Emergency Maxillary Surgery
Donation protected
August 10, 2020 I went to Capital Regional Medical Center Emergency Room at midnight thinking I had a severe sinus infection or abscess in my tooth. I was not expecting the ER doctor to want to send me to Shands Hospital immediately. I instead signed myself out AMA, promising to see the Maxillary specialist here in Tallahassee. Simply because I trust the doctors here and I didn't want to leave my family to go somewhere unknown all by myself. He sent me home with antibiotics, pain medicine and instructions. The next morning I called my primary care physician and asked for a referral after explaining the situation. He sent me to Dr. Soto at Tallahassee ENT. Dr. Soto looked me over, read the CT scan I had done at CRMC and determined I definitely needed to see the Maxillary specialist. I'm still not sure why my primary's nurse sent me to Dr. Soto. Dr. Soto then sent a referral to Dr. Ortiz the specialist. I saw Dr. Ortiz September 29, 2020.
I had x-rays while I was there, he reviewed my CT scan from CRMC and examined me. His words to me were, "You're dying. You will be dead soon if we do not do this surgery immediately. The infection is eating your bones and moving into your bloodstream." Because of the shunts in my head, he's concerned the infection will travel to my brain and also my heart much faster than if I didn't have the shunts or a weakened immune system. I was all alone due to Covid and told I was dying because of a severe infection. I was devestated. The infection started in the Maxillary Gland and has traveled around my face. The Maxillary Gland is at the top of the cheek/nose. Which is the best way for me to explain the location. I honestly thought I was better since I've had no symptoms and felt fine. He explained the surgery to me and then told me unfortunately my insurance will only cover my bone graphs and biopsy but nothing else.
It's a 4 hour surgery but he said I'd have to do it in two parts since I have a weakened immune system and another major health problem. Which is my Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. Dr. Ortiz is a wonderful doctor. Even giving me his personal cell phone number and he texted me this morning checking on me. He's not just the only Maxillary specialist here in town but also the trauma surgeon for Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. He has great references and background. I completely trust him and his obvious concerns for my life.
I've only ever asked for prayers but today I'm coming to you all now asking for your help. I need this surgery to save my life. I'm not ready to leave my family. They're my whole world. For those that know me even a little bit, know this to be true. I'll be speaking to my father today about putting the cost on a credit card. The money raised will either go directly to Dr. Ortiz or dad's credit card if he allows me to charge it. The total cost is unknown but his estimate was between $18,000 and $19,000. I will show anyone proof that wants to see it. I never thought I'd have to do this but I'm on bending knees begging for your help. Please keep my family and me in your prayers during the upcoming days while we try to figure out how to handle this unexpected nightmare. As always, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
I had x-rays while I was there, he reviewed my CT scan from CRMC and examined me. His words to me were, "You're dying. You will be dead soon if we do not do this surgery immediately. The infection is eating your bones and moving into your bloodstream." Because of the shunts in my head, he's concerned the infection will travel to my brain and also my heart much faster than if I didn't have the shunts or a weakened immune system. I was all alone due to Covid and told I was dying because of a severe infection. I was devestated. The infection started in the Maxillary Gland and has traveled around my face. The Maxillary Gland is at the top of the cheek/nose. Which is the best way for me to explain the location. I honestly thought I was better since I've had no symptoms and felt fine. He explained the surgery to me and then told me unfortunately my insurance will only cover my bone graphs and biopsy but nothing else.
It's a 4 hour surgery but he said I'd have to do it in two parts since I have a weakened immune system and another major health problem. Which is my Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. Dr. Ortiz is a wonderful doctor. Even giving me his personal cell phone number and he texted me this morning checking on me. He's not just the only Maxillary specialist here in town but also the trauma surgeon for Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. He has great references and background. I completely trust him and his obvious concerns for my life.
I've only ever asked for prayers but today I'm coming to you all now asking for your help. I need this surgery to save my life. I'm not ready to leave my family. They're my whole world. For those that know me even a little bit, know this to be true. I'll be speaking to my father today about putting the cost on a credit card. The money raised will either go directly to Dr. Ortiz or dad's credit card if he allows me to charge it. The total cost is unknown but his estimate was between $18,000 and $19,000. I will show anyone proof that wants to see it. I never thought I'd have to do this but I'm on bending knees begging for your help. Please keep my family and me in your prayers during the upcoming days while we try to figure out how to handle this unexpected nightmare. As always, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Organizer
Sarah Sims
Organizer
Tallahassee, FL