Help Angela with numerous medical bills

Sending you love & so much gratitude for your continued prayers & offerings on my behalf. When I was in the hospital in Evansville a doctor told me, “Everyone dies, sorry.” And I was dying there. By Divine Grace another doctor found Dr. John McConnell who specializes in Pulmonary Hypertension & he was willing to take my case. They began immediately to pull fluid from my body. After 64lbs. was gone I began to have hope. Fluid reduction continued until I was able to transition to a rehabilitation facility.

I transferred to a rehab, that unknown to me, was a horrible nightmare. I was desperate to get out of the hospital. After speaking with their coordinator & the hospital social services I was told it was an excellent facility that would provide physical therapy that would get me home. This was not the case. I was physically injured by negligent staff, left in a wheelchair with severe back pain for 8 hours, with no pain medication, while they located an air mattress. I later learned staff had let the ball drop. The air mattress was in- house & staff ignored the order. Physical Therapy did limited & repetitive exercises when other equipment was available to build my strength. Too many stories to tell. I can only say I became afraid & I worked in prison!

Finally a room opened at Wesley Manor where my sister is Chaplain. The staff welcomed me & Physical Therapy started immediately. When I entered the hospital I lost all mobility. I cannot stand & it is a goal. I can now shift my weight so I can transfer into a wheelchair pretty well. For other transfers I have to be lifted into the air in a hoyer. I sing, “and I will raise you up” and we laugh as they lower me into a recliner. A motorized wheelchair is in the works. The company is sending a loaner so I can become acclimated to its use. There are still more hills to climb so please continue to remember me.

Modifications to my home have to be done before it is safe for me to return. A roll in shower (estimate $7000-9000) a scale that I can ride the scooter on because I have to weigh myself every morning. If I gain more than two pounds I have to contact doctor immediately. ($700-1000) Elevation for the wheelchair that will allow me to get in bed, cook & reach things. ($1500-1800). Ramps, no idea of cost. I need three. The wheelchair weighs 300 lbs. Other modifications to bathroom-toilet, vanity. I am trying not focus on how this will all happen, but it is hard not to let it into my brain.

I went to my first doctor’s appointment on Thursday. I saw the sky & kissed the rain & traveled among the masses. The report was good, but he reminded me of what a rare disease I have & how closely I must be in tune with my body. Bound for me to get the “rare disease”!

There has been one obstacle after another & I wonder how I can even embrace a new day & then I remember that you continue to carry me by your love & prayers. I am in isolation now because of a serious UTI & C-Diff that was caused by the antibiotic. People have to gown & mask to come in my room. I have overcome other complications that have slowed my PT, but not stopped it. I keep thinking of the song from The Wiz- Ease on down, Ease on down the road! The last two days I have been downing pain meds because of severe back spasms. Ease on down the road…..

My faith is steadfast! My humor is intact! My hope is to go home! I try & focus on the day to the fullest. I have cried. I have spoken up when needed & that has not always been received with understanding, but in the end was resolved. I have two windows in my room from which I can see a beautiful tree & lawn. I saw a leaf fall yesterday.

Have I given you too much information? Did you actually want to know this litany of my story? I don’t know, but here it is. Your calls, your beautiful cards & words, your visits always make me cry & I think why am I blessed with such caring?

I love you all! It has taken me awhile to write myself. I hope you are thriving & living la vida loca with gusto! Hugs from Rehab! Angela