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Mold Strikes Again-Help Nurse Kelly Return to Work

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I’d like for you to meet Kelly Webb. For about a year now she has been unable to work due to an unknown chronic illness. Her changing and ever increasing symptoms left no local doctor or lab able to offer insights.  As a dedicated, compassionate RN seeking the best for her patients, she now needed answers for herself. Recently an out of state doctor in Atlanta accepted her case and determined her body and brain have mold and mycotoxins; Diagnosis - MYCOTOXICOSIS—caused by exposure to the mold from water damaged buildings! The next step in her recovery process takes place in Dallas, TX with an internist specializing in Environmental Health at an outpatient treatment center. Dr. Johnson specializes in mold toxins and their effects on the body. Kelly is ready to head to Dallas, but needs your help to make it happen.


Background History

In September of 2018 Kelly began to develop flu like symptoms and odd sinus symptoms followed by short term memory loss, rashes, insomnia, inability to concentrate, perform simple calculations, muscle cramps, severe stomach cramps, unexplained bruising and eventually paralysis in her right arm and hand tremors. Within a couple weeks, she was unable to continue her duties as a nurse.

Despite Kelly’s cognitive difficulties due to brain inflammation, she used her nursing background to research the cause of her mysterious and sudden illness.  It was difficult to watch someone special to you experience increasing icepick headaches, swelling, rashes, body pains, severe fatigue, digestive system failure, liver issues, various hormonal imbalances, nervous system problems and serious respiratory difficulties.  All systems are ceasing their processing and production, her beautiful hair is falling out, her color is ashen and her attitude and mind are out of balance from the loving person I’ve known.

She had consulted with many local specialists to include: ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors, internal medicine, family practice, gastroenterologists, neurologist, dermatologists, orthopedists, general surgeons, plastic surgeons, naturopaths and infectious disease. She’s also had a spinal tap, brain scans, CT’s, a handful of trips to the ER and many labs. Kelly saw an ENT in Seattle, but to no avail. The doctors still had no clue why she would have this array of symptoms as all her tests mostly returned “normal” and she was repeatedly advised this was psychological.

In February, Kelly had an EGD/colonoscopy in hopes of discovering why her food was no longer being digested properly, her weight dropped from 136 to 112 pounds, and she now had abdominal pain and severe bloating. Her body did not respond well to the bowel prep and she suffered severe distension.  After months of searching for answers for abnormal movement and different abdominal pain, she was advised by a plastic surgeon that the abdominal fascia had pulled away from the wall and her abdominal muscles had hyperstretched with the rapid distension. Treatment for this has been “watch and wait”. It has now been 7 months and no change.

In March of 2019, unable to travel independently, Kelly’s father accompanied her to Mayo Clinic where she saw several more specialists and underwent a series of labs and highly specialized tests. They determined she was experiencing arsenic poisoning. The next few weeks were investigative to determine the cause. Armed with this information Kelly met with a doctor experienced in dealing with similar cases who performed surgery to remove her breast implants which contained arsenic among other heavy metals. The implants had been placed in 2004 under the advisement of 3 doctors to correct the aftermath of a prior infection.

As she could no longer care for herself, she cashed out her retirement, put all her possessions in storage and moved home with her parents. In May she and her mom went to Nevada for Kelly’s surgery. This attempt at regaining her proved unsuccessful as the symptoms continued.

In June, after yet another night of insomnia, prayers and internet surfing, she came across a website which seemed to explain every symptom she was having. After reaching out to the doctor who provided the site’s information and pleading her case, Kelly was accepted as a patient and three weeks later flew to Atlanta to meet with yet another ENT. After a 2 hour investigation including thorough history, view of her sinuses (fungal balls found) and other measures and labs not done by prior providers, an accurate diagnosis prevailed. She has learned she has some genetic variations which predispose her, given the set of circumstances she encountered. This is why some people get sick  from mold right away and others don't.

Questioning the possibility of origin we recalled how as a young mother 19 years ago she lived in an apartment where mold spots continued to come through the walls no matter how much she cleaned, painted over and reported to the landlord, there was still a problem.  Recollections were of Kelly and her toddler son constantly on antibiotics for some cold or respiratory problem.  Moving to another location, the problems and memories faded.  Sadly, once again, she discovered for the past two years she had been living in an apartment with mold concealed under the new carpet in the bedroom.  She and her family moved but it was too late. 

