Stroke and Heart Surgery Support for Amanda

On 12/27/23 Amanda suffered a massive Stroke paralyzing her entire left side. She immediately was transported by ambulance to Harris Methodist Downtown. She went to CT and surgery to remove 2 large blood clots in her brain. While doing further research in the hospital as to why a 38 year old women would have such a massive stroke. They got answers but sadly those answers made life even more complicated. They found a large hole in Amanda's heart which allowed the blood clots to flow straight to the brain. They also found out that her ANA was abnormally high which has led them to believe she in fact has a Autoimmune Disease. Amanda now needs further testing and a heart surgery to close the hole in her heart to prevent further Strokes. She now see's a Neurologist, Cardiologist, PCP and a Hematologist which does not come cheap as often as she is regularly having to be seen.

Today at her cardiologist appointment they discovered a large hematoma has formed around the Angio Seal that they used to close the main artery they used for her surgery during her stoke. This is now a set back sadly and of course just something else added to her plate. The hospital bills are already over $130,000 just from her 8 day stay in the hospital and her doctor bills are already costing hundreds of dollars. She now needs more blood work, another ultrasound of the hematoma, a TEE test and a heart surgery which will cost even more. To help her and her family I would like to say as a family friend I have watched Amanda go through some hard times. 3 years ago she lost her Mom to a tragic disease called MSA and now has her own heath issues to worry about. Things are hard right now but they don't have to be with a little help.

2/1 Update: TEE procedure was done 1/23 it was confirmed she will have to have heart surgery. They have set that for 2/9 and she will stay in the hospital to recover. On 1/27 Amanda had a set back she had a mini stroke and was admitted back in the hospital. Her deficits have come back a little stronger but with some time hopefully they subside like before. Mental is also playing apart unfortunately being away from her kids so often and missing their activities has really fell heavy on her heart. This chapter was so unexpected but she is doing the best she can.

As someone who cant help a lot only a little I figured reaching out publicly I could help in a much bigger way. Any amount amount helps nothing goes un noticed or unappreciated. I know Amanda and her sweet family will be so very thankful in everyway.

Lot's of hugs and prayers....we love you Douglas family!