Medical & Life Expenses
Donation protected
In 2008 I began having some stomach problems. After several doctor appointments I was told I had celiac disease. I have since been on a gluten free diet. Unfortunately that has not been the end to my stomach issues. Over the years I have developed a hiatus hernia, Schatzki ring, and severe GERD.
I have difficulty digesting my food correctly, and swallowing properly. I have had to have my esophagus dilated three times and have had ulcers on my esophagus as well. Due to the acid from my stomach coming back up the esophagus and through the bronchial tubes to my lungs it has damaged my esophagus, vocal cords, and lungs. The acid that goes to my lungs causes acute asthma exacerbations most of the time with pneumonia.
Since January of 2014 I have been admitted to the hospital 10 times and in ER 3 times. I normally spend several days in ICU or critical care. I have had numerous tests, x-rays, scans, and have been to countless doctors appointments. I currently have to take 18 pills, 2 Inhalers, and breathing treatments daily.
My doctors have requested bariatric, hiatus hernia, and Schatzki ring surgery to save my life. Because of the high doses of steroids they keep me on for my lungs I have heart problems, damage to veins, my skin has thinned out, and I have gained 82 pounds in a year. The medication also causes more acid to develop in my stomach in turn causes more asthma attacks. My lungs are damaged and they want to do thermo pasty to them, but they can't until my stomach is fixed.
The doctors have said there will come a time they won't be able to save me and we have discussed DNR'S and the possible use of ventilators in the future.
The state insurance plan Ahcccs Arizona health choice I am on has denied denied surgery, and a surgical consult several times. I was told I would have to coordinate with my primary care doctor and follow all the steps for the 1 year wait for bariatric weight loss even though the surgery is not for weight loss but medical necessity.
I also have been denied social security disability 3 times and have to wait until July 2016 for a hearing before a judge. I have already waited now for over a year. I have not been able to work since January of 2014. I have had to stay with family and had to file bankruptcy. As of now I don't even have a car to get to appointments. I am fortunate enough to currently have $194 food stamps each month and the state insurance so that I can go to the doctor and get
At 48 years old I am not ready to die yet. All I want is the medical help I need to live a healthy long life.
Please share my story and if anyone has any advice that would help me please share it with me.
I have difficulty digesting my food correctly, and swallowing properly. I have had to have my esophagus dilated three times and have had ulcers on my esophagus as well. Due to the acid from my stomach coming back up the esophagus and through the bronchial tubes to my lungs it has damaged my esophagus, vocal cords, and lungs. The acid that goes to my lungs causes acute asthma exacerbations most of the time with pneumonia.
Since January of 2014 I have been admitted to the hospital 10 times and in ER 3 times. I normally spend several days in ICU or critical care. I have had numerous tests, x-rays, scans, and have been to countless doctors appointments. I currently have to take 18 pills, 2 Inhalers, and breathing treatments daily.
My doctors have requested bariatric, hiatus hernia, and Schatzki ring surgery to save my life. Because of the high doses of steroids they keep me on for my lungs I have heart problems, damage to veins, my skin has thinned out, and I have gained 82 pounds in a year. The medication also causes more acid to develop in my stomach in turn causes more asthma attacks. My lungs are damaged and they want to do thermo pasty to them, but they can't until my stomach is fixed.
The doctors have said there will come a time they won't be able to save me and we have discussed DNR'S and the possible use of ventilators in the future.
The state insurance plan Ahcccs Arizona health choice I am on has denied denied surgery, and a surgical consult several times. I was told I would have to coordinate with my primary care doctor and follow all the steps for the 1 year wait for bariatric weight loss even though the surgery is not for weight loss but medical necessity.
I also have been denied social security disability 3 times and have to wait until July 2016 for a hearing before a judge. I have already waited now for over a year. I have not been able to work since January of 2014. I have had to stay with family and had to file bankruptcy. As of now I don't even have a car to get to appointments. I am fortunate enough to currently have $194 food stamps each month and the state insurance so that I can go to the doctor and get
At 48 years old I am not ready to die yet. All I want is the medical help I need to live a healthy long life.
Please share my story and if anyone has any advice that would help me please share it with me.
Organizer
Sheri Waldroop Horton
Organizer
Tucson, AZ