A rare and undiagnosed illness has attacked my body since November of 2020. It began as a simple cough but quickly developed into a flu-like illness that felt like I had been hit by a train over 100 times. I had a cough, fever, shortness of breath, palpitations, vomiting, and severe weakness that lasted over 3 weeks. For a month, I felt like I was recovering and would shortly be back to my normal self. Unfortunately, I began experiencing strange symptoms and my body began to change. Prior to this illness, I had no medical problems, I was very active, and I always looked optimistically toward the future. I live a different life now. A life in isolation, bedridden, and unable to function on any daily activity. I had to resign from work, temporarily close business, put Master's degree on hold, and get assistance for myself and for my two children. I have seen many doctors and have been admitted to every hospital in town. I have 8 specialists that are each treating a symptom of this awful illness. And yet, no answers or a diagnosis of the cause to explain all the symptoms I continue to experience after a year. I am getting worse and more critical as time passes. I am now being advised to leave town and seek higher level care in Houston. Symptoms were manageable before but my heart, lungs, and brain are now being affected. This week, I suffered from an Ischemic Stroke due to low cardiac output. My heart went into an emergency rhythm called Supraventricular Tachycardia and my heart rate was beating at approximately 200 beats per minute. My brain did not receive the appropriate amount of oxygen it needed at the time. I ended up having a left-sided, facial droop and I was admitted to hospital once again. The outcome of this event could have been much worse. I am more scared than ever and I recognize the urgency to find answers. I am asking for your help today for the opportunity to seek healthcare elsewhere and to provide for my two children while I am gone. I also hope this reaches people who are suffering from similar symptoms. This is not only about preserving my health but also to help spread awareness. The following is a recap of the past year:

By January of 2021, fatigue and weakness were worse, and I began to gain an excessive amount of weight in so little time. Due to high levels of cortisol and extreme fluid retention, I suddenly was 200lbs from 140lbs in less than two months. Fluid retention continued to travel to my entire body including neck and face. I was now experiencing severe shortness of breath with chest pain and palpitations with any type of movement. At this time, I was diagnosed with Diabetes, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, and Hypercholesteremia. I was bedridden for 3 months and I was needing assistance to walk, bathe, and cook for my kids. This situation has been so debilitating as it attacks one organ at a time. I don’t function most days and I feel like a prisoner in my own body. I had to resign from work, put school on hold, and temporarily close my business. But most importantly, I have not cared for my two beautiful children the way that I am used to doing. I can’t drive to pick them up from school or take them to their after-school sports. I’ve had to depend on friends and family for rides and meals. The little bit of energy I have I save it for them. But it has been extremely overwhelming and stressful watching me decline and spend most days in the hospital. I worry for them so much. I try to push myself a bit more daily but as soon as I stand and take a few steps, I begin having chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and vomiting. I have 8 specialists all treating me for some syndrome or disorder. Endocrinologist is treating hormonal imbalance caused by Pituitary Gland Tumor. Hematologist is treating me with weekly IV Iron Infusions for Iron Deficiency. Rheumatologist is still looking to see what autoimmune disorder I have developed per lab markers. Gastroenterologist is treating severe Gastritis to entire lining of stomach wall and pending biopsy results. Sleep Medicine is treating Sleep Apnea with CPAP. Pulmonologist is treating shortness of breath, cough, and partial collapse of bilateral lungs. Cardiologist is treating Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Interventional Cardiologist is currently running tests for Supraventricular Tachycardia and Atrial Fibrillation. Prior to Covid, I was very healthy and did not have any diagnoses. I worked as an ER Registered Nurse for 13 years and I haven’t been able to go back. My business remains closed, and school is still on hold. I try and focus on getting better but not being able to return to work has me in a turmoil. Savings are running out and I don’t know how long this illness will last. I also need help today to stabilize my home situation and get us back on our feet.

Any donations are appreciated. Please keep praying and I will keep fighting.