Liz's Medical Fund
Donation protected
I'm a single mom and a pediatric ER nurse. So strength and independence are interwoven into the fabric of who I am. But there comes a time, just when you think you can stand on your own two feet, that life turns things upside down and challenges you in ways you never thought possible.
A year and a half ago I started feeling tired and over time things slowly started to progress until July 2016 I began to feel fatigued with very little activity, short of breath, and chest pressure. I have been unable to work since then and I have had the unpleasant experience of seeing every doctor and specialist under the sun. Copays, ER visits, specialists, procedures. You name it, I had it done...all with no answers. That was the frustrating thing. No end in sight. I had misdiagnosis, I had doctors look at me like I was crazy and almost told me as much. Thankfully I found a hail mary doctor at the University of Virginia.
My shortness of breath has progressed to the point where it never goes away. I now wake up barely being able to speak a few words without catching my breath. I do as much as I can with my son, Dominic, but I just want each day to end so that I can rest. That is no way to live. Though I know he won't remember, it breaks my heart when my son is playing and he says "get up mommy" and all I want to do is cry because I'm so tired...but I usually get up anyway. How can I resist?
Today, I had a bronchoscopy and was diagnosed with bronchomalacia. My right main bronchus from top to bottom where it branches, completely collapses when I breath out. At rest, it is more than 50% collapsed. Though, that is not a pleasant diagnosis I am so very thankful for an answer. I am also thankful that, for the most part, it can be fixed. I am to have a consultation with surgery about the possibility of a stent and to discuss other options.
I reluctantly started this page because I have reached a point where I need help (swallowing pride - gulp). My financial situation is getting difficult. The funds from this campaign will go to my household expenses and medical bills for the next few months. If you are unable to donate to this fund, gift cards at Food Lion or food are always welcome! Thank you for listening to my story. I hope to be back on my own two feet soon.
A year and a half ago I started feeling tired and over time things slowly started to progress until July 2016 I began to feel fatigued with very little activity, short of breath, and chest pressure. I have been unable to work since then and I have had the unpleasant experience of seeing every doctor and specialist under the sun. Copays, ER visits, specialists, procedures. You name it, I had it done...all with no answers. That was the frustrating thing. No end in sight. I had misdiagnosis, I had doctors look at me like I was crazy and almost told me as much. Thankfully I found a hail mary doctor at the University of Virginia.
My shortness of breath has progressed to the point where it never goes away. I now wake up barely being able to speak a few words without catching my breath. I do as much as I can with my son, Dominic, but I just want each day to end so that I can rest. That is no way to live. Though I know he won't remember, it breaks my heart when my son is playing and he says "get up mommy" and all I want to do is cry because I'm so tired...but I usually get up anyway. How can I resist?
Today, I had a bronchoscopy and was diagnosed with bronchomalacia. My right main bronchus from top to bottom where it branches, completely collapses when I breath out. At rest, it is more than 50% collapsed. Though, that is not a pleasant diagnosis I am so very thankful for an answer. I am also thankful that, for the most part, it can be fixed. I am to have a consultation with surgery about the possibility of a stent and to discuss other options.
I reluctantly started this page because I have reached a point where I need help (swallowing pride - gulp). My financial situation is getting difficult. The funds from this campaign will go to my household expenses and medical bills for the next few months. If you are unable to donate to this fund, gift cards at Food Lion or food are always welcome! Thank you for listening to my story. I hope to be back on my own two feet soon.
Organiser
Elizabeth Martinez
Organiser
Virginia Beach, VA