Kelsey’s Medical Bills
Donation protected
Hello, and thank you for clicking on this campaign! Let me tell you what's been going on with me:
Due to my auto-immune hepatitis (a condition I've had since high school), I had a liver biopsy done back in November 2019 to make sure my liver wasn't misbehaving too bad. Other than waking up mid-procedure (yeah, that happened) the biopsy itself went smoothly. However, in the days (and soon to be weeks and months) that followed, I started experiencing intense GI symptoms.
Ever since I was a kid (I remember as far back as middle school) I have experienced pretty severe gastrointestinal symptoms with no diagnosis. I've periodically put small parts of my life on hold while I've dealt with symptoms that don't seem to want to go away. I’ve seen countless specialists, and so far, none have had any answers for me. For a while there it was ok because I was experiencing some relief. Until the biopsy.
My condition has deteriorated so that I am currently unable to eat solid food (and therefore feel dizzy and weak all day), I experience pain or discomfort most of my waking hours, and I spend most of my time focused on how I am feeling. I spend more time in the bathroom than I spend out of it, I’ve been to the ER twice now since my biopsy (knowing I wouldn’t be able to afford it, but desperate for answers or at least some relief) and have had expensive tests ordered by my liver specialist (that I could not complete due to my financial situation). But now, I am out of options. I need these tests. I need my body (and my life) back.
So, I am asking for help. It’s incredibly difficult for me to ask for help in this way (guilt and shame are very real), but I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t know where else to turn. I know a lot of us are grinding in those part-time, hourly jobs, so if you can spare even a couple dollars, I will be so incredibly grateful.
This money will be going towards paying off the cost of my liver biopsy, both ER visits since, the three appointments I've had to make with my primary care doctor between my biopsy and right now due to worsening symptoms, my emergent specialist appointment this week, and the tests she will order (according to the ER doctor, I can expect one of those tests to be an outpatient procedure at the hospital-- I will update this campaign once I know specifics). Raising this money will provide so much relief; I'm certain the stress of this financial burden contributes to some of this gut stuff. Any relief is substantial and significant.
To everyone reaching out and offering support, thank you so much. Even if I don’t respond right away, please know that your concern and care really do mean the world to me.
I can't wait to get back to my life. Thank you for being a part of my recovery.
Due to my auto-immune hepatitis (a condition I've had since high school), I had a liver biopsy done back in November 2019 to make sure my liver wasn't misbehaving too bad. Other than waking up mid-procedure (yeah, that happened) the biopsy itself went smoothly. However, in the days (and soon to be weeks and months) that followed, I started experiencing intense GI symptoms.
Ever since I was a kid (I remember as far back as middle school) I have experienced pretty severe gastrointestinal symptoms with no diagnosis. I've periodically put small parts of my life on hold while I've dealt with symptoms that don't seem to want to go away. I’ve seen countless specialists, and so far, none have had any answers for me. For a while there it was ok because I was experiencing some relief. Until the biopsy.
My condition has deteriorated so that I am currently unable to eat solid food (and therefore feel dizzy and weak all day), I experience pain or discomfort most of my waking hours, and I spend most of my time focused on how I am feeling. I spend more time in the bathroom than I spend out of it, I’ve been to the ER twice now since my biopsy (knowing I wouldn’t be able to afford it, but desperate for answers or at least some relief) and have had expensive tests ordered by my liver specialist (that I could not complete due to my financial situation). But now, I am out of options. I need these tests. I need my body (and my life) back.
So, I am asking for help. It’s incredibly difficult for me to ask for help in this way (guilt and shame are very real), but I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t know where else to turn. I know a lot of us are grinding in those part-time, hourly jobs, so if you can spare even a couple dollars, I will be so incredibly grateful.
This money will be going towards paying off the cost of my liver biopsy, both ER visits since, the three appointments I've had to make with my primary care doctor between my biopsy and right now due to worsening symptoms, my emergent specialist appointment this week, and the tests she will order (according to the ER doctor, I can expect one of those tests to be an outpatient procedure at the hospital-- I will update this campaign once I know specifics). Raising this money will provide so much relief; I'm certain the stress of this financial burden contributes to some of this gut stuff. Any relief is substantial and significant.
To everyone reaching out and offering support, thank you so much. Even if I don’t respond right away, please know that your concern and care really do mean the world to me.
I can't wait to get back to my life. Thank you for being a part of my recovery.
Organizer
Kelsey Rose Gilchriest
Organizer
Nashville, TN