Help Katrina Smith Overcome Advanced Lyme and AAG

This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done… writing this story.

My name is Katrina (Kat) Smith. I am a passionate licensed massage therapist, health and fitness enthusiast, and group fitness instructor/personal trainer for over 35 years. I love to help people and know God gave me this incredible gift. I am a single mom raising a teenage son, with 2 beautiful, adult daughters and 2 amazing grandbabies that I would love to be able to run and play with. I am also 1 out of only 100 people diagnosed each year with a severe, super-rare debilitating disease AAG (Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionic Neuropathy). A disease that attacks your autonomic nervous system that regulates involuntary physiological processes like blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, digestion, etc… THANKS COVID!

I had Covid in October of 2022 and by December of '22, I started experiencing weird symptoms. While teaching my 8-9 classes a week, I suddenly couldn’t get my heart rate to rise, yet it felt like I was doing non-stop burpees. I would see multiple clients a week, come home exhausted and sleep. I couldn’t/can’t walk up stairs without being short of breath and feeling like I was hyperventilating. I had/have extremely low blood pressure (60-80/40-50). I was/am dizzy and lightheaded all the time. My eyes are always dilated which makes seeing when it’s sunny or dark difficult. I am always dehydrated despite multiple, weekly IV fluids, loads of salt, and A LOT of liquids. I lost all my muscle and strength. Physical stamina and exercise tolerance are incredibly limited. I no longer make tears. My mouth is always dry because I no longer produce saliva which destroys my teeth and gums (imagine talking with cotton in your mouth and then try to swallow). I don’t sweat anymore so heat/humidity exacerbates my symptoms, my skin is always extremely dry and I’m cold all the time. Brain fog, memory issues, hair loss/balding, major weight loss, extreme fatigue and I collapse. I broke my foot in 3 places in January from collapsing and was completely non-weight bearing for 8 weeks. I now have a medi-port because my veins kept collapsing or throwing clots.

I was sent to UMD and now have 5 specialists that I see often. Many tests, procedures, many questions and discussions about me between my doctors, yet the only answer was Long Covid. I kept deteriorating and tests were proving how severely impaired I was. Doctors would say, “we don’t know how you are functioning.” (I do: God, my faith and lots of people praying). Finally, in May of 2023, I was diagnosed with Lupus (triggered by Covid) but that wasn’t the answer. Rare blood work was done in November of 2023 which resulted in the AAG diagnosis. The problem with having a super rare, incurable disease is that there isn’t any medical evidence on how to treat it, just trial and error. So in February of '24, I started IVIG treatments which have not worked. All my doctors agreed the next step is chemo. I said NO, my gut told me this wasn’t the answer and if I did chemo, I wouldn’t make it. God kept speaking to me, keep looking, chemo isn’t the answer. Thankfully, he led me to Dr. David Minkoff, an infectious disease doctor who specializes in autoimmune conditions.

At the end of August, my Aunt and I went to Clearwater, Florida to see Dr. Minkoff. What an incredibly kind, very intelligent man. Between my exam, tests, and seeing my own blood under a microscope, it confirmed and solidified just how sick I am. My blood didn’t look good at all. My red blood cells are merging together instead of staying separate because they are exhausted. My blood and body are completely invaded with meshy-spider web-like substances called biofilms from ADVANCED STAGE LYME! And, I also have Covid vaccine injuries. There is no denying any of it because I’m staring at the proof. Dr. Minkoff said, “no wonder you are so sick, your disease has progressed pretty far, but I have hope; we fix the Lyme, the Covid, and all your dental issues, it will resolve everything!!!” And I need you here by Halloween to start treatments.” Between the doctor and his assistant, my entire treatment program was laid out. I will be in extensive treatment for 3-4 months, every day Monday - Friday; 5-7 hours each day. In addition, I will see a biological dentist to help with the severe dental problems due to the dry mouth.

The treatments are very, very costly. I have to temporarily move to Florida (oh darn) so I will have rent plus bills there and I need to keep my home here plus the bills. Additionally, I’ll have all the dental bills as well. I won’t be able to work at all. I know God led me to this doctor and I’m believing he will help me get there with your help and support.

Everyone said after the pandemic, we all have a new normal. My new normal is living a life I don’t recognize, a person I don’t recognize. There are days when simply walking to my car is hard. My symptoms persist daily, some days better than others. I now have a disability tag. I had to file for medical disability, which was one of the most painful, excruciatingly hard choices I’ve ever made. But, I know God has a plan and he is good! I know that because I was healthy prior to all of this, I am still here. I miss my clients, my classes, and life as I used to know it. However, if my journey inspires 1 person to keep going, never quit, hold on, trust your gut, trust God and keep fighting, then it’s worth it.

I am a fighter and with your help, love, and support, 2025 better watch out because here I come!! Thank you for your generosity. I love you all.