Hello,

I am not one that normally would be one to ask for help, but here we are.

My name is Meredith Dow. I’m a mother of 2 and a wife of an amazing husband. We are a single-income family as my husband is permanently disabled. I recently was diagnosed with IIH (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension) and suspect MS after I was urged by my neurologist to go to Central Maine Medical in Lewiston. I went to the ER where I underwent testing as my MRI results from previous imaging showed I was in the middle of what appeared to be an “acute MS flare.” While in the ER, they found I also had IIH, which is not common to have both occur at the same time. Follow-up with neurology led to being told my care is too complicated, and I would be referred to a specialist. During my time in Lewiston, I had to burn up a lot of sick time as I did not handle the spinal puncture well and ended up having to be in bed for 8 days.

Fast forward a couple of weeks, I now have an appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona! Yay! The hard part? Getting there. Arizona is a long way away, and plane tickets are not cheap. Add on other various travel expenses, and it’s a nightmare (and this isn’t even counting the medical bills I’ve been racking up).

People keep asking what they can do to help… well… If you can help in any way, that would be greatly appreciated. Before even going to Mayo in December, I have managed to rack up medical expenses and they’re growing into the thousands. Many of the providers I’ve had to see are “out of network” as in network providers have long wait list and I need imaging and appointments sooner than “6-8 months”. My appointment is December 27, and I need to be there for a week. I am looking at flying out on Christmas Day as airfare is lower to save some money. My hope is to get answers and a treatment plan to move forward. Thank you again if you’ve read this far.

I would also like to thank my Parents as they have been amazing during this time. They have taken turns coming to Maine to get me to appointments and make sure I get the help I have needed and have helped out with finances, as money has been tight.

-Meredith