Help Us Overcome Health-Related Financial Strain

Update 3/6/25:

I wanted to share an update on my health journey and express my deepest gratitude for your continued support. Every donation, share, and kind message has meant the world to me as I navigate this incredibly challenging time. I recently underwent advanced autonomic nervous system testing, which confirmed neuropathic dysautonomia with findings of autonomic neuropathy affecting both sudomotor (sweat gland function) and vasomotor (blood vessel regulation) systems. As part of the evaluation, I am tracking my blood pressure and heart rate over the next week to determine if I meet the criteria for POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) or if my symptoms fall under orthostatic tachycardia without POTS. My doctors are also adjusting my medications in hopes of better managing my severe nausea and stabilizing my condition. If I can achieve stability, I have a follow-up appointment scheduled in 4-6 months with the Chief Neurologist overseeing my case. Unfortunately, the underlying cause of my autonomic dysfunction remains unknown, so I will be seeing a geneticist to assess for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a condition that may be contributing to my health struggles. Right now, I am still dependent on IV fluids three times a week at an outpatient clinic. My goal is to reduce this to once a week and transition to in-home treatments, which would greatly improve my quality of life. Despite all these hurdles, I am hopeful that I will be stable enough to return to work on March 17—something I desperately want, both for financial reasons and because I truly love my job. Another critical step in my journey is my upcoming oncology appointment on March 20, where I will undergo lab testing to assess my immune system’s response to the pneumonia vaccine. This is essential in determining whether I qualify for IV IgG infusions due to my IgG subclass 2 deficiency. If my immune system is unable to respond adequately, these infusions would be a crucial step in keeping me from getting dangerously sick. The financial burden of all these specialist visits, diagnostic tests, ongoing IV treatments, and medication adjustments has been overwhelming. The support I’ve received through this GoFundMe has been a lifeline, helping me afford the care I need to keep fighting for my health. I’m also incredibly worried about the upcoming reduction in force (RIF) at the VA, as losing my job would mean losing my healthcare at a time when I need it most. This uncertainty has added another layer of stress, but I’m holding onto hope that I can remain employed and continue receiving the care that is keeping me stable. If you’re able to donate, share, or simply send words of encouragement, it would mean so much to me. Every bit of help makes a difference as I work toward recovery and stability. Thank you all for your kindness and support—I truly couldn’t do this without you.

Original post December 2024:

I hate being one to whine about my health and asking others for help, but it’s to that point that it is beyond needed. I was in the hospital due to ongoing decline in my health that was first thought to be an acute flare of chronic conditions in the setting of GI viruses. But it continued to worsen to the point where I was admitted to figure out the cause for my inability to tolerate solid foods for about 2 months. This is the worst I think my health has ever been after being stable for over 8 years.

I’ve had all the tests, received a diagnosis of numerous ulcers all in my small intestines (not a normal place for them), and have a tentative treatment plan with numerous follow-up tests and appointments. I am waiting on the interpretation of the pathology reports and follow-up tests but am on the right path now with medication and a treatment plan. I had such great care by a whole team of doctors at Grandview, and I am so appreciative.

Even with insurance, the copays and time missed from work have broken us. This is the worst time of year and the worst point in our lives for me to miss work. It has been a slow, difficult process to get things in place timely to assist with the unpaid leave from work. I don’t know what will happen next with my health and how we will rebound from this financially.

Thank you to all concerned. It’s a struggle, but I’m happy to be home from the hospital. Thank you so much to those who have helped and those still offering to help. It’s been hard, to say the least, and I hate asking for donations, but I don’t know any other way to get through this medical debt and loss of work. I put this together because even the smallest amount will help and will go towards my medical care and bills. My wife is a stay-at-home mom for our almost 2-year-old, and I need to be able to continue to support them. Thank you for all your help, healing vibes, prayers, and continued words of comfort.