Jana’s fight for a diagnosis

Let me begin by saying how challenging this is for us. Asking for help and/or assistance is extremely hard. However, it’s come to the point where we need help. Financial, emotional, spiritual, etc. You name it, we will accept it!! As Jana‘s daughter, I’m organizing this on her behalf and sharing her story and situation. This may come to a shock to a lot of family/friends. We’ve kept this very private for many reasons but it’s time we ask for help and feel the presence of support all around us. 

The beginning of the story starts about seven years ago. Jana started developing neurological symptoms that left her very fatigued and weak. Due to her symptoms, she was referred to a neurologist where they performed tests and lab work. Unfortunately, no diagnosis was made and Jana was left to continue on and live normally. 

Over the last few years, her symptoms have come and gone. Some good days and some bad days but it seemed like she was able to function and hopefully be on the path to feeling better. 

Fast forward to today—we don’t remember the last time she has had a good day. The last 1-2 years have been extremely debilitating and symptoms are worsening each day. From the moment symptoms started 7 years ago, we’ve always thought this condition could be multiple sclerosis. We believe that even more strongly today and are fighting for a diagnosis.  Every day is a struggle to function, to even get out of bed. Every day she experiences hand tremors, vision changes, tingling in her face, cognitive and speech impairment at times, weak arms and legs, extreme fatigue, numbness, pain, etc. The symptoms are endless and this list doesn’t account for all. She’s been silently fighting and has been so strong! Working as a full time pharmacy technician while on her feet all day. 

In January 2021, her primary physician was very concerned with her declining condition. She has loss all muscle mass in her legs and failed her reflex tests. Her doctor sent in an urgent referral to a new neurologist. Since seeing this neurologist, Jana has been undergoing numerous testing and MRI’s. Her brain MRI indicates some abnormalities but we are waiting on some more upcoming imaging that is scheduled soon. We’ve made some headway but still no definitive diagnosis as of yet. We are hoping for a spinal tap soon as this is what will confirm if it’s MS. However, they use a spinal tap as the last possible test due to  it being very invasive and painful.

Throughout this journey, we have learned a great deal. It’s important to be your own advocate but also, conditions such as MS are extremely difficult to diagnose and sometimes takes years.

In the recent decline of her health, Jana has had to take a leave of absence from work. Her short term disability insurance is processing but even when that begins, it won’t cover what her normal paychecks were when working. Living expenses and medical bills are starting to pile up.  We’re doing everything as a family to help keep her afloat and we are reaching out to all of the possible community resources that are available. Jana’s three children are dividing and conquering. As the oldest, I’m handling keeping bills organized and making sure mom doesn’t have to stress about the little stuff. I’m also her listening ear whenever she feels down and needs to let out her frustrations. Peyton has been amazing as Mom’s personal chauffeur and takes her to and from all appointments. He’s also there to check in with her daily. Tanner and Katie have been amazing with emotional support and are always available when needed. We’ve hired a house cleaner to come monthly to lessen that burden as well. Simple everyday tasks are nearly impossible for mom and we are trying to simplify anything we can. 

If you are able to donate to lessen the burden of these staggering expenses, we would forever be grateful. It means the world to Jana to have people on her side, helping her fight to find answers and start to feel better! 

Just telling her story of what she’s going through makes her feel supported and cared about. Almost a relief to talk about and raise awareness. We don’t wish this situation upon anyone. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for all of the love and support. 

❤️ Jana, Ashley, Tanner and Peyton