Jessica's Journey: Another Visit to ICU

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Another Visit to ICU

To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8

This necklace is dedicated to Jessica's struggle with Lyme Disease and RSD. It was made to honor her commitment to Lyme disease awareness by Lymelinks. I have heard that people are already receiving their necklaces thru the mail and it is beautiful. They feel that it is another way for them to feel "connected" to Jessica from afar. If you would like to support Jessica and her "journey", you can order the necklace by clicking on the link below:

http://www.et...sy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34995115.

Hi everyone,

First, we would like to personally thank everyone who has purchased a necklace or who is going to purchase one. It means so much to our family to have all of your support - more than words can say! Thanks once again to the Mah family from Lymelinks for ALL they are doing to support this project. Also to Cat Charles and Laci Corridor for all their efforts on the lyme disease awareness facebook page as well.

UPDATE ON JESSICA:

I didn't blog yesterday because it was another crazy day for Jessica. Actually, the past few days have been very rough for her. As you know she has gastroparesis and it is now believed that her intestines are slow moving or "asleep" as well. She has been experiencing these increasing symptoms in regards to the intestines for the past weeks. Dr. Cantu called in a GI specialist, Dr. Morales and yesterday, in fact, she had to go down to ICU once again (her 3rd visit down there for this problem since the coma). She had to have another procedure done under proporfol in ICU to aid in the motility of her intestines and to help her to feel better! As you can imagine, another bad night for Jessica and another struggle that she has had to face!

Please keep Jessica in your prayers once again today and thank you for all the continued prayers on her behalf while we are here in Mexico.

May God keep you all in good health,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)

Remember this: "He has the whole world in His hands". From the greatest to the least, nothing is beyond the scope of his power and his care. He makes the rain fall, the sun shine, the stars twinkle! He numbers the hairs on our heads and determines the days of our lives. Ultimately, his handiwork will be something to behold!!

"Blessed is he who trusts in the Lord".
Proverbs 16:20

***To post a comment, CLICK on Comments below***

16 comments:

Anonymous said...: We have been thinking and praying for you and your family this Thanksgiving weekend.

May He shower sweet Jessica with His abounding love and grace and bring complete healing to her body.

With love & prayers,
The Turners

Mark 11:23
23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.; November 29, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Michelle said...: dear mommy & jessica,
i got my necklace just a vfew days ago. i love my necklace! it is very pretty and i would also like to thamk the people who have made the necklaces, Brian and Michelle Mah. I feel like i am wearing this necklace for cause, to fight lyme.

Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the LORD will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won't become weary. They will walk and won't grow tired. Isaiah 40:31

Love,
Michelle; November 29, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Gail Haase said...: Gina,
Your faith is a living testament to the meaning of being a Christian. How blessed Jessica is to have such a loving and spiritual mother as you. Always remember that God is with you and Jessica on this journey. You and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers. You and Jessica are amazing women. I hope that this next week is easier than the last for both of you.
With love and blessings, Gail Haase; November 29, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Anonymous said...: As we give thanks during this holiday weekend, may we thank the Lord for his blessings and ask that he shine his light more brightly on precious Jessica. She is deserving of his power to heal. We must pray with all of our hearts. love, Bonnie; November 29, 2009 at 7:12 PM
jennkurz said...: Dear Jessica

May God continue to give you the strength to fight this disease. Every time you have to go down to the ICU he is with you. He is with you when you are put to sleep and he is with you when you wake up. May you feel his presence and his loving arms.

