Jaime K - Loss of Eyesight and Neurological complications.
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Jaime has been an amazing mother, and friend. She is an elevator mechanic by profession and has been a hard worker all of her life.
In December of 2023 Jaime began to have some blurry vision and saw an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. There was a delay in getting an accurate diagnosis for her condition and her symptoms worsened during this time, causing more severe vision issues.
On April 10th an MRI was ordered and the radiologist sent her directly to the emergency room, she was diagnosed with bilateral Intracranial Cerebral Aneurysm's (ICA). The aneurysm's were very large and impinging on the optic nerves and optic chiasm behind each eye. This was the cause of her initial blurry vision and headaches. An excellent Interventional Radiologist was notified. An emergent surgery was performed on her left eye. She had some vision in that eye although blurry. She had a coil placed in the aneurysm and stent placement to bypass the defect. After that procedure she was blind in her left eye however she was very fortunate that the aneurysm did not burst because of its size. Jaime had a symptoms that took her to the hospital most people do not and succumb to a brain bleed. In June of 2024 she had the right aneurysm stented. Post surgery she now has approximately 40% vision in her right eye. The issues she has are extremely rare because of their placement and because she had two aneurysm's, one behind each eye. In August of this year she had stroke symptoms, massive headache and slurred speech. She has been on steroids almost continuously since her initial surgery. The steroids have caused difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure, depression, weight gain, and with the high doses of steroids she is receiving the doctors are watching her closely for diabetic symptoms. Her headaches and slurred speech have not improved. She is unable to work or drive. Not only has she had rare aneurysm's but she has been diagnosed with a rare complication called NICE (Non-Cerebral Intracranial Enhancing) lesion (found in less than 1% of patients). This may require replacement of her stents because her body is seeing them as a foreign objects and rejecting them. This is one reason why she has been on steroids for so long, to try and keep the rejection issues at bay. Although they are not positive why she had stoke symptoms they are considering Nickle a product of the stents may have traveled in the vascular system and caused more ischemia and granuloma formations as another rejection issue. We are praying she does not have to have her stents replaced. Her vision will never improve due to a dead optic nerve on the left and partial on the right. She has seen so many specialist, Interventional Radiologist, Neuro-Ophthalmologist, Neurologist, Neuro-Oncologist to name a few and has had numerous forms of testing done. Mayo Clinic has just approved her into their system, we are awaiting a date for the appointment. However her insurance runs out on Jan 31st of 2025. We will pay for the Cobra insurance as she can not be without health care.
Jaime was an elevator mechanic in Northern Nevada Local #8 and Local 18. One of the few women in the trade. The union members have been beyond supportive. They continuously continue to check on her and help her through her union disability requirements. She has been blessed to have good insurance and had good short term disability. Her medical bills have run over a million dollars. Her short term disability has now run out. She has applied for Social Security disability which has been initially denied and is now on appeal (which is typical of Social Security). She is unable to take money out of her union retirement fund unless she qualifies for Social Security. Jaime at this point does not have any income coming in. She is not allowed to drive.
Her father and I are helping her as much as we can. She now needs assistance with her house payment, food, utilities, travel for doctors visits and so much more. We are concerned that Mayo Clinic will not see her if her insurance runs out. Even if she gets Social Security it is going to be extremely difficult for her to pay for activities and expenses of daily life. She is currently applying to become a foster parent because she loves kids and believes helping children will be a positive change for her future. She is hoping her limited sight will not disqualify her.
Jaime has been a hard worker, a loving daughter and mother, and she has lived her life being a dependable, caring, intelligent, strong woman. It has not been easy for her being a single mother. She loved her job, all of her fellow elevator companions have also become her second family. She has numerous relatives in the elevator trade. She misses working horribly.
If you are able we would appreciate any support that you may be able to share.
Please share with others who know Jaime
Thank you!!
Her father James Underwood retired with 52 years in the trade, We have all been blessed with our involvement in the elevator industry and union membership.
Organizer
Harriette Underwood
Organizer
Sparks, NV