The Fight to Find the Cure for Saundra Baker
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In Dec of 2018 Saundra started feeling ill. She began to complain of pain in her abdomen. It was quick shooting pains, at that time, that would come and go fairly frequently. At the end of last school year Saundra's condition worsened and she went to see a GI specialist.
Unfortunately, the doctor did not have answers for her. Things became worse and in July she had to be rushed to the ER. There was concern that she would have to have her gall bladder removed, but she was discharged with the diagnosis of Colitis and told to return to the ER if there was blood in her stool.
On Friday the 5th of July, she returned to the ER and was sent home and was told that blood in her stool was normal with Colitis and that she shouldn’t worry. On July 28th, she had a gastric emptying test as symptoms continued to worsen. The GI doctor decided to move up her endoscopy and colonoscopy from October to September.
Saundra continued to feel sick and it became very difficult for her to hold anything down and was forced to survive on a liquid diet. In that time Saundra lost 45 pounds. By August she began vomiting whatever she ate. Saundra attempted to go back to work, however every day tasks became harder and harder.
By September her doctor insisted she go on medical leave and receive outpatient IV treatments due to extreme dehydration and malnutrition.
The results of her colonoscopy and endoscopy showed no signs of cancer or disease, but her entire GI track; stomach, small and large intestines were completely infected and inflamed. The GI doctor was baffled and misdiagnosed her with C-Diff as she carried the bacteria, but showed no signs of active C-Diff. Per the doctor's request, she was placed on a strong antibiotic for two weeks.
At this point, her condition did not improve and she was admitted to Torrance Memorial Hospital through the ER. When she arrived, her pancreas levels were high so she was told she might have pancreatitis, which was later ruled out. While at Torrance Memorial, a team of doctors ran many tests and procedures. Yet, there still were no answers to how to identify or solve the problem. It was advised to transfer her to UCLA where more testing could be performed.
On October 29th, still without answers she was transferred to UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica. Doctors are continuing to search for the answer of what is making her so ill. Currently, after full body x-rays doctors are concerned and trying to rule out bone cancer. As of now, there are still no answers nor diagnosis.
It is anticipated that Saundra will be in the hospital for quite a long time.
Saundra is a teacher and her insurance is covered through her paycheck. Because she is a government employee she is unable to access SSDI or FMLA. She has attempted to apply for disability insurance through work, however the insurance company considered her illness a pre-existing condition and denied her request.
As each day goes by unanswered, the medical bills continue to mount. Anything you can contribute in this fight to find a cure for Saundra would be greatly appreciated.
Unfortunately, the doctor did not have answers for her. Things became worse and in July she had to be rushed to the ER. There was concern that she would have to have her gall bladder removed, but she was discharged with the diagnosis of Colitis and told to return to the ER if there was blood in her stool.
On Friday the 5th of July, she returned to the ER and was sent home and was told that blood in her stool was normal with Colitis and that she shouldn’t worry. On July 28th, she had a gastric emptying test as symptoms continued to worsen. The GI doctor decided to move up her endoscopy and colonoscopy from October to September.
Saundra continued to feel sick and it became very difficult for her to hold anything down and was forced to survive on a liquid diet. In that time Saundra lost 45 pounds. By August she began vomiting whatever she ate. Saundra attempted to go back to work, however every day tasks became harder and harder.
By September her doctor insisted she go on medical leave and receive outpatient IV treatments due to extreme dehydration and malnutrition.
The results of her colonoscopy and endoscopy showed no signs of cancer or disease, but her entire GI track; stomach, small and large intestines were completely infected and inflamed. The GI doctor was baffled and misdiagnosed her with C-Diff as she carried the bacteria, but showed no signs of active C-Diff. Per the doctor's request, she was placed on a strong antibiotic for two weeks.
At this point, her condition did not improve and she was admitted to Torrance Memorial Hospital through the ER. When she arrived, her pancreas levels were high so she was told she might have pancreatitis, which was later ruled out. While at Torrance Memorial, a team of doctors ran many tests and procedures. Yet, there still were no answers to how to identify or solve the problem. It was advised to transfer her to UCLA where more testing could be performed.
On October 29th, still without answers she was transferred to UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica. Doctors are continuing to search for the answer of what is making her so ill. Currently, after full body x-rays doctors are concerned and trying to rule out bone cancer. As of now, there are still no answers nor diagnosis.
It is anticipated that Saundra will be in the hospital for quite a long time.
Saundra is a teacher and her insurance is covered through her paycheck. Because she is a government employee she is unable to access SSDI or FMLA. She has attempted to apply for disability insurance through work, however the insurance company considered her illness a pre-existing condition and denied her request.
As each day goes by unanswered, the medical bills continue to mount. Anything you can contribute in this fight to find a cure for Saundra would be greatly appreciated.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kimberly Bevington
Organizer
Torrance, CA
Saundra Baker-McLean
Beneficiary
