Ellie's Medical Fund
To most people Ellie probably looks like your typical 25-year-old but behind closed doors there’s a whole other side that only a few have sadly had to witness; she has endured endless sleepless nights crying in pain, severe fatigue that has left her bed ridden for days to weeks to months, Brain fog and confusion triggering debilitating anxiety and depression, constantly changing intolerances and allergies that make leading a normal life impossible.
After 4 years of desperately searching for answers in June 2016, Ellie was finally able to get a diagnosis - she had been suffering from Chronic late stage Lyme Disease. It was a bittersweet moment for her and Jaden to finally have answers but also knowing the journey ahead was not going to be an easy one. For many if the disease is treated correctly in the early stages the results are promising but once the disease is chronic it becomes a lot more complicated. The infection had become severe and was effecting many parts of her body including her heart, liver, bladder, gut, kidneys, endocrine system, brain and nervous system.
Ellie was started on a treatment protocol that included long term high dose antibiotics and IV’s but unfortunately she did not respond well. With no quality of life and hope for the future fading fast they knew they needed to do something urgently. With no results from the very limited treatment options available in Australia they made the decision to seek treatment overseas at the Y&C Medical institute in Cyprus. Ellie spent 6 weeks undergoing intensive treatment which quite literally saved her life and gave her hope of living a normal life again.
Although she has come such a far way due to the severity of the disease and the damage it has caused she still has a way to go. Despite the fact that many symptoms have greatly improved, each day still comes with its challenges. Since returning from Cyprus Ellie spends 3+ hours a day undertaking treatment and therapies. She desperately tried to jump back in to normal life however has learnt quickly that her body is just not ready for this yet. Due to the unpredictable symptom flare-ups she is still unable to sustain a full time job and with ongoing medical expenses still very high this adds extra stress to the situation.
Her severe mould allergy coupled with the mycotoxins from the Lyme Disease has triggered an illness called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). Any form of mental or physical exhaustion can send the Nervous System into disorder, the body becomes heavily inflamed, the heart rate will rapidly increase and the whole body becomes paralysed with fatigue. Contact with mould, histamine or everyday chemicals can trigger CIRS which includes shortness of breath, air hunger, heart palpitations, fevers, severe pain, migraine, bloating, photophobia, noise sensitivity, brain fog, debilitating fatigue, anxiety, depression, confusion, disassociation and at times suicidal ideation. Ellie and Jaden were forced to move out of their house and sell/throw away almost everything they owned to move in to a mould free environment. Ellie has to be careful every time she goes anywhere and adhere to a very strict diet and protocols.
Ellie’s past and present conditions include Lyme Disease and co-infections - Bartonella, mycoplasma, chlamydia pneumoniae, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia/myalgic encephalitis, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), Pyrrole Disorder, Reoccurring Strep and Staph infection, Hypothyroidism, Hypotension, Hypoglycemia, Endometriosis, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Candida albicans, Heavy Metal toxicity, Mould toxicity, Chemical Sensitivity, Insufficient detoxing pathways, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Leaky Gut, and a number of Autoimmune Disorders. All mainly brought on by the Lyme Bacteria and Confections. Due to the nature of her condition they have come to the realisation that she is going to need another round of treatment to get her that next step closer to living a normal life.
This disease has completely upturned Ellie’s life and we have watched a fun, energetic and happy girl slowly fade away. Seeing that little glimpse of normality post treatment has made us even more determined to help her fight this and get her life back but this time Ellie and Jaden can’t do it alone. Just in the past year they have spent upwards of $60,000 on treatment, therapies and medication and unfortunately due to the current circumstances they are unable to support day to day living costs and save enough to get her back overseas this year.
Please support us in helping Ellie to return to the Y&C Medical institute in Cyprus to undergo another round of treatmeant in May 2018. I know any donation will be greatly apreciated by her and will go a long way in supporting her journey back to health.
