Christian was diagnosed with psoriasis at the age of 13 and, at 16, was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis/ankylosing spondylitis. He has undergone four tympanostomy procedures in both ears. Several doctors have been involved, and many tests have been done. One of the tests showed a possible cyst in his ear, so he was referred to Wake Forest Baptist. The surgeon performed the procedure and discovered an infection that had grown over with skin. Once removed, his eardrum was repaired through grafting.
He was unable to drive, bend over, or work until his release in January. When he was able to return to work, his knee swelled to the size of a baseball, requiring two rounds of prednisone. In February, we visited Wake Forest for the final post-op appointment and were given the all-clear, with a scheduled visit in the fall to ensure the surgery didn’t cause hearing loss.
On his first day back at work, I received a call from a friend telling me an ambulance was on the way because Christian had suffered a seizure. He was placed on medication and was told he wouldn’t be able to drive until he saw a neurologist. His appointment was initially scheduled for May, then moved to June, and now to August.
Christian was approved for financial aid for hospital expenses, but he still has co-pays for doctor’s visits and medications. He had saved enough to cover car insurance, his phone bill, gym membership, and subscriptions until he could return to work, but those funds have now run out.
My dad and I have done everything we can to help, and friends have stepped in to give him rides.
If you are able to contribute toward the costs of his medication, co-pays, insurance, special shampoo and soap, or food, it would help relieve some of the financial stress and would be greatly appreciated.
Christian is unable to work because the medication he is taking to prevent seizures causes fatigue and nausea, and he is currently unable to drive. His medication cannot be adjusted until he has his first neurologist appointment.
