Casey's Stroke Recovery and Care

March 14 Casey went to the ER at Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC), stroke symptoms. That same day PIMC transferred him to a different hospital, Abrazo West. They noticed signs of multiple strokes had occurred before he was seen in the ER. They were concerned with an image they saw of his brain. They didn’t know what it was. There appears to be an object in his brain, the size of a walnut 2.9 cm. Doctors were saying it could be a mass (cancer/non-cancer), it could be an infection, or it could be a clot. Abrazo West then decided Banner University would be more equipped to handle this case especially if it turns out to be cancer. March 18 Casey was transferred to Banner University. Immediately they started running their own test. One test after another. They didn’t want to do a biopsy just yet because of where the 2.9 cm object in his brain sat. It’s really deep inside the brain. Doctors said the biopsy would be the last resort. Multiple specialist weighed in on Casey’s case. We finally received the diagnosis of what this 2.9 cm object is, it’s a lesion in his brain. Damaged brain tissue which was caused by loss of blood flow to the brain when he had multiple strokes. The damage to the tissue is permanent causing aphasia, a language disorder that affects his ability to communicate. It has impacted his ability to speak and comprehend. He can still speak but it’s a little more challenging now for words to come out. It takes a little more time to process things. He gets sidetracked more often now. Casey can retrain his brain with working with a Speech Therapist though. It will take time. Mobility he still has but just not as strong as he once was. He has been using a walker to support his walking for now. Physical Therapy will help with rebuilding strength. While in the hospital his kidney was a concern. His creatine was elevated (lots of protein in the urine). Casey is a kidney recipient. He got a kidney transplant September 2015. He had a rare kidney disease. They got it stable before he was discharged March 24. March 28 I took him to the ER, his feet and ankles were completely swollen. I was concerned about his kidney. Sure enough his creatine was elevated even more. They kept him in the hospital 2 days. They got the fluid down and creatine went down. He’s now home. Follow-up appointments are going to be needed.

Now, to get to why we are asking for financial help.

My husband doesn’t have insurance. He did have Medicare last year but that ended November 2024. I was unaware. If it was in the 60 day time frame, I could have added him to my insurance (Special Enrollment Period). That’s not an option right now. I called about Obama Care/outside insurance and it’s passed open enrollment. They also can’t make an exception because he’s passed the 60 day time frame he lost Medicare. I tried Medicaid (AHCCCS), denied with both our income. Tried sending forms that were filled out by his HR stating he was on leave of absence without pay. That was denied, they’re still using his March income. I’ll be reapplying the end of April to show he has zero income coming in. Medicare could be an option if he applies for Social Security Disability but the doctor will have to find him disabled for a year or more. Stroke related cognitive impairment is on the SSDI list but the doctor will probably want to continually evaluate since everyone heals differently after a stroke.

Casey does have a primary care physician (PCP) at Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC) but they have limited resources so a lot of times PIMC refers patients out. Casey has a follow-up appointment with his PCP. His PCP sent in a referral to get seen by a specialist outside of PIMC, I received a call, that was denied. PIMC also denied coverage when they referred him to Abrazo West since they have limited resources of treatment. PIMC only provides referral coverage to their local tribes, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Gila River Indian Community, Tohono O’odham Nation, and Tonto Apache Tribe. We’re a part of the Navajo Tribe (Dine). An appeal letter has been written and sent.

At this point every medical bill is “self pay” and the cost is adding up. He has to get an MRI done again soon. He’ll need speech therapy and physical therapy. He’ll need to see a Neurosurgeon, Neurologist, and Nephrologist. I don’t know what kind of care PIMC can offer at this point since they keep denying referrals. We’ll have to wait for his appointment with his PCP. Also with the cost of living, everyday bills will need to be paid with just my income. I will also include this. Some may say for me to get another job. I have no problem doing so but my first priority is to secure some form of insurance for Casey. He’ll need follow-up appointments. Hospital can’t refuse to treat him but going to outside appointments it’s pay cash up front or use insurance coverage with a co-pay. Trying to get Medicaid even with just my income alone, I can’t work over 33 hours a week with my pay at work. It will put us over to qualify for Medicaid.

I included a picture of the 2.9 lesion in his brain. A picture of a post I made years ago when Casey received his kidney transplant. A picture of him at work at Walmart, where I use to work too. Also some family pictures. A lot of family pictures were taken at church and at the ice rinks.

Thank you. Continued prayers are greatly appreciated.