Megan's Dysautonomia Journey
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I chose the campaign picture that I did because that's the way people know me. They know me by the smile I have no matter how very bad things are for me. In 2013, after being sick for as long as I can remember, I was diagnosed with having dysautonomia. Most people haven't even heard of it. It is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. The ANS is the control center of the involuntary actions of the body. The particular form that I have is called Hyperadrenergic Neuropathic P.O.T.S. (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). So, what this all means is that ANY TIME I'm not lying down, several systems within my body malfunction. This often results in me fainting and once, landed me in the Cardiac ICU for three days...just days before I was going to start law school. My dream of becoming an attorney has been buried along with many others while I struggle to find answers and doctors who can help. Only a few doctors in the U.S. have experience treating the disorder. That means that finding help is quite costly and can often take as long as a year to get an appointment to see them.
After having the shingles twice within an eight week period earlier this year, things began to really spiral out of control with my health. As a result, I lost my job that I had only been able to work on a part-time basis even when I was "well". The cost associated with having this type of debilitating illness is not one that most could wrap their mind around or imagine. I am now trying to get appointments at The Mayo Clinic and with the neurologist in Norfolk, VA who diagnosed me and did all of my autonomic testing. Those trips alone will cost thousands of dollars.
And so, behind the smile and always positive, faithful, and hopeful attitude has been a woman who struggles daily to do basic things like getting out of bed, showering, going grocery shopping, etc. I have kept the depth of my struggle silent to all but a handful of people. I'm an extremely independent person and I am prideful when it comes to admitting that I need help. And thus, me stepping out on faith and admitting my struggle, is a HUGE step for me. Bills and medical expenses don't stop just because you are sick. Life moves on leaving one no option but to ask for help. I would sincerely appreciate any amount that you could give to the cause. Thank you all for reading my story. May God bless each and every one of you.
With love and gratitude,
Megan
After having the shingles twice within an eight week period earlier this year, things began to really spiral out of control with my health. As a result, I lost my job that I had only been able to work on a part-time basis even when I was "well". The cost associated with having this type of debilitating illness is not one that most could wrap their mind around or imagine. I am now trying to get appointments at The Mayo Clinic and with the neurologist in Norfolk, VA who diagnosed me and did all of my autonomic testing. Those trips alone will cost thousands of dollars.
And so, behind the smile and always positive, faithful, and hopeful attitude has been a woman who struggles daily to do basic things like getting out of bed, showering, going grocery shopping, etc. I have kept the depth of my struggle silent to all but a handful of people. I'm an extremely independent person and I am prideful when it comes to admitting that I need help. And thus, me stepping out on faith and admitting my struggle, is a HUGE step for me. Bills and medical expenses don't stop just because you are sick. Life moves on leaving one no option but to ask for help. I would sincerely appreciate any amount that you could give to the cause. Thank you all for reading my story. May God bless each and every one of you.
With love and gratitude,
Megan
Organizer
Megan Evans-Carlotta
Organizer
Brentwood, TN