Wendy's Medical and Recovery Fund
Donation protected
Last week I was diagnosed with Sjogrens disease. I am grateful to finally have a diagnosis! Currently I have $5000 in unpaid medical bills and need another $10000 for surgery, medications, and treatments.
In the last 6 months I have had over 100 blood draws, numerous ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI's, an ER visit for a blood transfusion, and around 75 doctor/specialist office visits.
Through it all I remain positive. I look forward to seeing the sun rise every morning and the moon and stars come out at night. My kids inspire me and bring me great joy. My goal remains to thrive and enjoy life.
Sjogrens is an autoimmune disease with no current cure. My white blood cells mistakenly attack my exocrine system (the bodies lubrication system). This means any normal process of lubrication in my body is always in potential dysbiosis. Many Sjogrens patients only experience minor symptom like dry eyes or dry mouth. A certain percentage, including myself, have more severe symptoms.
For instance, I do not make enough stomach bile/lubrication to digest properly leading to numerous nutritional deficiencies. This contributed to the blood disorders I have been diagnosed with including pernicious anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and leukopenia.
The lack of saliva in my mouth is so profound I have periodontal disease that has lead to the loss of numerous teeth and currently a bone infection in my jaw. I have a large amount of jaw bone loss and a need to have surgery to clean the infection out.
The lack of tears/lubrication in my eyes has made me extremely sensitive to light and I can no longer wear contacts. I have been prescribed special lenses to protect and hopefully slow down the ocular damage.
I have numerous salivary glands and lymph nodes that are enlarged. The swelling causes fatigue, pain, and the inability to properly detoxify. This is a contributing factor to my current blood disorders. My Oncologist wants to see me once a month for blood work and a physical exam. My Rheumatologist and Oncologist tell me I am at high risk or may have already developed a type of lymphoma called MALT. The MRI I had done on Friday will help my doctors decide if a bone marrow or lymph node biopsy is needed to confirm cancer.
Again:
Through it all I remain positive. I look forward to seeing the sun rise every morning and the moon and stars come out at night. My kids inspire me and bring me great joy. My goal remains to thrive and enjoy life.
In the last 6 months I have had over 100 blood draws, numerous ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI's, an ER visit for a blood transfusion, and around 75 doctor/specialist office visits.
Through it all I remain positive. I look forward to seeing the sun rise every morning and the moon and stars come out at night. My kids inspire me and bring me great joy. My goal remains to thrive and enjoy life.
Sjogrens is an autoimmune disease with no current cure. My white blood cells mistakenly attack my exocrine system (the bodies lubrication system). This means any normal process of lubrication in my body is always in potential dysbiosis. Many Sjogrens patients only experience minor symptom like dry eyes or dry mouth. A certain percentage, including myself, have more severe symptoms.
For instance, I do not make enough stomach bile/lubrication to digest properly leading to numerous nutritional deficiencies. This contributed to the blood disorders I have been diagnosed with including pernicious anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and leukopenia.
The lack of saliva in my mouth is so profound I have periodontal disease that has lead to the loss of numerous teeth and currently a bone infection in my jaw. I have a large amount of jaw bone loss and a need to have surgery to clean the infection out.
The lack of tears/lubrication in my eyes has made me extremely sensitive to light and I can no longer wear contacts. I have been prescribed special lenses to protect and hopefully slow down the ocular damage.
I have numerous salivary glands and lymph nodes that are enlarged. The swelling causes fatigue, pain, and the inability to properly detoxify. This is a contributing factor to my current blood disorders. My Oncologist wants to see me once a month for blood work and a physical exam. My Rheumatologist and Oncologist tell me I am at high risk or may have already developed a type of lymphoma called MALT. The MRI I had done on Friday will help my doctors decide if a bone marrow or lymph node biopsy is needed to confirm cancer.
Again:
Through it all I remain positive. I look forward to seeing the sun rise every morning and the moon and stars come out at night. My kids inspire me and bring me great joy. My goal remains to thrive and enjoy life.
Organizer
Wendy Schumacher Martinez
Organizer
Austin, TX