Dental and Vision needs
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Carolyn Garcia. Most people call me Kaeri. About six years ago, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjögren's Syndrome. Three years ago, my illness had progressed to the point that my doctors told me I could no longerwork. I have filed a Social Security Disability claim, but it is still working its way through the system. I have Medicaid to cover my medical needs, but dental and vision are not covered for adults.
In February 2015, I was hospitalized for pneumonia. I was septic when I was admitted, and was in sort of a drug induced coma for several days. When I woke, I was unable to use my limbs. Doctors are unsure why, but suspect that the autoimmune illnesses have something to do with it. I was sent to a skilled nursing home to relearn how to use my limbs again. In July, I went septic a second time, this time needing emergency surgery. After the surgery, I had both a tracheotomy and a colostomy. The trache has been removed and is healing very well. I still have the colostomy, and will have it for quite some time yet. I am also doing well with walking...today I walked about 250 feet with a walker.
Because of of the Sjogrens Syndrome, my teeth have completely crumbled away. There is no amount of brushing and flossing that could have prevented this. Every one of my teeth is broken, with pieces of tooth remaining in the gums. I am in constant pain, and often have abscesses. I am unable to eat many of the foods I used to love, most notably meats and salads. I would absolutely LOVE to be able to eat a salad!
In January of 2015, I had a partial cornea transplant. I had contracted Shingles in my left eye, and as a result, my cornea was scarred. Because of the transplant, I can no longer use my pre-surgery glasses. My vision is worsening, and I now have difficulty reading normal size fonts.
If you choose to help, these are the two things I will use the money for. I have been in pain for the last 3-4 years. The nursing home has a dentist that comes to us, but since Medicaid will not cover the extractions, I need to pay for them up front. The dentist will not accept a payment plan. Anything any of you can contribute would be so appreciated! I have been searching for dental clinics for the last 3 years with no luck. This is my last chance other than SSDI. SSDI can take up to another 5 years before giving an answer, and may not cover my dental and vision needs.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and for any donation you are able to give.
In February 2015, I was hospitalized for pneumonia. I was septic when I was admitted, and was in sort of a drug induced coma for several days. When I woke, I was unable to use my limbs. Doctors are unsure why, but suspect that the autoimmune illnesses have something to do with it. I was sent to a skilled nursing home to relearn how to use my limbs again. In July, I went septic a second time, this time needing emergency surgery. After the surgery, I had both a tracheotomy and a colostomy. The trache has been removed and is healing very well. I still have the colostomy, and will have it for quite some time yet. I am also doing well with walking...today I walked about 250 feet with a walker.
Because of of the Sjogrens Syndrome, my teeth have completely crumbled away. There is no amount of brushing and flossing that could have prevented this. Every one of my teeth is broken, with pieces of tooth remaining in the gums. I am in constant pain, and often have abscesses. I am unable to eat many of the foods I used to love, most notably meats and salads. I would absolutely LOVE to be able to eat a salad!
In January of 2015, I had a partial cornea transplant. I had contracted Shingles in my left eye, and as a result, my cornea was scarred. Because of the transplant, I can no longer use my pre-surgery glasses. My vision is worsening, and I now have difficulty reading normal size fonts.
If you choose to help, these are the two things I will use the money for. I have been in pain for the last 3-4 years. The nursing home has a dentist that comes to us, but since Medicaid will not cover the extractions, I need to pay for them up front. The dentist will not accept a payment plan. Anything any of you can contribute would be so appreciated! I have been searching for dental clinics for the last 3 years with no luck. This is my last chance other than SSDI. SSDI can take up to another 5 years before giving an answer, and may not cover my dental and vision needs.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and for any donation you are able to give.
Organizer
Kaeri Garcia
Organizer
Santa Ana, CA