This road called life has been a long and rocky one for me, yet I refuse to give in, I refuse to give up!
I’m 47 years old and reside in Clarkston, MI. Over the years I’ve dealt with more medical issues than I can count. I’ve had more than 48 surgeries (with another one scheduled) and Cancer twice, but I keep on going! Life is a challenge for me, but I refuse to allow depression and the “poor me” mentality to take over. I chose to focus on what I CAN DO vs. what I can’t. But, lately I seem to hit more roadblocks than covered bridges.
About three years ago I started losing the feeling in the bottoms of my feet. I had some neurological testing and was diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy. At this time, it’s not know what is causing the neuropathy, however it is progressing fast. In the last year it went from the bottom of my feet, to now extending up to my thighs, my hands, chest, back and face. I live in excruciating pain 24/7 despite working with a good pain management team. I also deal with an aching pain throughout my body which we haven’t been able to diagnose yet. In October my mother found me unconscious on the kitchen floor. I spent several days in the hospital and after a lot of my own research and my request for specific testing, it was discovered that I had developed adrenal insufficiency. Through more research I discovered the possible cause, Opioid Induced Adrenal Insufficiency. In March of this year, I weaned off opioids for the first time in 9 years. I am on another medication, but I live in constant agony. Unfortunately these aren’t my only issues though. I also have COPD (even though I’ve never smoked), Pulmonary Hypertension, Cardiac issues, Seizures, Narcolepsy, Osteoarthritis, Spinal Stenosis, skin issues, etc. Every organ of my body is affected, yet they don’t know what monster is attacking me.
In December I switched all of my specialist to the University of Michigan, hoping that if all of my specialist were in a large teaching hospital and all under one umbrella, that they would start working together and figure this out, but I feel I’m getting worse care and have less answers now than I did before! So it’s time to change directions! I’ve read great things about the Mayo Clinic, especially the departmentof Neurology. They have agreed to see me on June 2nd to evaluate my condition. I’ll go for 5-7 days. The first day they will evaluate my condition(s) and then over the next few days I’ll see more specialist and have a battery of diagnostic testing. On the last day, the team of physicians will sit down with me to discuss their findings and HOPEFULLY, a diagnosis.
I believe that the Lord is leading me to go to Mayo and that I will finally get some answers. BUT, my financial situation is threatening to prevent the trip! As you can imagine, I’m unable to work. I once had a very successful position as a Team Leader at BCBS, but now I live only on Social Security. I had hoped to find charitable lodging and flights for this trip, but with Covid-19, a lot of the programs are shut down. Also, my health has taken another turn for the worse lately, so now I’m on oxygen again which limits where I can stay and how I can get there.
This is where you come in. Can you find it in your heart and within your budget to help fund my trip to find answers and hopefully a treatment? I believe that whatever condition(s) I have, it’s treatable. But, first they need to figure out what it is!
I don’t want anyone to put their own self in a bad financial place for me, but if you have a little extra and you feel led to help, please do. I know that the Lord has a plan for me, I just pray that my life can be a little less painful, and a little more enjoyable so I can carry out that plan!
Hugs and God Bless!