The Last 2 Months Have Been the Hardest of My Life

In the blink of an eye, the person I once knew as myself—my identity, my strength, my independence—was gone. I suddenly found myself facing a version of me that I didn’t recognize, and certainly didn’t understand. A version of me that I never chose. Dysautonomia has taken away my autonomy.

In these endless days of unrelenting fatigue, dizziness, nausea, pain, cardiac symptoms, and so much more, I’ve been mourning the person I used to be. The me who could walk around the block with my kids, cook dinner, tidy the house, shower without assistance, and care for the hospice patients I loved. Now, even the simplest tasks feel like mountains that I can barely climb.

I’ve shed enough tears to fill a river. I grieve the life I once had, and often, I find myself resenting the person I’ve become because of a condition I didn’t even know existed until it took control of my body.

But today, I’m choosing to shift my mindset. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” I’m asking, “What actions can I take to reclaim my quality of life and rediscover my sense of self?”

That’s where I need your help.

Seeking Treatment, Seeking Hope

Yesterday, I had the privilege of being evaluated by the Neurologic Wellness Institute, a clinic specializing in functional neurology. The evaluation has given me hope for the first time in months. I’m hopeful that with their targeted treatment plan, I can start to regain some control over my body and my life. I believe that their approach will offer the care and guidance I need to fight back against this illness, but the cost of this care is beyond what I can manage on my own.

Since this all began, I’ve barely been able to work. On good days, I manage a half-day, but that’s about it. I am the primary provider for my family, and if I don’t get better soon, we will lose everything we’ve worked so hard to build. This is a real time of crisis in our lives.

The nearest specialist I can see who focuses on Dysautonomia is out of state. The soonest I can get in with them is mid-August, but the insurance will only cover 50% of that cost. The only in-state specialist I can see isn’t available until May of 2026. The road to recovery feels long, but I know I have to take action now.

What is Dysautonomia?

For those unfamiliar with the condition, Dysautonomia refers to a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including heart rate irregularities, blood pressure issues, dizziness, fatigue, and much more. One of the most common types is POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which is what suddenly took over my body at the end of November. If you’re interested in learning more about this condition and its impact, I encourage you to visit http://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=30 for further information.

Functional Neurology and Its Role in My Recovery

If you’d like to understand how functional neurology could help me regain my autonomy and improve my symptoms, I invite you to watch this insightful video by the Neurologic Wellness Institute: What is Functional Neurology? https://youtu.be/8Bx3-N0ZSC4?si=h9sr_QqE1V6sLfJd

It provides a detailed explanation of their approach to diagnosis and treatment, which I’m hopeful will make a significant difference in my recovery.

How You Can Help

I’ve set up this GoFundMe to raise funds for the specialized care I need to get my life back. Your contributions will go directly toward:

• The cost of the evaluation and ongoing treatment at the Neurologic Wellness Institute

• Travel expenses for out-of-state appointments (since the specialists I need are not local)

• Managing costs for medication, therapy, and supportive care along the way

I never imagined I’d find myself in this position, asking for help. But today, I’m choosing to take that step, knowing that with the right treatment and support, I can start to rebuild my life, one small step at a time.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings me closer to regaining my autonomy and finding the new version of myself that I can be proud of. If you can’t contribute financially, sharing this page with others is just as meaningful.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, your kindness, and your belief in me. I will fight every day to reclaim my life, and with your help, I know that I can.