Elizabeth’s Story

Site created on August 8, 2023

In 2019, Elizabeth's (aka Betsy's) fourth child came into this world, spiraling off a series of events. Pre-eclampsia took hold of her body and her liver started failing. With her enzymes spiking, her fourth child was taken six weeks early. Betsy's beautiful baby was born healthy, just like her previous three. But it left her body with puzzling symptoms and persistent discomfort. After birth, her Liver Enzymes continued to raise, along with her Blood Pressure, until they reached extremely dangerous levels. She stayed an extra week in the hospital until the staff got both issues under control. She was left with High Blood Pressure, Portal Hypertension, Fibrous of the Liver, High Cholesterol, Espogitis/GERD (where she was on a liquid diet for a year), and undiagnosed Coronary Microvascular Disease (CMVD). In February of 2023, her immediate family got the flu and they all recovered normally, but Betsy went down and didn't get back up. She started having painful angina and heart-attack symptoms. All of her previous symptoms, from 2019, came back tenfold, and the intricate details of her battle against this formidable opponent began to unfold. As the weeks turned into months, tests were conducted of the entire body to rule out any other possibilities. Multiple Stress-Tests were conducted, and they were all abnormal. This kept her in the cardiac unit for a couple of weeks, while they investigated her heart (for the first time). Betsy underwent multiple PET tests, during which her medical team skillfully navigated the intricate pathways of her coronary microvessels, determining her diagnosis of CMVD. Since there is nothing that can be done for narrowed microvessels (except vigorous medication), she was released from the cardiac unit and got to go home. Betsy had a new baseline, and with strength, she continued forward. This diagnosis marked the beginning of a rigorous regimen aimed at assisting with Coronary Microvascular Disease (CMVD) symptoms. New medications (the Nitro patch being the most important) were prescribed as her inevitable weakness set-in, making her incapable of doing anything for herself on what became known as "bad days." Her family rallied around her and moved her close for support. Betsy's indomitable spirit shone through as she braced herself for the challenging 'bad days' which lay ahead. A team of dedicated medical professionals swiftly devised a comprehensive treatment plan that could keep her comfortable and help give her a better quality of life. With daily visits from Hospice and volunteers, Betsy has been able to get better care than ever before. Knowing that CMVD results in death from a heart-attack, and the prognosis is less than a decade, the long-term goal is to keep Betsy heart-attack free for as long as possible. In the hopes that together, we can prolong her life. We want her to watch her children grow, and continue to be a beacon of light in our lives. Her unwavering determination has remained forefront as she continues to face each day with remarkable courage. Multiple medications, lifestyle adjustments(heart-healthy low-fat diet being the most important), and therapeutic interventions (oxygen-therapy being the most important) have become integral parts of her daily routine, truly a testament to her unyielding commitment to making the most out of each day and pushing forward. Through this arduous journey, Betsy's support network has emerged as a source of strength and solace. The virtual embrace of loved ones near and far illuminate her path each day, reminding her that she is never alone in this fight. Through this CaringBridge journal, we invite you to join Betsy's journey. With each update and reflection, we hope to provide a window into her world, a world where courage and determination intersect, where triumphs like 'good days' are celebrated, and where the power of community becomes a driving force in prolonging her life. Let's help extend Betsy's life as long as medically possible. This can only be done with our support. In the "Ways to Support" section, you will find various ways to be a part of Betsy's story – from heartfelt messages to practical assistance – including a 'gofundme' account for her continual care and a link to the accompanied Instagram account that follows Betsy's progress @Betsybeatsstrong. Each generous gesture is a testament to the unwavering bond that ties us all together. As Betsy continues her valiant fight everyday against Coronary Microvascular Disease (CMVD), we extend our deepest gratitude for your presence, your support, and your unwavering love. Together, we can lengthen the life of a beautiful person who needs our support. 
(https://betsys-heart-journey.printify.me/products?fbclid=PAAaZ9pg6GN6D25beXwp9SayqAV7QB7vrXVe0tKlnPp77lMgqSO9_kJOE-PVg)

Newest Update

February 12, 2024

Journal entry by Jonathan Spurlock —

"Every change comes with adjustments and with those adjustments comes growth."
Wallace Miles

Sorry it's been such a long time since I've updated this. Our family was blessed by our oldest daughter coming home. Something that should've happened long ago. But she's home now, and it was the best Christmas gift! She just snuggles her mom all day, it's what she needed. The excitement was an adjustment for Betsy's condition. She kept having bad days because she would try to do too much. 

We had another heart episode last Thursday. It broke my heart to watch her suffer so bad. The Hospice nurse came and adjusted several of her meds. They keep having a problem filling them in time because everything is always prescribed for two weeks. After 48 hours of watching her suffer, her new meds came in, and it was like a lightswitch that turned her back into herself.  

Last friday we got the news from the Mayo Clinic about the co-pay. We need to come up with $5,000 by Charlie's Birthday, March 25th. Which is going to be tough for us because I just got laid off, which couldn't have come at a worse time. So, please, say prayers that I find another good job with healthcare, immediately!! I am working on it and have a few irons in the fire.

But we are able to keep current health coverage for 18 months on COBRA. Which is enough time for Betsy to get a new heart and recover with the Mayo Clinic team.

March 25th is not only Charlie's 5th birthday but also the day of Betsy's evaluation. They need to make sure she is strong enough physically, and won't die on the table from anything else. She has to complete a full examination and they will go over her medication and all the details we need to know. Then, the procedure will be set within 30 days after the examination.

We are humbling asking anyone who can help pitch in. My Brother-in-law is collecting the funds. Whatever you do, don't donate on this website, we won't see it. If you can give anything during these hard economic times, it will help keep my wife alive. 

Either directly with Paypal      (taking out the middleman): Jbsoiree@gmail.com 

The fundraiser setup: https://gofund.me/82bdc3d4

Or through  her merch site: https://betsys-heart-journey.printify.me/products/1?sort=recent

Today, we are celebrating Valentines Day as best we can. Hospice brought over a couple giant baskets full of goodies for all of us, which was a blessing. It's romcoms all day and I plan to sneak off and get Betsy flowers. We have a heart wafflemaker and it's almost time for me to cook brunch. 

We greatly appreciate all of you for your prayers which have kept my wife having good days. Your support, in such a grave economic time, which has helped us get to the Mayo Clinic. And your love and kind words which have often lifted us out of dark places. We can't thank all of you enough! 

I hope everyone has a great holiday and a great week! Happy Valentines Day!!

#HeartDiseaseAwareness

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