Quick update: In July I caught covid and was moved to a status 7. I just recently had my follow up appointment with the team and was moved back to a status 4 but was presented with some news. I let the doctors now about my recent symptoms that I have been experiencing and was told that we needed to do another right heart catherization because those symptoms were concerning. I was told if my heart pressures have worsen then I will be admitted right them and there and put on a balloon pump until a heart becomes available. All of this has me nervous as I have a 10 year old son who depends on me. So any funds given would be used to help me be able to get the things needed at the hospital, make sure my son is alright, and get me through this transplant journey. My appointment is scheduled was September 11th right after my birthday on September 4th. Please share, share, and share. I really appreciate everything!!!!!
Hello my name is Patience Winfrey. I am 31 years old. I was born and raised in Memphis, TN but I currently reside in New Orleans, LA. In November of 2012 after giving birth to my first child, I was diagnosed with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in addition to congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and the list goes on. Eventually my heart seemed to recover and I was able to have another child in 2014. Sadly, in 2017 after the loss of my oldest due to an accident, I suffered from depression and the stress of everything took a toll on my body and heart to the point my ejection fraction of my heart dropped and never fully recovered. In 2020 I was told to get a S-ICD defibrillator placed in case of an emergency. In January 2022, I ended up having weight loss surgery to better my chances of getting a heart transplant. In September of 2022, I was told that since I was still suffering from symptoms of my initial diagnosis, to get a pacemaker called the optimizer smart device. For the last two years of my life, I have been surviving but not living as my heart can only take so much. The week leading up to Easter 2024, I was hospitalized for fluid buildup which resulted in a meeting with my heart transplant team. It was then decided to begin the preparation to place me on the heart transplant list. As I was getting my right heart catherization test done, it was discovered that I had more fluid build up around my heart and the pressures of my heart had decreases. I have been placed on the list as a Status 4 which means that I am on a daily medication. While I wait for the call, I am home on a dobutamine drip that’s helping my heart pump the blood that I am lacking. I am raising funds because I am unable to work as a result of my heart condition. While I am on disability because of the diagnosis, it doesn’t cover all of the expenses that I am to incur as a result of the transplant. I am looking for help with expenses that will come about pre/post transplant. I am sincerely grateful for your words of encouragement, support and prayers!