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Sandy and Mike

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Everyone loves and knows Sandy and Mike from special education ! Even though they live on a very tight and limited income they were lucky enough to buy a sweet Bungalow at a low price in Woodland CA. It was built in the1950s. However, it is not set up for wheelchair use. But, they are able to do their Home Hemo Dialysis there with excessive struggle.
They've been dealt a tough hand in life and are we are looking to make their lives easier.
Here’s their story...
Sandy first had signs of kidney issues in 1987 when she was pregnant. She wasn't diagnosed until 2007. She continued to work 4 jobs and exercised regularly.
In August 2007 Sandy's nephrologist did a biopsy, and she was diagnosed with FSGS,
(FSGS. Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is an autoimmune issue of the kidneys.
For years she had 50 % filtration, which is the same filtration rate of transplant patient or donor. ..“healthy" !
December 3rd 2007 Sandy's Dr. gave her very high doses of a drug called cyclosporin and prednisone. Her Dr. was absent most of the next two years.
From the medications she immediately developed Cushings Syndrome. She had trouble breathing, speaking, gained 80 lbs in under one month, developed cataracts within three months, skin tearing and then t he loss of her remaining kidney function.
Two years later, in 2009 she stopped taking the medications because you are only allowed to take them for two years. Sandy regained some of her strength, not enough. By the end of 2009 Sandy’s first physician left the area and Sandy was given a new Dr.
In June 2011 Sandy had what is called ESRD. End Stage Renal Disease. Mike and Sandy did extensive training to be their own Home Hemo dialysis. Home Hemo dialysis is considered the best treatment next to a transplant. Mike has spent 60 or more hours a week providing dialysis and wound care for Sandy ever since.

Things took a turn for the worse health wise when Sandy kept losing iron, got much weaker, losing her balance, the her use of legs and hands, and her heart was racing to 130 beats per minute for hours. All of the neurologists she has seen couldn’t explain why.
Sandys second nephrologists was not interested in Sandy’s concerns or that of her nurses. Sandy was told to stop taking her vitamins. Things got even worse.
She was told to be compliant or she would not be recommended for a transplant she did every thing that she was told to do.
Finally they consulted with her GP and then switched to 3rd nephrologist
The Drs. seemed to be on a better track this time quicklybtaking care by conducting three heart ablations, she was dangerously anemic, life changing nerve damage effects hands and feet.

Sandy is now considered to be a quadriplegic. She has had graft issues, vein issues, infection issues, new blood sugar issues, new skin issues, and new eye issues and new nerve issues. Sandy was forced to retire from all of her jobs, driving and has little independence.

It is costly too to be so suddenly handicapped. The out of pocket expenses for medications, medical co pays, house adaptions, time off work for Mike, disenfectimg cleaning supplies, dialysis water and added utilities, all different clothing that work for Sandy has cost thousands of dollars all ready..

What can each of us do now to help their lives be a little easier???
This...
Besides the ongoing expenses beyond their means, Mike and Sandy would be able to live easier with a retrofit to their bungalow allowing dialysis for a handicapped accessible home and are hopeful to have a vehicle allowing some time away from home which can also tend to Sandy’s fragile dialysis needs.
Have a little or more to help our Sandy and Mike? Please do...
Everyone loves Sandy and Mike ❤️
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Donations 

  • Lisa Yates
    • $100 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Susan Jones
Organizer
Woodland, CA
Sandra Norlyn
Beneficiary

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