My name is Felix and over the last 4 years I have been caring for my declining health and overall function of my body. It started with a heart attack- getting hospitalized led to the discovery of end stage chronic kidney disease and the need for a kidney transplant.
I needed to begin dialysis treatment until receiving a kidney, and before I could receive the heart surgery.
After my surgery, I began the process of searching for a new kidney. Living with chronic kidney disease in the meantime is mixed with good times and bad, often making medication adjustments to aid my body’s deficits and keep me feeling as close to normal as possible in spite of all my complications.
My most recent and devastating complications, as a result of restricted circulation in my legs, have been amputations of the front halves of my feet. I had 8 surgeries over a period of 6 months to restore blood flow to each of my legs and feet, then amputate my toes. It took a while through back-to-back surgeries and hospital stays to get on a real road to recovery.
Just as I began to regain strength and independence, this past week I had another heart attack and have now discovered the limited function of my natural heart valves. I will require a second open-heart surgery in order to save my life- double heart valve replacement.
In addition to the physical complications, recently I have had issues with secondary insurance which primarily covers medications, and whatever Medicare does not for monthly visits, testing, etc. Currently I have no secondary coverage, and rely on Rx discounts and help from others to get my medications and pay my bills, medical and otherwise. It is all adding up and becoming an overwhelming weight, on top of an already difficult situation.
We ask for help to ease our burdens, and help us to worry less as we navigate this time with health as a priority.
