Comfort for Kari
Donation protected
Last Saturday, my wife Kari fell ill with severe throat and chest pain coupled with nausea and vomiting. I rushed her to the ER on Sunday when it became apparent she was not getting better. Everything she swallowed triggered a fiery reaction in her esophagus and resulted in painful and uncontrollable vomiting.
She was overwhelmed with fear and anxiety as this only brought back memories of 2 years ago when she spent 11 days in the hospital from a similar condition. We learned then that she had a hiatal hernia between her esophagus and stomach which constantly facilitates acid reflux and resulted in GERD: Esophageal erosion and ulcers.
For the last 2 years I have seen this incredible, beautiful woman hide her pain behind her smile and put others before herself while struggling on a daily basis to find foods that she can eat that won't trigger a painful reaction and vomiting. She has been taking the strongest prescription acid reflux medication TWICE a day since. NOTE - this particular medication is typically prescribed as a one a day capsule and patients typically do not take for long period of time because of side effects. Quite often she has to also take a second medication to coat the esophagus and stomach as well as countless TUMS or antacid liquids throughout the day.
About a week ago Kari was admitted back into the hospital due to uncontrollable vomiting when ANYTHING was swallowed. She quickly became dehydrated and suffered excruciating abdominal, back, neck, and extremity cramps. She temporarily lost feeling in both arms from the elbow to her finger tips and had a hard time breathing.
It's now been 6 days and we are no closer to having the under control than we were on Sunday. Though she is not in as much pain as she was, she is still in constant pain. She is still on IV meds and fluids because just about anything she swallows is thrown up within minutes. She has waves of nausea. An endoscopy shows that the issue is not due to inflammation and ulcers as before, but the doctors and staff have no idea what is causing the problem.
Kari is so frustrated and honestly giving up hope for a long term solution. We know the hiatal hernia needs to be fixed and that is in the near term treatment plan. In the immediate term we need to get her the proper diagnosis and treatment for the uncontrollable vomiting every time she tries to eat or drink something. Unfortunately none of this is covered by insurance because the hiatal hernia was caused by an elective surgery over 12 years ago.
Your donations will go toward current hospital stay, prescription meds, possible relocation to another hospital and to obtain specialized treatment for her condition both immediately and going forward until we can get to a long term solution.
I am at my wits end without my foundation beside me. I have watched as this painful and seemingly uncontrollable condition has taken a told on her spirit, her confidence, and her will.
As most of you know Kari and I aren't just married, but we also run a business together. Without her by my side at home and in business we are quickly approaching dire straights. We all want her healthy and home! Help me bring a pain free smile back to her face.
We shut down our company in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey to actively execute water evacuations and rescues throughout West Houston and Katy along side the Cajun Navy and tons of local first responders. We designed a line of Texas Strong shirts and donated proceeds to local charities to go directly to victims during recovery efforts. Now we need YOUR help.
I am asking for anyone who has seen my postings on social media with Kari and has been touched by her love and her smile and yes, even her sarcasm to help donate what they can. If you can't I understand and would just ask you to share this with as many people as you can because I think the world just needs a little love and kindness right now and that is certainly true for my dear wife. Kari has made me a kinder, more compassionate human being and this is the least that I can do for her! Thank you all so much ❤️
She was overwhelmed with fear and anxiety as this only brought back memories of 2 years ago when she spent 11 days in the hospital from a similar condition. We learned then that she had a hiatal hernia between her esophagus and stomach which constantly facilitates acid reflux and resulted in GERD: Esophageal erosion and ulcers.
For the last 2 years I have seen this incredible, beautiful woman hide her pain behind her smile and put others before herself while struggling on a daily basis to find foods that she can eat that won't trigger a painful reaction and vomiting. She has been taking the strongest prescription acid reflux medication TWICE a day since. NOTE - this particular medication is typically prescribed as a one a day capsule and patients typically do not take for long period of time because of side effects. Quite often she has to also take a second medication to coat the esophagus and stomach as well as countless TUMS or antacid liquids throughout the day.
About a week ago Kari was admitted back into the hospital due to uncontrollable vomiting when ANYTHING was swallowed. She quickly became dehydrated and suffered excruciating abdominal, back, neck, and extremity cramps. She temporarily lost feeling in both arms from the elbow to her finger tips and had a hard time breathing.
It's now been 6 days and we are no closer to having the under control than we were on Sunday. Though she is not in as much pain as she was, she is still in constant pain. She is still on IV meds and fluids because just about anything she swallows is thrown up within minutes. She has waves of nausea. An endoscopy shows that the issue is not due to inflammation and ulcers as before, but the doctors and staff have no idea what is causing the problem.
Kari is so frustrated and honestly giving up hope for a long term solution. We know the hiatal hernia needs to be fixed and that is in the near term treatment plan. In the immediate term we need to get her the proper diagnosis and treatment for the uncontrollable vomiting every time she tries to eat or drink something. Unfortunately none of this is covered by insurance because the hiatal hernia was caused by an elective surgery over 12 years ago.
Your donations will go toward current hospital stay, prescription meds, possible relocation to another hospital and to obtain specialized treatment for her condition both immediately and going forward until we can get to a long term solution.
I am at my wits end without my foundation beside me. I have watched as this painful and seemingly uncontrollable condition has taken a told on her spirit, her confidence, and her will.
As most of you know Kari and I aren't just married, but we also run a business together. Without her by my side at home and in business we are quickly approaching dire straights. We all want her healthy and home! Help me bring a pain free smile back to her face.
We shut down our company in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey to actively execute water evacuations and rescues throughout West Houston and Katy along side the Cajun Navy and tons of local first responders. We designed a line of Texas Strong shirts and donated proceeds to local charities to go directly to victims during recovery efforts. Now we need YOUR help.
I am asking for anyone who has seen my postings on social media with Kari and has been touched by her love and her smile and yes, even her sarcasm to help donate what they can. If you can't I understand and would just ask you to share this with as many people as you can because I think the world just needs a little love and kindness right now and that is certainly true for my dear wife. Kari has made me a kinder, more compassionate human being and this is the least that I can do for her! Thank you all so much ❤️
Organiser
Drew Helm
Organiser
Katy, TX
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