Eric's Search for A Cure

Paige Elizabeth Carter is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Hi Everyone,

As most of you know by now, Eric became very sick in July of 2015. On July 8th I picked Eric up from work because he was not feeling well. That was the beginning of the medical nightmare that Eric has lived with for the last 6 months. When we got home he immediately went to sleep, and when he finally awoke, he had a very high fever. Soon after, Eric started to lose control of his body, the ability to walk, and his speech. I realized this was not a simple bug that would pass, so I brought him to Yale New Haven hospital. By the time we got there, he was pale and almost collapsed in the ER. They admitted him right away, and began several tests, and soon found that Eric was suffering from some sort of encephalitis or meningitis, most likely due to a virus he had contracted from an insect bite.

Eric spent 8 longs days in the hospital, where he had tests from spinal taps to MRIs, trying to determine the cause of the brain virus. I spent every day and night with Eric, as I had to be Eric’s advocate since he could not think logically on his own. He was bed-ridden almost his whole stay in the hospital, and when he would try to stand, he would instantly get nauseous and shake uncontrollably. The hospital tried every test imaginable, all with negative results. However, based on his symptom, he was treated for Lyme. The doctors said although they couldn't figure out what was exactly causing the virus, that the antibiotics they prescribed would still work, and he would get better soon.

For the next month, I became Eric’s nurse and helped him up and down the stairs and to the couch where he pretty much had to spend his days. He was still unable to stand for longer than 5 minutes. After a few weeks, Eric was able to stand for short spells, so we started going to see doctors, trying to figure out what exactly was going on. Eric has now seen over 10 different doctors, been given almost every blood test imaginable, had a second spinal tap, a second MRI and an EEG. The tests of his brain show that not only does he have brain damage that may or may not be permanent, but that it seems to be getting worse, meaning there is STILL something affecting Eric’s brain, but exactly what, is unknown. Without an accurate diagnosis, we fear Eric may never get the correct treatment he needs.

Eric is still suffering day to day. He has cognitive issues and emotional instability, making it unsafe for him to drive and therefore, he is unable to work. He has not received any benefits from the state, so he has had no income since the summer. He can’t do anything that requires memory or critically thinking, and as you can imagine, for somebody as smart, hard-working, and active as Eric, this is all tremendously frustrating.

While this time has been extremely hard, during this process we have met and spoken to many people suffering from Lyme and similar co-infections. It is clear that Eric is suffering from some sort of insect-borne virus. Despite millions of cases each year, Lyme disease is still misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and too often dismissed. The recommended tests as spelled out by the CDC miss the disease in many cases, and people live their lives suffering with no answer and no medical support. The good news is that there are blood tests that can determine the presence of the Lyme virus. However, none of the doctors Eric has seen have performed these tests, as they are generally not covered by insurance, since they go above and beyond the CDC’s recommended tests. But without an answer, Eric will not get the diagnosis, medicine, and care that he needs.

Eric has finally gotten into see a Lyme specialist who will perform these tests. However, they do not take insurance, and the fee to just meet the doctor is $1,275. Then there will be fees for testing, medicine and care that will most likely not be covered by his insurance. I work part-time, and care for Eric the rest of the time. If it weren’t for family helping with monthly bills, we wouldn’t even have food on the table. I am looking to raise the money so that Eric can see the Doctor, and receive all of the testing and care that is needed to bring my happy strong working boyfriend I love so much back to me.

With Sincere gratitude,

Paige Carter (Eric’s girlfriend)

The weekend before Eric got sick, we were both happy and healthy.

When Eric took his first selfie EVER after being admitted to the hospital, it may sound funny but that is when I knew there was something strange was going on, he is not a selfie kind of man.

Eric being silly as he suffered a severe headache in the hospital. We are always trying our best to not let go of all humor and happiness even in the darkest of days.