Update: September 10, 2024

UPDATE:  It’s been a few weeks since we started this fundraiser.  And I’d like to say, “wow” and “thank you” as we met our initial goal in less than 24 hours! Ekaterina is home.  She actually had to move out of one house and into another so I thank everyone that made that possible.  She came home with crutches, a wheelchair, and a knee immobilizer, although they mostly want her to use only the crutches.  She saw the spine and pain doctor who agrees that there are problems along the spine but isn’t completely convinced that it explains all the symptoms.  The spine doctor thinks the root of the problems are neurologically based because of something called spasticity and tone.  But it might also be CRPS, otherwise known as complex regional pain syndrome because of foot discoloration and burning sensation as well as temperature differences.  So she has been referred to a neurologist who will do another EMG, a NCS test and a neurological work up. Meanwhile, she has been busy with both OT and PT.   They think October would be the earliest that she might be able to return to work and it’s possible that she can only do part-time in the beginning.  So physically, Rini is still having pretty significant back pain and knee pain. The foot pain isn’t as extreme but definitely feeling pins and needles with occasional burning. Rini wants me to share how extremely grateful she is of what’s been donated thus far in this time of uncertainty.  In light of her current financial situation, we have decided to bump up the goal from $3000 to $4500.  I hope that one day both Rini and I are able to thank each one of you personally, but for now, know how very grateful we both are.  You are carrying her through a situation that I’m not able to - physically or financially.  I know all you parents will understand.  

EDIT: First entry was incomplete. There is now more recent info at the bottom.

Most of you are not aware but my daughter, Ekaterina (Kat) has been suffering and struggling to find answers for the past month. (I’m sharing a lot of details that she shared with me). On July 23, her right ankle started hurting out of nowhere; no known injury or trauma. Then on July 25, she went to urgent care and had an x-ray that showed no broken ankle; she was given brace to wear and she wore that until July 28. On the 28th, she was laying in bed in extreme pain and started to feel that she was losing mobility in ankle/foot/toes and the pain began moving upwards slightly into the leg. At this point, she went back to ER and another x-ray was done that showed no broken ankle. (Seems odd to me that the only thing they would do is take another x-ray three days later). She was sent home with crutches and another brace and told to go see a podiatrist. So the next morning, she went to podiatrist and had an x-ray done - still no broken ankle - over testing and over-billing IMO. They did give a nerve block in ankle but it didn’t really alleviate much pain. They gave her a boot to wear and recommended that she see a spinal doctor. (I’m not sure how she was getting into all these specialists right away, but am very grateful). Anyway, that afternoon, she saw a spine and pain specialist; they did a basic exam and recommended MRI and x-ray of the spine, as well as PT 2-3x a week, and they discussed scheduling an epidural, but as of now, that hasn’t been tried. They prescribed five different medications to help alleviate the pain. Later that evening she was hanging out with friends and the pain got so bad in her right ankle, leg, and lower back to the point of tears and shakes. They took her back to the ER, where they did another x-ray and MRI of spine. The ER doctor said they didn’t see anything and sent her back home. The next day, the spine doctor called and said that the MRI showed a herniated disc at L4 and L5 but didn’t think that was the problem. The following day, she saw PT and they did a basic evaluation. They weren’t able to finish due to pain and tightness and said they didn’t feel comfortable continuing until she got the pain more under control. The next few days were rough as the pain and loss of mobility continued. On August 2nd, the spine doctor called again and said that she should go back to the ER to be checked for a DVT by an ultrasound as well as for something known as compartment syndrome. So she went back to the ER and was told she was negative for both. The following day, which was Saturday, her pain picked up immensely so she went back to the ER and was admitted for testing. Had another x-ray of the foot, another MRI of the back with and without contrast, MRI of the brain, MRI of the foot, CT of the legs, and a spinal tap along with lots of blood tests. Everything came back normal except for the MRI of the spine which still showed a herniated disc at L4 and L5 as well as degenerative disc disease, but again was told that wasn’t likely the problem and most people live with herniated/bulging discs and never know it. On top of pain and loss of mobility, she also was experiencing crazy sensation issues and had lingering pins and needles from even the slightest touch up the whole leg. The pain medications weren’t working very well. She saw PT in the hospital and they recommended eventual transfer to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. She was inpatient at St. Joseph’s Hospital for 6 days before they transferred her to the rehabilitation facility on August 9. Meanwhile, August 7 was to be her first day back at school. Thankfully she was able to get FMLA to protect her job but does not have short or long term disability. She is still on our health insurance so it never dawned on her to take sign up for them. It didn’t occur to me either to have her do so.

She is now receiving a minimum of three hours of PT/OT six days a week. The doctor at this hospital looked at all labs and scans and said that yes, she does have a herniated disc at L4 and L5 that is ACTUALLY touching the nerve as well as a herniated disc at L2 and L3 that is also touching the nerve as well as a bulging disc at L3 and L4 - none of which any other doctor communicated. This doctor also said that this likely does explain the extreme and constant pain because the discs are touching the nerves but it doesn’t necessarily explain the loss of strength and mobility because the nerve is still running through the spine. The doctor wanted her to get an EMG test done but insurance will only cover it as outpatient. On the 16th, a nurse thought her thigh seemed a little warm to the touch, so they did an ultrasound and found a DVT (blood clot). They started her on blood thinners. Since then, they have continued working on gaining back strength, mobility, and basic skills for daily functioning. They were able to finagle a way for her to get the EMG test done. She was told there’s a muscle in her foot that is “super weak/dead “ and it seems some nerves are under performing - whatever all that means. I’m not sure why those results weren’t explained in general or how those finding relate to her problem. She was hoping for something more eye-opening so that they would have answers. The doctor wants her to repeat the EMG, with a different facility/doctor, after she is discharged. They originally had an estimated discharge date of August 24th but they’ve moved it to August 31. She has been making some progress the last few days. Please pray that the progress would speed up. As of today, August 26th, mobility is slowly improving and the DVT is mostly gone. She cannot walk unassisted. Her therapist said today that this is going to be a marathon not a sprint and will require outpatient PT, OT, and vocational therapies. So with ALL that being said, her world has turned upside down and taken residency there. She should be working her butt off as the outstanding teacher she is. And she should be socializing, cooking, cleaning, exercising, heck WALKING, wall-climbing, driving, shopping, and all the other things a young, busy professional does each day. My heart aches that I cannot be there for her physically or financially. I would like to say a shout out to all her school friends and friends from church. They have been there, day in and day out for conversation, games, compassion, encouragement, and so much more. They’ve brought A LOT of food so she hasn’t been stuck eating only hospital food. So the bottom line is, Ekaterina has already missed almost a month of work and there’s a good chance she won’t be back to work before October. And even then it could start as only part-time. So she’s understandably getting worried about her finances. She also was/in the immediate middle of moving houses. So as soon as she’s released, that has to happen. Also, the way the move has turned out, with her being in the hospital for close to three weeks, she’s having to pay double rent to two landlords. Gratefully, she taught summer school, so was able to have a little extra money saved. But she just needs a boost to avoid falling behind. So, I’m asking if you might be able to help get her back on her feet, figuratively and literally. I’ve been the humble recipient a couple of times so I know how every penny helps. A lot of $5 and $20 and all amounts really do add up and make a huge difference. I thank you all in advance, from the bottom of my heart for anyone who donates, prays for her and situation, visits her, or just simply shares this post.

LET’S DO THIS