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Sharim's Defeating Dysautonomia

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This is extremly humbling for me, to have to come to this point in my life. Where I have to reach out, to family and friends for help. Please, read my story below.


I visited Mayo Clinic in Minnesotea, in March of 2015 and this year also. After seeing various doctors, I know my sickness is not in my head. Finally someone believes me, Its such a relief. I have an official diagnosis. Autonomic Neuropathy which is Dysautonomia in a nut shell. I also have Fibromyalgia, Degenerative Disk Disease, Migraines, Neuropathy, Slow Transit Colon, Atopic Dermatitis Icthiosis, and ya... my body is just tired all the time.

It's not just "one thing" it's multiple things. Dysautonomia, is rarely known, but it is real.  This illness, effects my entire body. My autonomic nervous system doesn't work, like normal people. The autonomic nervous system controls blood pressure, pulse rate, heat and cold intolerance, dygestion, endrocine system, thinking, sleeping, breathing, and many other things. So everyday, my life is full of suprises. There are days, where all I do is pass out, other days, my stomach issues are horrible. My heart rate is almost always low and makes me very tired.  Most days, my blood pressure is so low, I can't get off my couch. I have extreme brain fog and can't concentrate well. I have lots of pain on a daily basis and that keeps me from my life. I have a list of diagnosis and it really comes down to I have a complex chronic illness.

Things I have been told are, 1) I won't die from this. (Unless I take narcotics and don't pay attention to the medications I'm taking) 2) I have to learn to live with this and accept it as it is. 3) There is no medication, I can take to make it better. With all that being said, It's good and bad. It's bittersweet. The doctors told me to learn to take one day at a time and use my energy sparingly. That's what Mayo had to say.  Mayo is working with me now to keep finding the right treatment.


While at the Mayo, my eyes were opened! So many people are sick, but "don't look sick". I am one of those people. I have realized more than ever, not to judge a book by it's cover. Not to judge, what someone else is going through. Everyone has a struggle.  It's just that each struggle varies, and no one's struggle is more important than another. Being there, I felt hopeful,  relieved,  safe, encouraged, and loved. I talked with a few people, when I had enough energy to, and learned other's stories. If there is for sure one thing I've learned through this, it is compassion. I see people so differently than I use to. People are hurting and suffering. We need to open our eyes and LOVE, more than ever before.

So here I am after going to California and I'm still needing help. The trip to Cali wasn't a waist of time. It did get me off my couch more and I had one month of feeling wonderful, then I started getting hit again. Now I am facing back issues still and need a spinal cord stimulator. Nervous but ready.  Also, will be having further testing on my intestines and stomach.  I am malnurished because eating has become more of a chore than a desire. My stomach hurts all the time along with my intestines. I will have more testing on my intestines and stomach. Since Cali I have had a procedure for a stint to be placed in my left leg for May Thurner Syndrome, I've been getting injections for my back pain every month, recently had my apendix out and will be having a colonoscpy and upper scope for my intestines. The nerves aren't functing how they should...  

I have decided to see a natural doctor in Kokomo. My doctor in Cali suggested her and she is also not covered with insurance. So that is why I'm reaching out again for help. She wants to help me and I'd like to be on less medications. We will see... I know this is a process.... please pray for me and share my story. I am tired, but I know God is using this. Your support means alot to me. Thank you so much!!!!!

God bless you, and thanks for allowing me to share.
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  • Anonymous
    • $50 
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer

Sharim Shields
Organizer
Brookston, IN

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