God's Peace
Jenn; November 29, 2009 at 8:19 PM
Madelon said...: Gina and Jessica,
May hope and faith continue to grow within you and strengthen you to get through these very difficult times. I pray for God's healing for you.
"Ask, amd it will be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8
God is here for us...He hears our prayers and answers them.
God's blessings upon you both. May today be a special day with God in your lives.
Madelon; November 30, 2009 at 7:12 AM
www.theesotericbloom.com said...: hello
my name is Bernadette Bloom
I teach and treat people with a high vibrational healing modality called Esoteric Healing.
this works very well on RSD and Lymes,both of which i am very familiar with. I also have 32 years experience as a Physical Therapist and 20 on in the Holistic arena.
I will treat Jessica for 10 sessions probono if interested
let me know 239-434-8449
www.theesotericbloom.com; November 30, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Anonymous said...: Hey, Jessica! Victor (the paramedic that transported you to Monterray) and I are viewing the beautiful necklace. He says he hope you get better soon! I have been showing the necklace to employees in case they are looking for Christmas presents :) Hope you are feeling better. Your Friend, Crystal; November 30, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Jessica and Gina, You are always in my thoughts and prayers. These days are like being in rocky waters in a very little boat. Yet we have complete confidence that the Lord knows your destination and will get you there safely. Even though it is dark and stormy, we (you and all of us) are lighting the way to your safety and healing with our prayers and loving thoughts. Hang in there! I know this is easier said than done but I have complete faith in you. You are surrounded by God's love and compassion every second of every day. May the healing presence of God's love and light bring you relief and rest. May the miracles that are happening become ever stronger and more visible. And may you truly feel in your hearts all the love that every one of us is sending down to Mexico to you two amazing women. With peace and love and lots of good vibes, Angel; November 30, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Anonymous said...: it is almost Tuesday and I am preparing myself for the next day.(This was not a good day, so I thougt it is almost midnight and I will read my advent prayer booklet.)
The Angel Said to Zechariah "do not be afraid, Z, your prayers have been answered? Sometimes we are afraid to pray for the things that seen unrealistic.
Three times in the birth story we will hear angels say"do not be afraid" Jesus in his public life will say these same words five times.
from the Little Blue Book Advent and Christmas season booklet(989)7976606
or www.littlebooks.org
It is great guidance during the lenten season.
Love from Saratoga; November 30, 2009 at 11:40 PM
Madelon said...: Good morning Jessica and Gina,
It's Tuesday on LI and winter is knocking at the door on this first day of December. I pray for warmth, sunshine and comfort in your lives today. I pray for God's healing hands to bring you relief from the pain.
God's blessings on you both.
Madelon; December 1, 2009 at 7:03 AM
Anonymous said...: YOU HAVE GOT TO CHECK OUT THE MARSHALL PROTOCOL! I am just 20 years old and I have struggled with lyme my whole life. I spent years in and out of doctors and treatments, but after doing the Marshall Protocol I am not playing Division 1 college soccer. I know you are willing to try anything, so I felt God urging me to leave this comment.

God Bless,
Fellow LYME sufferer; November 10, 2010 at 8:15 PM
Anonymous said...: *I meant to say I AM NOW playing division 1 soccer.; November 10, 2010 at 8:16 PM
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Jessica's Journey to Getting Her Life Back

By Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)

As we begin this journey toward renewed health we would like to express our sincere heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Anthony Kirkpatrick and all the work he has done and continues to do in order to bring patients like my daughter Jessica back to a more meaningful life and restored from this devastating illness. Also, special thanks to Dr. Fernando Cantu and his team of doctors in Mexico for taking on a difficult case like my daughters, Words cannot express the renewed sense of hope that we have that one day, our Jessica, can regain her life that has been taken away from her – God Bless you all!

Jessica’s Story

Once an A+ student who loved school, was involved in many extracurricular activities, played varsity tennis, lacrosse and gymnastics and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, our daughter Jessica has spent the last 3 years incapacitated, paralyzed, unable to sit or walk and eat. She spends her days confined to a hospital bed, wearing sunglasses and noise-canceling headphones, due to severe light and sound sensitivity.

Jessica and her sisters, 2 mos. before becoming ill

The pain she feels is indescribable and all attempted treatments have not even come close to relieving her suffering.

She has seen many doctors, undergone numerous painful tests and procedures, has been prescribed various medications, and has been hospitalized frequently including being intubated and on a ventilator. She is severely debilitated and currently is only 92 pounds. This is certainly no life for a 21 year old young woman!

