Service Dog for Shayna

Hello. My name is Shayna I am 16 years old and I am on the journey to getting paired with a service dog through My Angel with Paws, to assist me in my daily activities, including mobility work to help me stay balanced when walking and help retrive things when I'm too weak to get it on my own. The need for a service dog first came as I began having balance issues and was sick very often with no explanation.  As it worsened I started having other physical issues as well that began to effect my school work and attendance. It became too difficult to focus and get around in school, to the point that I missed more days than I went leading to me doing online school from home and ultimately not being able to do school work at all and I loved being in school.  This was all very frustrating as I was no longer able to participate in the things I loved doing. I am a certified SCUBA diver, an avid participant in my schools video production team and very active with my animals, just to name a few things. Over time, I became weaker and my balance was worsening, at times I would need the help of friends and family so I didn't fall over. The worst part was when I would stand up, I would get very dizzy and my heart would start racing so fast my chest would hurt and I felt like I was going to pass out.

For the past 3 and a half years we have been chasing what has been making me sicker each passing day, going from specialist to specialist, finding out nothing. Ultimately the doctors started believing it was all in my head, (which is because dysautonomia is not well known by many medical professionals).  Until a few months ago, my doctor who has never doubted me, performed an orthostatic blood pressure test, where they would take my BP laying down then sit me up and take my BP again 5 minutes later and then standing.  Her reaction was a mixture of surprise and relief. Surprise for not having seen this during one of the dozens of visits prior to this particular one. Relief that we finally had a name and direction to go. So, I have officially been diagnosed with Dysautonomia and I am about to embark on the search for exactly which type of dysautonomia it is, as there are many. This July we are going to the Mayo Clinic In Minnesota, where they will hopefully be able to help us get on the right track. Dysautonomia is the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system or ANS.  The autonomic nervous system effects your whole body.  

Dysautonomia symptoms may include....

Orthostatic Intolerance (inability to remain upright)
Dizziness
Syncope (fainting/near fainting)
Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
Palpitations
Chest Discomfort
Low Blood Pressure
Lightheadedness
Gastrointestinal Problems
Excessive Fatigue
Exercise Intolerance
Nausea
Visual Disturbances
Weakness
Shortness of Breath
Mood Swings
Anxiety
Vertigo
Migraines
Tremulousness
Noise/light sensitivity
Insomnia
Frequent Urination
Temperature Regulation Problems
Brain fog/forgetfulness
Inability to concentrate
Difficulty with recall
Appetite Disturbance
Hypersensitivity to sensory stimulation


Any contribution you can make, will help tremendously and is greatly appreciated.

The money raised will go towards getting paired with a service dog from My Angles with Paws and help with medical expenses, like the trip to the Mayo Clinic.

Thank you for your support,

Shayna.

If you want to know more about My Angel with Paws, please visit their website...
https://www.myangelwithpaws.org