Now that she knew what the problem was, Kelly began working on the solution. All her possessions that could not be put in a dishwasher or washing machine have to be discarded. While they are fine for others to use, her now extremely sensitized system reacts and cannot be exposed to them or other buildings in which mycotoxins are present.  Those who have successfully healed urged, “Get out of your environment. Get rid of everything you have, it will keep making you sick!  Get help to rid your body of damaging toxins or you won’t get better!” (Could you do that?)

Kelly is a determined and self-disciplined woman, yet she’s had many discouraging days when giving up tickles her mind.  As you can imagine, all this has proven expensive and far beyond insurance coverage. To date, she and family have contributed nearly $58,000 toward her care. The duration of this illness has consumed Kelly’s savings, retirement, and created credit card debts leaving my friend emotionally, mentally and economically distraught. This, in addition to student loans has become an overwhelming burden. However, upon completing the required extensive treatment protocol to eradicate the mold, mycotoxins and heavy metals from her body and brain, Kelly’s future will be filled with possibilities!


Now that Kelly finally has an accurate diagnosis she has been referred to a knowledgeable doctor to lead a team of physicians to treat her. An extensive treatment protocol is being established but she is out of all possible funds to move forward. This is where she would so appreciate your compassion and generosity.

With your help she will be able  to go forward with treatment which can take 6mo-5 yrs depending on how her body responds and the intensity of treatment she is able to pursue. Much of her treatment is not covered by insurance as environmental illnesses are only beginning to gain recognition within the insurance industry.

Your contributions are needed to help cover:

- Several monthly compounded prescriptions as well as supplements to boost her immune system to fight this and fill in the malnutrition gaps due to her digestive issues. Gift cards to Missoula Pharmacy happily accepted.

-Kelly was referred to and has been in touch with a Dr. Al Johnson, an Environmental Health Specialist, experienced in many aspects of mold toxicity and believes he can help her. Treatment for the removal of mold and mycotoxins from Kelly’s body and brain requires use of hospital grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy, IVs, hormone therapy, neurotransmitter restoration and balancing, gut repair and additional lab testing. None of this treatment except some labs and prescription meds (if indicated) are covered under her health insurance plan which is about to run out.  Approx. cost is $20-30K (not covered by insurance)

-Airline travel and hotel accommodation in Dallas as treatments last several hours daily, 6 days/wk for 4-6 weeks. Appx cost for airfare and hotel $3500.

-Monthly compounded prescriptions as well as supplements to boost immune system and fill in malnutrition gaps from digestive issues.  Gift cards to Missoula Pharmacy happily accepted.

-Finish treatment protocols in Montana via telemedicine thereby reducing  travel expenses. Approx cost is $15K

-Additional trip to Atlanta to follow up with ENT for one more visit for removal of fungal ball found on CT in the frontal sinus. The local ENT is not comfortable doing this procedure for her and referred her back to Atlanta. Airline miles and hotel rewards greatly welcomed!

-Kelly also needs a place to live when she returns that has never had any type of water damage; this is the foundation of her recovery. She is open to staying with friends, medical providers willing to mentor her during this time, house-sitting for snowbirds or the use of a travel trailer through the off season to park on her parent’s property. Her parents have taken several measures to remediate their home for her, but Kelly’s body continues to become increasingly reactive there.

 “Sometimes miracles are kind people with good hearts.”  Kelly is a very generous person with a compassionate heart. This last year she has suffered the unimaginable, lost all her possessions,  her sense of purpose and her ability to resume helping and caring for others. We believe in miracles, and invite you to reach out to Kelly through encouragement, prayers, financial relief, donation of airline miles/ hotel rewards or gift cards.  Any contributions you can provide are greatly appreciated be it financial, prayers, connections or sharing her story with others. Offline donations can be mailed to 5604 Lower Woodchuck Rd, Florence, MT,  59833.  If you would like further details about Kelly’s journey thus far, or you have any questions, please reach out @ [email redacted]. She would be happy to talk with you.  

She has become very knowledgeable in environmental illness and looks forward to a complete recovery soon so she can resume her passion as a registered nurse. She hopes to be able to bring awareness of the effects of mold on the body to others- patients, medical professionals and anyone willing to listen.

Thank you for getting to know, Kelly. Your kindness is immeasurable…

 
If you would like more information here are some sites Kelly thought may be helpful.

https://www.johnsonmedicalassociates.com/toxic-mold-exposure/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz7i_cmiHAE 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv5rqhomtiU&t=11s 

https://www.sinusitiswellness.com/ 

https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/toxic-mold-syndrome-it-was-like-i-lost-my-personality/



Donations 

  • Heidi McKay
    • $100 
    • 4 yrs

Organizer

Kelly Webb
Organizer
Florence, MT

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