.  One week later, I was hospitalized with fluid around my heart.  The cardiologists then informed me that my heart was failing and was only functioning at a rate of 15% due to some unidentifiable reason.  A virus is highly suspect but it cannot be verified.  Cardiologists were able to reduce the fluid in my body (heart, liver, and kidneys) and I was then discharged from the hospital.  At my one week follow-up visit, I was readmitted into the hospital with a blood clot in my heart.  Subsequently, I was transported to a specialized hospital to be evaluated for a possible heart transplant.  I am currently on medication that is helping my heart function better, however, things change daily on this unpredictable journey. 

Although, I am presently doing better, I am unable to work until my heart improves significantly and the medical bills are ridiculously expensive.  Unfortunately, I do not qualify for various government aid programs and my family of four depends upon my income.  Without my weekly pay there is a good chance we will lose everything that we have worked so hard to acquire in life.  We are not quite sure how much my medical bills will be, however, if I do need a heart transplant, God forbid, the average cost is anywhere in the range of $550,000 – 650,000 or more.  This has been a very emotional and strenuous couple months for my family and I.  Life altering experiences which occur in a twinkling of an eye, makes you realize what is truly important in life.  My family is doing their best to make ends meet while I focus on recovering.  They are very supportive of me and the daily changes which are occurring in our lives and I am truly blessed to have them!  Any help that can be given would be greatly and most definitely appreciated.  Thanks!!