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Those of us that know Mitch and Mary know what a special story they have! Well, they need our help! I am going to include their medical story from Mary's own words:
"Now, I’m going to back up to one month ago yesterday, on our wedding anniversary. We came to KU Med for an initial appointment with a liver specialist. That day, our anniversary, we were told that Mitch was going to need a liver transplant. He was diagnosed last year with Hemochromatosis, an inherited metabolic disorder causing too much iron in the body. Excess iron can poison organs, and eventually be fatal. Complications can be prevented if it is found and treated early. Unfortunately, his was not detected early and serious organ damage has occurred. On our trip home we stopped at Red Lobster (did I mention it was our wedding anniversary?), but neither one of us had much of an appetite.
This afternoon one of the liver doctors came by. He said our insurance company has approved Mitch to begin the Transplant Evaluation. While we are both scared to begin this journey, we remain optimistic that one day Mitch will feel well. Also this afternoon, he had five liters of fluid drained from his abdomen. This is starting to become a frequent procedure for a condition caused by severe liver disease.
Yes, we have many challenges ahead, but a sense of calm has come over me this evening that all will be okay. My prayers will now focus on the upcoming procedures that Mitch will be facing and praying that he will be determined eligible for a transplant. This was not news that we had planned on sharing yet, but the events of the past five days have put everything into focus. We will be leaning on family and friends for support.
We ended up having to stay an extra day in the hospital because on top of everything else, Mitch has now been diagnosed with diabetes. He had visits from the endocrinology team, nutritionist and dietitian. We learned how to check blood sugar levels and administer insulin. What they didn’t teach us much about is how to cook for a low sodium, carb controlled diet. Or in my case, how to cook...period! Mitch is the chef in this household, but I’m afraid it will be quite awhile before he’s able to fulfill that position again. Fortunately, his mom and dad are here and said they will stay until we head back to KU the first week in May. His mother is the best cook in the world! He doesn’t have much of an appetite yet, but he finally ate a little bit more today. I mentioned we will be heading back in two weeks when he is scheduled for his Transplant Evaluation. We will be there four nights. It sure would be nice if the Med Center had some apartments or dorm rooms available for these outpatient evals. We are responsible for our own food and lodging."
As you all can see, things are not easy at this point. Mary tells me that they have $7000 dedectible on their insurance. In addition, living in Sedalia, they have expenses for gas, food, lodging, prescriptions, medical supplies, etc... and, that does not include what they will be responsible for when Mitch is approved for a transplant!
So, please, if you are able, any amount will help!
"Now, I’m going to back up to one month ago yesterday, on our wedding anniversary. We came to KU Med for an initial appointment with a liver specialist. That day, our anniversary, we were told that Mitch was going to need a liver transplant. He was diagnosed last year with Hemochromatosis, an inherited metabolic disorder causing too much iron in the body. Excess iron can poison organs, and eventually be fatal. Complications can be prevented if it is found and treated early. Unfortunately, his was not detected early and serious organ damage has occurred. On our trip home we stopped at Red Lobster (did I mention it was our wedding anniversary?), but neither one of us had much of an appetite.
This afternoon one of the liver doctors came by. He said our insurance company has approved Mitch to begin the Transplant Evaluation. While we are both scared to begin this journey, we remain optimistic that one day Mitch will feel well. Also this afternoon, he had five liters of fluid drained from his abdomen. This is starting to become a frequent procedure for a condition caused by severe liver disease.
Yes, we have many challenges ahead, but a sense of calm has come over me this evening that all will be okay. My prayers will now focus on the upcoming procedures that Mitch will be facing and praying that he will be determined eligible for a transplant. This was not news that we had planned on sharing yet, but the events of the past five days have put everything into focus. We will be leaning on family and friends for support.
We ended up having to stay an extra day in the hospital because on top of everything else, Mitch has now been diagnosed with diabetes. He had visits from the endocrinology team, nutritionist and dietitian. We learned how to check blood sugar levels and administer insulin. What they didn’t teach us much about is how to cook for a low sodium, carb controlled diet. Or in my case, how to cook...period! Mitch is the chef in this household, but I’m afraid it will be quite awhile before he’s able to fulfill that position again. Fortunately, his mom and dad are here and said they will stay until we head back to KU the first week in May. His mother is the best cook in the world! He doesn’t have much of an appetite yet, but he finally ate a little bit more today. I mentioned we will be heading back in two weeks when he is scheduled for his Transplant Evaluation. We will be there four nights. It sure would be nice if the Med Center had some apartments or dorm rooms available for these outpatient evals. We are responsible for our own food and lodging."
As you all can see, things are not easy at this point. Mary tells me that they have $7000 dedectible on their insurance. In addition, living in Sedalia, they have expenses for gas, food, lodging, prescriptions, medical supplies, etc... and, that does not include what they will be responsible for when Mitch is approved for a transplant!
So, please, if you are able, any amount will help!