I feel very vulnerable putting this out there, so thank you so much for taking the time to read this... 

HISTORY OF SYMPTOMS

As you may know, I have dealt with multiple autoimmune issues my entire life. Since birth, I've always had severe allergies to pretty much everything in nature (grasses, pollens, dogs, cats, bug bites, etc.). In my senior year of college, I developed severe gastrointestinal issues that culminated in the removal of my gall bladder and a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel disease.  Then, a week after graduating from law school, I flipped my head back and felt something in my neck snap. That pain gradually dispersed throughout my body and I was ultimately diagnosed with fibromyalgia and TMJ. 

After several years of being put on multiple prescription drugs, all with their own unique side effects, I discovered a more natural approach. I completely revamped my diet and lifestyle to be as organic and healthy as possible. I left the stressful practice of law, the bitter cold of Chicago, learned all about meditation and mindfulness techniques, and felt some relief for awhile. Not complete recovery (I still was allergic to everything but the gastro stuff and pain reduced), but enough for me to know I was on the right track.

However, about 7 years ago my stomach started burning. On and off at first, over about the course of a year, it became constant. If you've ever had an ulcer, you know what it feels like. Now imagine having one for 7 years straight. My allergies also went into high gear. Every time I ate or drank something, even water, I would have an allergy attack (think itching eyes, ears, throat, sneezing and sinus congestion). Also, the pain along my gall bladder channel (from Chinese medicine, it goes all along the right side of your body) increased, especially around the right side of my rib cage where the gall bladder used to be. It's now constant and worsens with any exercise more strenuous than walking.



HOW IT HAS IMPACTED ME

Being sick for over two decades has impacted my life in immeasurable ways. I haven't had the energy to devote to my career, friends, significant others, or the community as I would love to. I've had to be "that girl" who brings her own food, water, and supplies everywhere I go because I'm that sensitive. I can't work out besides taking walks due to the increase in pain. My two great loves - dancing and dogs - aren't options for me. Pain keeps me from the first, allergies from the second. And although I believe with my whole heart that my thoughts create my reality, my mental health has been severely impacted. I have considered suicide several times over the past decade because the constant pain simply wears me down and the idea of 40 more years of it is unimaginable. 

WHAT I HAVE TRIED

Everything. Really.

I have tried Western medicine, having multiple colonoscopies/endoscopies (neither of which shows anything abnormal), taking allergy shots, and multiple medications. I've tried every alternative/naturopathic modality, diet, and supplement I have heard of...and I've now lived in both Asheville, NC and Encinitas, CA, two of the most hippie cities in the country, so you know I've heard of a lot! I've also studied every mind-body-spirit approach out there, so far as becoming a certified shamanic priestess. So yes, I've done the emotional work :-)

I roughly estimate that over the course of the last 13 years, my family and I have personally spent at least $150,000 on trying to regain my health. It's the reason I haven't been able to pay off my student loans from law school, buy a home, save for retirement, or enjoy things like buying gifts for loved ones or taking vacations. 

FINALLY SOME HOPE

A few months ago, desperate for help, I reached out to a dear friend who runs a very popular integrative health podcast . He interviews doctors for a living so I asked him who he would go to if he were in my situation. He responded with only one name, the doctor  of his business partner (also a world famous doctor). He said he was the best of the best - an MD as well as a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, so he looks at complex issues through both Western and natural lenses. I immediately made an appointment and after a really long wait (he is very in demand), started treatment. 

After some tests, he discovered I have a chronic Bartonella infection. Like Lyme, Bartonella  can wreak havoc on a person's immune system. Reading the symptoms felt like crossing off almost all my ailments on a list. I am able to do a few things at home, like inject peptides. Peptides are naturally occurring proteins (insulin is a peptide), so they are recognized by the body and produce no side effects. However, the bulk of my treatments need to be in-person in San Jose, CA. They include high-dose nutrient treatments, stem cells, and other injections. They are not widely known about, highly effective, and very expensive.  And, you guessed it, not covered by insurance. 

After one week in San Jose, almost all of my allergic symptoms vanished. I cannot tell you the relief I felt to be able to eat a meal and not go into a full blown allergy attack. My dreams of one day feeling good in my body and owning a dog finally seem feasible. The speed of how fast these treatments work is nothing short of miraculous. After years of spending thousands of dollars hoping something would work in the slightest, I finally know something will work for me, I just need the money to pay for it. I also truly align with my doctor's philosophy of bolstering my immune system rather than focusing solely on killing the "bad" bacteria. Basically, this is what I always prayed for in terms of medical care.



I NEED YOUR HELP

I need to go back to San Jose at least two more times for further treatments to get my body over the proverbial hump. After that, my immune system will be "reset" and I will be able to live my life in a normal way. The amount I am asking for will cover all of the treatments. I would pay for it myself, but I have used all of my savings, the money left to me by my late mother and uncle, as well as help from my father and sister to pay for treatment thus far and we're fully tapped out. I have already maxed out my credit cards and would really love to avoid filing for bankruptcy if at all possible, so timing is of the essence. My doctor has been extremely generous due to our mutual friend and my financial situation, only charging me the cost of the actual substances. This has saved me almost 75% so far but it's still out of my ability to pay right now.

I love the symbolism of recurring numbers and repeating 5's mean "The universe is helping to pave the way for a new beginning, but in order to move toward a better future you must let go of something that is no longer serving you." Well, I am SO ready to let go of the fear of asking for help in order to step into a more healthy and vibrant life.  I have waited in the past for fear of people thinking I am lazy, freeloading or lying about how bad it is because I "look normal". That is the curse of autoimmunity - we look normal from the outside but are suffering within.

Please, if I have ever impacted your life in a positive way, consider donating. It would mean the world to me, you have no idea. And if times are tight for you right now, please share this link with your circle. You never know who will be moved to help. 

I have been blessed in so many ways in my life and knowing you has been one of them. I wish you all the love, joy and peace in the world.

Emily