Sandy's Medical & Recovery Fund
Donation protected
I'm Sandy's Mother and in January Sandy went in to see her doctor for a regular check up, and the doctor detected a significant heart murmur. The next day she saw a Cardiologist who did an Echocardiogram which revealed a severe leaky heart valve allowing blood to leak back into the heart. This causes the heart to work much harder to pump more blood, putting her heart and her at great risk. She then followed up with a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE), and the results were worse than the doctor had thought. Her open heart surgery will take place in the next month, and she will have a cardiac catheterization first to see if there are additional concerns.
This is one in a long list of medical issues she has faced in the last 30 years. She almost died from Minigitis when she was 22 years old. Hospitalized for over a month and in ICU for over a week. This had weakened her immune system over the years then she was plagued with additional health issues that took its toll on her mentally, physical and spiritually. She was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), which are complex and debilitating chronic diseases with a serious impact on one’s quality of life. She suffered from this for many months before finding out what was wrong. She was referred to the best doctor's and specialist, but time and time again she could not get the answers or help she was hoping for. This was before most people, including doctors knew what the disease was, and most importantly how to treat it. She became frustrated, sick and dealt with daily extreme fatigue among many other debilitating symptoms. She finally was able to get into Mayo Clinic where she was additionally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Migraines, and also Mitral Valve Prolapse.
In addition, for years, she's been enduring and managing pain from Migraines, but in the past 6 months she's been dealing with DAILY chronic migraines, tiredness, dizziness and nausea, with visits to the ER. Last November Sandy had Sinus Surgery where they also repaired her deviated septum hoping that this was the cause of her migraines. The next month and a half would prove to be very difficult as her migraines worsened, and some complications from surgery had her in constant excruciating pain. Wanting the best Neurologist, she had to wait 5 months to see one. That day finally came last Thursday. The doctor ordered an MRI, but she has to wait until 8 weeks after sinus surgery. She will get this done before her heart surgery.
Some of her underlying symptoms which were being associated with her migraines were actually a warning of her heart problems. We are so thankful for her Doctor for finding her heart murmur. We don't even want to think about what would have happened if gone undetected. It seems like one thing
after another but I'm so proud of how she has endured so many obstacles along the way. She will need several weeks/months to recover from O.H.S, recovery and heart rehabilitation. In fact, the Cardiologist wants her to have the surgery as soon as possible, and has advised her not to work or drive because of her symptoms. Sandy will not be able to work, and as an Independent Contractor she will not have any money coming in during this time which could be months. She's always been a worrier and many times, stress makes her sick. This additional financial burden, along with part of the surgery costs she will be responsible for, will definitely take its toll. I want her to have the time to heal and recover.
Sandy has always been a caretaker. She gave up 8 months of her life last year to move back with me, so she could help take care of my husband, her stepfather, who has Alzheimer's. She knew it has taken its toll on me, and it was of tremendous help. That alone says a lot about her character. I'm beyond grateful for her caring heart & amazing generosity.
I cannot express how much I admire Sandy's courage and will to live. She has heard bad news on many occasions yet possessed the strength, courage and had the good fortune to beat the odds time and time again. I would appreciate if you could keep her in your prayers. Thank you in advance for sharing and for all your thoughts, prayers & donations. We greatly appreciate you all so much. We will update this page to keep you informed of her surgeries and recovery soon. Thanks again! ❤️❤️❤️
This is one in a long list of medical issues she has faced in the last 30 years. She almost died from Minigitis when she was 22 years old. Hospitalized for over a month and in ICU for over a week. This had weakened her immune system over the years then she was plagued with additional health issues that took its toll on her mentally, physical and spiritually. She was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), which are complex and debilitating chronic diseases with a serious impact on one’s quality of life. She suffered from this for many months before finding out what was wrong. She was referred to the best doctor's and specialist, but time and time again she could not get the answers or help she was hoping for. This was before most people, including doctors knew what the disease was, and most importantly how to treat it. She became frustrated, sick and dealt with daily extreme fatigue among many other debilitating symptoms. She finally was able to get into Mayo Clinic where she was additionally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Migraines, and also Mitral Valve Prolapse.
In addition, for years, she's been enduring and managing pain from Migraines, but in the past 6 months she's been dealing with DAILY chronic migraines, tiredness, dizziness and nausea, with visits to the ER. Last November Sandy had Sinus Surgery where they also repaired her deviated septum hoping that this was the cause of her migraines. The next month and a half would prove to be very difficult as her migraines worsened, and some complications from surgery had her in constant excruciating pain. Wanting the best Neurologist, she had to wait 5 months to see one. That day finally came last Thursday. The doctor ordered an MRI, but she has to wait until 8 weeks after sinus surgery. She will get this done before her heart surgery.
Some of her underlying symptoms which were being associated with her migraines were actually a warning of her heart problems. We are so thankful for her Doctor for finding her heart murmur. We don't even want to think about what would have happened if gone undetected. It seems like one thing
after another but I'm so proud of how she has endured so many obstacles along the way. She will need several weeks/months to recover from O.H.S, recovery and heart rehabilitation. In fact, the Cardiologist wants her to have the surgery as soon as possible, and has advised her not to work or drive because of her symptoms. Sandy will not be able to work, and as an Independent Contractor she will not have any money coming in during this time which could be months. She's always been a worrier and many times, stress makes her sick. This additional financial burden, along with part of the surgery costs she will be responsible for, will definitely take its toll. I want her to have the time to heal and recover.
Sandy has always been a caretaker. She gave up 8 months of her life last year to move back with me, so she could help take care of my husband, her stepfather, who has Alzheimer's. She knew it has taken its toll on me, and it was of tremendous help. That alone says a lot about her character. I'm beyond grateful for her caring heart & amazing generosity.
I cannot express how much I admire Sandy's courage and will to live. She has heard bad news on many occasions yet possessed the strength, courage and had the good fortune to beat the odds time and time again. I would appreciate if you could keep her in your prayers. Thank you in advance for sharing and for all your thoughts, prayers & donations. We greatly appreciate you all so much. We will update this page to keep you informed of her surgeries and recovery soon. Thanks again! ❤️❤️❤️
Organizer and beneficiary
Doris Jansen Malady
Organizer
Franklin, TN
Sandy Jansen
Beneficiary