Sophia Smith-Autoimmune Disease Medical Fund

My name is Sophia. l am not quite sure where to begin... I have always found it easier to help others. I find it very difficult to ask for help for myself. Yet, I am now in that position. I need help.

I have not been able to work for over 7 months due to the worsening of my autoimmune disease(s). I am single. I, therefore, have no other source of income. I need financial support to pay for my health insurance, my deductibles/copays/coinsurance which are not covered by my health insurance, my medications, and my living expenses.

I was diagnosed about 5 years ago with an "unspecified" autoimmune disease. It was later determined that I had Psoriatic Arthritis. I was given Plaquenil which helped. I would still have occasional "flares". Yet, I pushed ahead & continued with life & work.

Over the past year, my health has worsened. The past 6 months have actually been brutal. My "flares" previously lasted anywhere from 2 days to 1 week. Now, they last over a month. I will have a few days of relief, and the cycle starts again. My Rheumatologist said that my labs now seem to indicate that I have multiple autoimmune diseases. The results show several different ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) titers & patterns.

I have excruciating pain in every area of my body- especially in my head, neck, shoulders, spine, rib cage, abdomen, hands, & feet. Scans show arthritis, bone spurs, & disc issues in my spine, neck, and shoulders. I have joint swelling & extreme fatigue. I have had blood clots in my legs & lungs. I have had shingles & parotid gland infections. I have hearing loss in one ear which now requires a hearing aid. I have ringing in both ears. My ears, eyes, mouth, nose, skin, and nails have all been affected.

Although unsightly & inflamed, the psoriasis patches on my skin are not the primary concern. My physicians are now concerned about my internal organs possibly being affected by these diseases.

They are now considering more intensive drug therapies- a chemo-type drug; biologics, etc. However, this decision is complicated by my numerous drug allergies and sensitivities. As well, there is concern about whether my liver will tolerate the stronger medications. We are trying to determine the benefits vs the risks.

In the past month, I have required 4 visits to my primary doctor, 1 to my rheumatologist, 1 to urgent care, 1 to ER, & 1 to the chiropractor. I have had 2 CT's, multiple xrays, & lots of blood work. I am scheduled for an ECHO in the next week. In addition, I have been advised that I need additional biopsies and medical procedures.

My "team" of specialists includes rheumatology, cardiology, pulmonology, dermatology, ENT, neurology, and physical therapy.

I have ALWAYS worked. I have worked for the same employer for 23 years. However, I can no longer push thru the pain. I can no longer pretend to be okay. I simply can not work.

I now find myself in a place where I never expected to be...in a place of needing to "ASK" for help. I definitely need & covet your prayers. I know that only Christ can bring the healing that my body needs. I also need financial support.

I had savings. I used most of that when Dad was diagnosed with MDS/Leukemia. The cost of his care was astronomical. I was able to again save some money. However, those funds were needed for Mom due to her emergency colostomy and the post-operative complications and medical supplies.

Now I am unable to work. I have no income and my savings have been depleted. I already have significant medical expenses, and I still require ongoing treatment and medications.

I ask that you please consider donating to my medical fund. I also ask that you please consider sharing this on your page. Above all, please pray for my complete healing.

If you have any questions, please feel free to private message me. ALSO, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU PREFER AN ALTERNATE METHOD OF DONATING (PayPal, mailing address, etc).

I do appreciate your consideration, love & prayers.

Sophia

2 Timothy 1:12

Isaiah 41:10