Helping Heather Christians
Donation protected
I've had a number of people inquire as to whether or not I had a Go Fund Me page. I had not planned to start one, however, as the question keeps coming up, I decided to step out of my comfort zone, and here we are.
After 17 years, the Scleroderma has decided to become a bit more active, and we are shutting it down the best we can. My lung involvement has progressed to the point that when I sleep my diaphragm weakens too much and the CO2 is not released from my body, thereby basically poisoning me. This was figured out after an ambulance ride to the ED and admission to the ICU and multiple tests. At this time my family was told to say their goodbyes as they were not certain I would come out of it, Well, if you know me, I am a fighter, and fought my way out. To resolve the situation, a trach was placed and I sleep attached to a ventilator so the CO2 is released for me. I am also oxygen dependent in the daytime at this point.
Unfortunately I've had two more hospitalizations since. Most people are happy to lose weight, however when you've lost to much without trying, they begin to look for a reason. So my most recent ambulance ride again resulted in an admit to the ICU and a determination that I have a blockage. There is a flap that is no longer being held up due to the weight loss and it's causing lots of issues. The docs believe that once I can gain some weight it will resolve. So to assist in the weight gain, I had feeding tubes placed last week and they will be in place for about 3 months. For now I am on only clear liquid and 'formula' through my feeding tube. This makes dinner time around here interesting!! It also makes the 7 daily meds I take a workout, as they need to be crushed and administered through my tube.
As you can guess, with all this going on, I am unable to work, likely for the remainder of the year. My family and I would appreciate any financial contributions towards our medical bills and expenses. We would also appreciate prayers as we travel down this road. My intention is to win this battle but it's a long road. My friends and family have been such an amazing support and I am forever grateful.
After 17 years, the Scleroderma has decided to become a bit more active, and we are shutting it down the best we can. My lung involvement has progressed to the point that when I sleep my diaphragm weakens too much and the CO2 is not released from my body, thereby basically poisoning me. This was figured out after an ambulance ride to the ED and admission to the ICU and multiple tests. At this time my family was told to say their goodbyes as they were not certain I would come out of it, Well, if you know me, I am a fighter, and fought my way out. To resolve the situation, a trach was placed and I sleep attached to a ventilator so the CO2 is released for me. I am also oxygen dependent in the daytime at this point.
Unfortunately I've had two more hospitalizations since. Most people are happy to lose weight, however when you've lost to much without trying, they begin to look for a reason. So my most recent ambulance ride again resulted in an admit to the ICU and a determination that I have a blockage. There is a flap that is no longer being held up due to the weight loss and it's causing lots of issues. The docs believe that once I can gain some weight it will resolve. So to assist in the weight gain, I had feeding tubes placed last week and they will be in place for about 3 months. For now I am on only clear liquid and 'formula' through my feeding tube. This makes dinner time around here interesting!! It also makes the 7 daily meds I take a workout, as they need to be crushed and administered through my tube.
As you can guess, with all this going on, I am unable to work, likely for the remainder of the year. My family and I would appreciate any financial contributions towards our medical bills and expenses. We would also appreciate prayers as we travel down this road. My intention is to win this battle but it's a long road. My friends and family have been such an amazing support and I am forever grateful.
Organizer
Heather Ready Christians
Organizer
Kasson, MN
