SINCE THE LAST SHOW….

    Hello,OPL Family. We are looking forward to a new show tonight,we missed all of our friends last weekend. For a few days,things looked like they were starting to turn for the better. We are feeling so sad for everyone who was affected by the tragic flooding in Texas. Children losing their lives,first responders doing everything they can to assist in a catastrophic event. So many homes and lives changed forever by a storm. As bad as our circumstances are,we held each other, Karen and I,thanking God we still have each other and the opportunity to fight everyday to hopefully reverse the desperate situation we’re in. I stayed silent until now for the last week and a half because a number of issues have arisen that have taken much of my time to attempt to fix.

      I would like to start by telling you about Karen’s cardiologist appointment last week. A routine every 6 month appointment Karen has had for 20 years. She has AFIB,but medication has kept her from having any episodes. Her EKG was good. However,this particular doctor hasn’t seen Karen since she began dialysis. Once we filled him in on the details of the obstacles we’ve faced in the quest to get Karen on the liver transplant list,we thought that we would hear some positive reinforcement,some encouraging words that would help Karen’s spirits and well being.

         This was not the case. He proceeded to start a diatribe,defending doctors he doesn’t even know,while downright insulting us simultaneously. He said “I don’t believe you’re a good candidate for any transplant” Startled,I asked him why. “I don’t think you will have the resources to deal with the aftercare and appointments and the therapy the post-transplant process requires because you’re poor” Then he claimed that wasn’t a knock on our financial situation,it is just reality. Then the worst,most cold hearted statement came next..”If you had gotten a transplant a year ago I don’t think it would’ve been successful because of your life situation” Now I’m livid. I stand up and look at him right in his eyes and I said “Don’t ever underestimate me! I run a 24/7 operation trying to keep Karen as healthy as she can be,and to nourish her soul and spirit to give her the will to keep fighting” He then said *see you in 6 months” and casually walked out of the room. After over 20 years,I never thought he’d be the one to kick us right in the teeth. If it was a motivational tactic,I don’t need anymore motives to keep my wife alive and save her. I have all I need. I research. I learn. I feed her right. Her meds are correct. I journal every symptom,every blood sugar and BP reading,day in and day out. Karen was devastated. It took me 3 days to convince her he was wrong. We will be looking for a new cardiologist.

      I’ve been searching for the answer to the mystery for 2 months as to why Karen has awful chills when going to the bathroom. She is wearing diapers, unfortunately. Finally,I was able to get a sample and we visited her nephrologist,the first of three on her care team. It immediately tested positive for a UTI. We were under the impression that it was cleared up after the pains had subsided. The pains were replaced with chills,and most likely the infection NEVER went away completely. Now Karen is on yet another antibiotic. She is extremely uncomfortable.

       We also went to the third and hopefully final vascular surgeon because Karen still doesn’t have an operable fistula. She is still receiving chest catheter dialysis. Creates more danger,more fatigue. She is undergoing surgery for the third time on her arm. If the fistula isn’t able to be brought closer to the skin of her arm,they will have to perform a graft. Unfortunately,none of this is guaranteed to work. We are worried,but always trying to remain positive.

        We are hoping the housing situation will be resolved by the end of the month. I have rattled every single resource that might help us. We will hopefully have a concrete answer within 10 days.

     Yes,we’re still in need. We still are always in peril of not having enough money. I’m ending all fundraising efforts soon. I just can’t keep asking for charity. The feeling I have of being a burden even though I’ve been told I’m not just never escapes my heart.

  So,like always,the GOFUNDME is on X or the pay platforms

PayPal – bn11473@gmail.com or Brian Nearey

CashApp $BFN73

VENMO KAREN-NEAREY-1

Now please,let’s have a great weekend if possible. We are grateful for all of you.

Brian