Keith and Sarah Buchanan Medical Needs

Many friends and family have asked how they can help mom and dad during this time since dad became sick in October. I want to give full disclosure of what dad is dealing with so each one knows what help is needed.

Dad was diagnosed with NASH, or non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis, in 2015 when he had routine blood work done for his CDL physical. At that time, his primary physician referred him to a gastroenterologist for a liver biopsy and more blood work and testing to see if more than fatty liver was involved. The results came back showing only fatty liver, cirrhosis, so there were only routine examinations and tests needed since dad was not experiencing any symptoms of the disease.

Dad has always had a "mind over matter" outlook and worked tirelessly for my mom, myself, and my brother to provide for us even when he didn't feel well. This year my brother married in May, and I married in October, so it has been a very busy year for my parents, but dad continued to work hard even though he had days where he was just exhausted and didn't feel well. We thought it was due to upcoming wedding stress and his diabetes, and so we didn't think too much about it. He would get rest when he got home from driving a truck and then he would feel fine, or at least he said he felt fine.

The week after I got married, dad went back to work and was in Chicago, IL when he developed severe abdominal distention and pain, and he told mom on the phone he just felt horrible. He was extremely tired and nauseated, and he just wanted to sleep. She encouraged him to sleep as much as he needed before leaving from Chicago and heading to Florida for his next pick up and delivery. The next morning he felt somewhat better, but was still not great. He made the trip to Florida with many stops to rest, which is highly unlike him. Once he starts a trip, he doesn't want to stop for anything or anybody unless it is an emergency or to refuel his truck.

Once dad made it home on thursday, Oct. 19th, he continued to worsen until his abdomen was extended to nearly bursting. He had confusion, fever, shortness of breath, swollen legs, nausea, and intolerable pain. He asked mom to call the ambulance because he wasn't sure he could walk to the car because of the extreme pain and shortness of breath with chest pain.

The emergency room doctor thoroughly examined dad and found he has portal hypertension, enlarged spleen, enlarged liver, and enlarged heart with possible esophageal/abdominal varices. He referred dad to the gastroenterology group for immediate workup and treatment. Mom and dad had to return to the ER twice more in the next 3 weeks before they were able to get an appointment with the gastroenterologist. Thankfully, the 2nd and 3rd ER doctors recognized the severity of dad's pain and abdominal distention on both visits, and they both ordered abdominal paracenteses. The first time 4.5 liters of fluid was drawn off of dad's abdomen, and the second time, a week later, 6 liters was drawn off. He has had 2 more paracenteses since then, but each time there is high risk of infection because the abdominal wall and lining are punctured allowing possible bacteria to enter his abdominal cavity.

When dad was finally seen by the gastro doctor, the doctor thoroughly explained the situation and the process of this disease. The doctor ordered another paracentesis for testing. After the initial blood work was completed, the lab work showed dad also has anemia. He has been prescribed medications for the fluid retention and iron for the anemia, but dad is unable to work. All of dad's symptoms had worsened by the time he saw the gastro doctor, and dad had also lost 25 lbs in 5 weeks. This weight loss does not include the fluid accumulation weight. Dad has gone from wearing an x-large size to a large size and weighs 188 lbs.

Dad has been told that without a miracle he will have to have a liver transplant. Since more tests are scheduled, we are still waiting to know when he will be a candidate for liver transplant. The gastroenterologist wants to gather all the information and tests before referring dad to a hepatologist in Charlotte, NC where the liver transplant will be performed when the time comes.

Dad has applied for short-term disability while he is out of work, but his disability claim was denied because it was felt this current situation is a pre-existing condition. Mom and dad are appealing the decision because dad has never had or needed active treatment for the cirrhosis, but he has never been diagnosed with enlarged spleen, enlarged heart, portal hypertension, or anemia. He also filed a critical illness claim that was also denied because they felt his condition was not critical enough to justify approval.

Dad has had wonderful medical counsel from a brother in our church who is a cardiologist, and wonderful spiritual counsel from our pastor, and most importantly dad has felt the results of the many prayers of friends and family. We are so thankful for the many prayers each and every day. We wish we could tell each individual "Thank You".

Mom is working a full time job while also taking care of my dad and taking him to his doctor appointments, but she only makes about 1/2 of what dad made. She is also re-learning how to cook for dad because he is on a limited salt diet. In the south, we salt and butter everything, so this is a new challenge for her.

With the mounting medical bills, I want to give you the opportunity to help bless dad in a financial way. Mom and dad would never ask for financial help, but will be eternally grateful for what you can give.

If you want to give anonymously, we completely understand.

I want to say Thank You in advance on behalf of my parents for your continued prayers and anything you wish to give.

May God bless you abundantly!