Oxygen/Medical expenses for Kelcie
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Hey everyone!
A couple of weeks ago, my sister and best friend, Kelcie Tidwell, was diagnosed with pneumonia. Her immune system became extremely weak. After several trips to the hospital, oxygen, breathing treatments, and steroids, rinse, and repeat..
Turns out after looking at her lungs, her right lung has pockets of fluid in between pockets of air. Totally forgot to mention a key piece of information: She has a nodule in her right lung, that in 2014 was the size of a dime, has grown now and is the size of a half dollar. In a month they will do another chest X-ray. And schedule surgery to remove it or do a biopsy. She was diagnosed with Pulmonary Edema as well as Pulmonary Fibrosis. Here’s the medical jargon:
Pulmonary edema occurs when fluid accumulates in the air sacs of the lungs - the alveoli - making it difficult to breathe. This interferes with gas exchange and can cause respiratory failure.
Treatment of pulmonary edema usually focuses on improving respiratory function and dealing with the source of the problem. It generally includes providing additional oxygen and medications to treat the underlying conditions.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to work properly. As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, you become progressively more short of breath.
The scarring associated with pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by a multitude of factors. But in most cases, doctors can't pinpoint what's causing the problem. When a cause can't be found, the condition is termed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
So after a trip to the pulmonologist today, she has to have a source for oxygen at her disposal at all times. As a family, we were not expecting all of this. Not only did she take over "my spot" on the couch(which I was happy to give up)- my living room looks like a hospial room/nursing home.
Mascara alert- Kelcie is one of the strongest people I know. She has better work ethic than mostly anyone I know. She is selfless and cares for others more than she does herself. We are best friends and we are like 2 peas in a pod. We can look at each other and know what the other is thinking. She's a fantastic friend and I'm pround to call her my sister. We have each others back and that will never change.
With that being said- once she is able to fight off the pneumonia, she will need to carry a portable oxygen pack (concentrator) and have a nebulizer.
Now- onto the tricky part- insurance, lovely insurance, will only cover half of the expense of this. Which is not something we can afford right now. The medical bills are piling up, and with Christmas around the corner, well- it's just going to be tough.
I understand that the holidays are coming up and everyone is budgeting and getting ready for that.
Kelcie is a hard worker and does not sit still very well. She is ready to get back to normal life and eventually when she can- get back to work. Those of you who know her well, know that she is a fighter, sassy, bossin, crazy, and we are ready for our girl to get better!! (It's hard doin all the bossin'- but I've handled it) Like I said, we are 2 peas in a pod.
If you can help in any way- our family would be so grateful. Prayers and good vibes are much appreciated!
Let’s get my sister healthy cause we love her so much and need her in our lives. The world is such a brighter place with her in it!
Thank you so much!
A couple of weeks ago, my sister and best friend, Kelcie Tidwell, was diagnosed with pneumonia. Her immune system became extremely weak. After several trips to the hospital, oxygen, breathing treatments, and steroids, rinse, and repeat..
Turns out after looking at her lungs, her right lung has pockets of fluid in between pockets of air. Totally forgot to mention a key piece of information: She has a nodule in her right lung, that in 2014 was the size of a dime, has grown now and is the size of a half dollar. In a month they will do another chest X-ray. And schedule surgery to remove it or do a biopsy. She was diagnosed with Pulmonary Edema as well as Pulmonary Fibrosis. Here’s the medical jargon:
Pulmonary edema occurs when fluid accumulates in the air sacs of the lungs - the alveoli - making it difficult to breathe. This interferes with gas exchange and can cause respiratory failure.
Treatment of pulmonary edema usually focuses on improving respiratory function and dealing with the source of the problem. It generally includes providing additional oxygen and medications to treat the underlying conditions.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to work properly. As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, you become progressively more short of breath.
The scarring associated with pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by a multitude of factors. But in most cases, doctors can't pinpoint what's causing the problem. When a cause can't be found, the condition is termed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
So after a trip to the pulmonologist today, she has to have a source for oxygen at her disposal at all times. As a family, we were not expecting all of this. Not only did she take over "my spot" on the couch(which I was happy to give up)- my living room looks like a hospial room/nursing home.
Mascara alert- Kelcie is one of the strongest people I know. She has better work ethic than mostly anyone I know. She is selfless and cares for others more than she does herself. We are best friends and we are like 2 peas in a pod. We can look at each other and know what the other is thinking. She's a fantastic friend and I'm pround to call her my sister. We have each others back and that will never change.
With that being said- once she is able to fight off the pneumonia, she will need to carry a portable oxygen pack (concentrator) and have a nebulizer.
Now- onto the tricky part- insurance, lovely insurance, will only cover half of the expense of this. Which is not something we can afford right now. The medical bills are piling up, and with Christmas around the corner, well- it's just going to be tough.
I understand that the holidays are coming up and everyone is budgeting and getting ready for that.
Kelcie is a hard worker and does not sit still very well. She is ready to get back to normal life and eventually when she can- get back to work. Those of you who know her well, know that she is a fighter, sassy, bossin, crazy, and we are ready for our girl to get better!! (It's hard doin all the bossin'- but I've handled it) Like I said, we are 2 peas in a pod.
If you can help in any way- our family would be so grateful. Prayers and good vibes are much appreciated!
Let’s get my sister healthy cause we love her so much and need her in our lives. The world is such a brighter place with her in it!
Thank you so much!
Organizer
Jessica Sharp
Organizer
Snellville, GA
