Christine Recker medical fund
Donation protected
At age 35, a virus attacked Christine Recker's heart, causing Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and cardiomyopathy. Both of these diseases weaken the heart and make it less efficient. Symptoms include shortness of breath, weight gain, weakness, and chest pain.
In 2004 Christine had an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) placed to prevent sudden death from the potential complications of CHF and cardiomyopathy. In the summer of 2015, Christine began experiencing severe arthritis pain in her feet and ankles. The doctors diagnosed this pain as ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis affecting the joints and causing severe chronic pain. Christine was prescribed crutches to walk, limiting her activities and movement, and the injection Embrel to help manage the pain.
Sadly, taking Embrel caused Christine's CHF to flare up. She has since stopped the Embrel, but it has done irreversible damages to her heart. In July Christine's heart function was 23% but (normal is 50-70%), and now she is at 15%.
Her cardiologists are recommending a LVAD (left ventricular assist device) which means a heart pump implanted next to her heart. The LVAD helps the heart pump blood to the rest of her body, and will eventually have to be replaced by either a heart transplant or another pump. Without this procedure, Christine's life expectancy is less than a year.
The doctors are unsure if Christine will ever be able to return to work. Additionally, her husband Steve has used up all of his vacation time tending to hospitalization and medical appointments for Christine. Any time off in the future will be unpaid, limiting their incoming income.
To help with medical and travel expenses we have set up this account to cover these costs. Christine also will need additional medical support when she is able to leave the hospital. Please support Christine and Steve with prayers, and any amount given financially is greatly appreciated.
It will be a challenging year for Christine, Steve, Derek, and Devon, but they are so very thankful for the love and generosity everyone has shown them and appreciate each everyone of you!
In 2004 Christine had an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) placed to prevent sudden death from the potential complications of CHF and cardiomyopathy. In the summer of 2015, Christine began experiencing severe arthritis pain in her feet and ankles. The doctors diagnosed this pain as ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis affecting the joints and causing severe chronic pain. Christine was prescribed crutches to walk, limiting her activities and movement, and the injection Embrel to help manage the pain.
Sadly, taking Embrel caused Christine's CHF to flare up. She has since stopped the Embrel, but it has done irreversible damages to her heart. In July Christine's heart function was 23% but (normal is 50-70%), and now she is at 15%.
Her cardiologists are recommending a LVAD (left ventricular assist device) which means a heart pump implanted next to her heart. The LVAD helps the heart pump blood to the rest of her body, and will eventually have to be replaced by either a heart transplant or another pump. Without this procedure, Christine's life expectancy is less than a year.
The doctors are unsure if Christine will ever be able to return to work. Additionally, her husband Steve has used up all of his vacation time tending to hospitalization and medical appointments for Christine. Any time off in the future will be unpaid, limiting their incoming income.
To help with medical and travel expenses we have set up this account to cover these costs. Christine also will need additional medical support when she is able to leave the hospital. Please support Christine and Steve with prayers, and any amount given financially is greatly appreciated.
It will be a challenging year for Christine, Steve, Derek, and Devon, but they are so very thankful for the love and generosity everyone has shown them and appreciate each everyone of you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Nancy Brannon
Organizer
Iowa Falls, IA
Christine Recker
Beneficiary