Hello
My name is Catie and over the last several years, I’ve been struggling with ongoing medical concerns. In July of 2024, I was admitted to United Health Hospital for a week with sepsis, which progressed into shock. My blood pressure and oxygen were very low, and my lungs and liver were failing.
I was released (according to my primary doctor) earlier than I should have been and was told by the hospital I was, “well enough to be sick at home.” However, instead of being sick at home, I went back to work while still recovering.
Upon release, my lungs were covered in fluid and being pushed up by said fluid. A specialist at Ridgeview indicated there was still a nodule on my lung, despite United telling me they “don’t see it anymore and it’s likely not an issue.”
After my release from the hospital, I continued to have severe body pain and fatigue. I continue to struggle. It’s difficult to hold my water cups, type, draw, drive, complete daily living tasks… basically do anything. And it’s frustrating.
I was referred to Mayo Clinic to see Rheumatology, which evolved into me also meeting with pulmonology and cardiology, as well as testing and imaging specialists.
Doctors I’ve spoken with have been incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. They are in agreement that there are likely multiple factors contributing to my current physical state, and some test results are suggestive of autoimmune conditions, such as Lupus or MCTD. The word “cancer” has come up with both pulmonology and rheumatology, which isn’t the most comforting thing. However, having any answer and working to feel better would be better than how I feel currently.
These visits have been ongoing. I had expected things to “slow down,” but instead, I’ve been brought back multiple times and have had over 15 appointments to date, with 7+ upcoming. It’s been a lot of driving, out-of-town stays, and missed work. And I’m unsure of the medical bill amount/financial burden that will come from so many visits to Mayo Clinic. With my ability to work impacted by illness and continued visits, as well as travel expenses, I’m finding it difficult to stay on top of financial needs. I shudder to think about the medical bill amount (though if I can catch up on other payments, Mayo seems to be more than willing to work out payment plans sans interest).
If you can help support this chapter of my life, it would be greatly appreciated. This doesn’t need to be financial— even just some kind words and empathy would go a long way, as it is difficult to not feel burdensome to those around me at this time. I’m especially grateful for my husband, who has also taken off work to be at all of these appointments with me and be the active driver.
Thank you
Catie Barstow-Boyer
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I received an update today, 06/06/25, with good news and “meh” news: the good news is, the mass on my lung has been determined to be non-cancerous and likely scar tissue from a previous fungal infection. The “meh” news is that, due to rapid heart rate while at rest (bicuspid aortic valve/suspected trivial regurgitation in my other three valves, though I think this was from a different scan or test than the one showing increased heart rate), I’m being asked to wear a Holter monitor for the next 14 days instead of just 24 hours.