Mike Needs a Kidney Transplant
Donation protected
In November of 2000, my husband, a self-employed tree contractor, fell 35 feet. He was only 45. After 6 months of wearing a brace, the surgeons decided that he needed a 360 spinal fusion. They inserted rods, screws and a cage to stabilize his spinal cord. Nothing could be done with his two badly torn rotator cuffs. Since then he has been disabled and in constant pain.
Our new challenged started almost two years ago. His feet and legs started to swell. The doctor sent him to the hospital for tests. After ruling out anything important, he was then treated with diuretics and diet change. He followed everything to the maximum.
Then one day, the swelling got so severe, it went to his chest. I rushed him to the ER where he was admitted for more testing. It was then that we were told that his kidneys were failing. It took some time for his team of doctors to get Mike stable. He had an arteriovenous fistula surgically done, so he could proceed with dialysis. With a GFR of a little below 10, Mike was finally able to begin diaylsis in February of this year.
We are currently working with a transplant team at Tampa General Hospital. With all of their testing, we were hit with another obstacle. Mike is also in need of a liver transplant. We were aware of some problems with the liver, but all of the test were showing good levels. They are now speeding up the rest of the testing process to be finished next month.
We have hit another wall. We can't be approved for the transplant, unless we can prove that we can afford to pay for the immunoosppressants. The cost is approximately $600 per month and not covered by our insurance. Mike will need to be on this medication for the rest of his life.
The hospital suggested that we do fundraising, so this is why we are reaching out to all of you. Besides the medication, we do have some outstanding hospital bills from this process. We know times are tough. Any donation, no matter how small, will help us reach our goal. Prayers are very much needed too. Please share this story and know that we appreciate anything that can be done. You will not only change Mike's life, but also the life of everyone that loves him.
Thank you so much from the Burns family and friends!
Our new challenged started almost two years ago. His feet and legs started to swell. The doctor sent him to the hospital for tests. After ruling out anything important, he was then treated with diuretics and diet change. He followed everything to the maximum.
Then one day, the swelling got so severe, it went to his chest. I rushed him to the ER where he was admitted for more testing. It was then that we were told that his kidneys were failing. It took some time for his team of doctors to get Mike stable. He had an arteriovenous fistula surgically done, so he could proceed with dialysis. With a GFR of a little below 10, Mike was finally able to begin diaylsis in February of this year.
We are currently working with a transplant team at Tampa General Hospital. With all of their testing, we were hit with another obstacle. Mike is also in need of a liver transplant. We were aware of some problems with the liver, but all of the test were showing good levels. They are now speeding up the rest of the testing process to be finished next month.
We have hit another wall. We can't be approved for the transplant, unless we can prove that we can afford to pay for the immunoosppressants. The cost is approximately $600 per month and not covered by our insurance. Mike will need to be on this medication for the rest of his life.
The hospital suggested that we do fundraising, so this is why we are reaching out to all of you. Besides the medication, we do have some outstanding hospital bills from this process. We know times are tough. Any donation, no matter how small, will help us reach our goal. Prayers are very much needed too. Please share this story and know that we appreciate anything that can be done. You will not only change Mike's life, but also the life of everyone that loves him.
Thank you so much from the Burns family and friends!
Organizer
Michael Burns
Organizer
Spring Hill, FL
