Support Schuler Family with Judy’s Lupus Diagnosis

Three years ago in April of 2021 Judy was diagnosed with Lupus. She had been feeling totally exhausted, with terrible joint pain and weakness. After consulting with her doctors she started Lupus protocol medication, however the joint pain continued to worsen. After more bloodwork she was then diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis (PSA). Still, no meds were working so she was placed on Chemo infusions of Remicade , as many with Lupus are, but she soon found out she was allergic to the medication. She stopped the Remicade and was placed on Methotrexate and high doses of Prednisone.

Unfortunately, due to having to be on such high doses of Prednisone for such an extended period of time it caused Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Neuropathy, compression fractures in her back and ribs and eye inflammation. Added to her medication list were an Asthma biologic and Mounjaro.

Starting the first week of July 2023 she began to have severe respiratory issues due to her weakened immune system and was hospitalized for two weeks at that time.

Most infections that would not affect most people are very difficult for Judy to fight due to the autoimmune diseases.

Between July 2023 and February 2024 she had 6 hospital admissions for a combined total of approximately 2 months. The most recent stay at the end of February saw her have an Emergency bowel resection. At the time the doctors weren’t sure she would survive the surgery and she was forced to say “goodbye “ to her family prior to surgery. Luckily surgery was a success and she did better than they had anticipated. She is still facing another surgery to reverse the Ostomy in 3 to 5 months as long as healing goes well.

She is scheduled to have medical grade cement put in her spine in hopes that the fractures stop. She has already had six fractures between her ribs and spine. She is also facing a hip replacement. She’s got a long road of recovery ahead of her. Currently she has in home PT, OT, Nursing coming several times a week.

Obviously with all these set backs she is no longer able to work, leaving a gap in their household finances. Her husband Bill is now on FMLA because it is not safe for her to be home alone without assistance.

Any funds raised would be used for rent, monthly bills, groceries and any medical costs not covered by insurance.