This is what happens when they shoot CT Scan Contrast in and the vein they have the IV in "blows out". Looks worse than it hurts. I'll tell ya what does hurt: The $4,886.95 not covered by United Healthcare for my stay at Methodist in mid June. OUCH! Your generous donation will help offset this.

2024 has been a hard year for me. I have spent 38 days thus far in two different hospitals. My diagnosis is for Thrombocytopenia, Hemolytic anemia and Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia. Treatment includes a pile of Prednisone and Rituximab infusions weekly. My CT scans are showing an enlarged spleen and liver. Yesterday my doctor said they may have to remove my spleen if my condition does not improve. Genetic testing is pending to find out possible causes. My financial situation has become so dire that I am seriously considering medical bankruptcy. I have $20,000 in unpaid deductibles and co-pays and I see no way out of that without a minor miracle. On top of my blood disease, I still have a “massively” torn left rotator cuff. I went to Iowa City the first week of March to have a reverse shoulder replacement from Dr. Nepola. They were hooking me up for surgery when they discovered my oxygen saturation had crashed into the mid 80’s. Unable to give me a general anesthetic, they canceled the surgery and admitted me to the hospital for a week. When it rains, it pours.