Jessica is suffering from neurologic Lyme disease and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), a severely debilitating and painful neuromuscular disorder. She suffers daily with constant sharp, stabbing, tingling and burning pain; throughout her body; severe headaches; paralysis; intense muscle spasms; gastroparesis; seizures; twisting of her limbs (dystonia); sensitivity to any touch (allodynia); extreme sensitivity to lights and sounds; excessive sweating; swelling; fevers; softening of bones; decreased hair growth; redness and discoloration of the limbs; and painful skin ulcers. The pain is constant and unrelenting, but despite her suffering, her faith in God remains and she still has hope for her future.

Jessica's painful skin lesions

Jessica's journey began in 1999, when she was only 11 years old. She became very ill with Mono and was bed bound for 3 months. She subsequently developed RSD (stage 1) of the lower right leg. She received early intervention and returned to playing sports and enjoying her life.

Jessica, age 15, at summer camp

Four years later, in 2003, while away at a sleep-away camp, she developed a rash behind her right knee, coincidentally in the same leg that previously had RSD!

At the time, the camps nurse & doctor told her that it was “duck rash” – a rash from swimming in the lake with duck feces. However, Jessica was able to obtain photos from camp from another camper which shows the classic “bulls-eye” rash from Lyme disease! It wasn’t until much later and only after developing symptoms and becoming very ill, was the diagnosis of Lyme disease and Babesiosis (another tick-borne infection) made.

Most people (and doctors!) have no idea how serious Lyme disease can become and no clue how to properly diagnose it. Unfortunately, if she would have been promptly diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease, the RSD would not have been triggered and she would not be suffering.

July 2003, Jessica's Lyme disease rash

If it wasn’t for her doctor, Dr. Liegner, and his expertise with complex cases of Lyme, and his determination to try any means in getting her well, by getting a “team” of doctors on her case, we wouldn’t be here today, still fighting. We owe him a deep sense of gratitude for all he does for Jessica!

During these past three years and with the pain becoming more intense and unbearable she has been seeing Dr. Finkelstein for pain management. He has even made house calls to spare her the pain of coming by ambulance to his office. Jessica has been treated with multiple pain medications, at the highest possible doses, as well as an implanted dilaudid pain pump, which delivers potent medication straight into her spine. Many doctors have told us that with the amount of medications Jessica was taking would be enough to “kill a horse”—yet they had little to no effect on her. If it wasn’t for Dr. Finkelstein trying to alleviate her constant, severe, unrelenting pain, I don’t know how she would have managed. He is very special to us as well.

Recently Jessica was transported by air ambulance to Tampa, Florida to see Dr. Anthony Kirkpatrick, a world renowned RSD expert. Dr. Kirkpatrick told us that Jessica is one of the most debilitated patients he has ever seen.

Jessica getting into the air-ambulance to go see Dr. Kirkpatrick

Upon his testing and because Jessica's condition is so severe, Dr. Kirkpatrick is recommending the only treatment available that can possibly help relieve her suffering, and afford her some semblance of a “normal” life - the Ketamine Coma Procedure - a clinical trial that is being conducted in Monterrey, Mexico.

During this procedure Jessica will be put into a coma , with the hope that her nerves, brain and spinal cord will “reset” -so that her nervous system sends the correct signals to her brain.

Yes, this is a radical, scary treatment, however, for Jessica, "scary" is thinking that she could spend the rest of her life in this condition, unable to walk, eat, or take care of herself. Since all reasonable treatments have failed to help her, we feel we must try everything possible to help Jessica regain her life.

We understand that due to Jessica’s fragile condition, there is a high risk associated with this procedure. We are also aware that other patients with severe RSD like Jessica's have had success.

Jessica’s goal is to one day become a doctor. Our hope is that with this study she can have that chance. As her Mom, I know that she will be a great doctor because when a patient presents in her office and says “Doctor, I am in pain and words cannot express how bad it is” – my daughter –Dr. Jessica– will be able to say - :I know how you feel, I’ve been there too. So, take a seat and let me tell you a story”….

We are so thankful and feel so blessed to have been led to Dr. Kirkpatrick.

God is good and with his help guiding Dr. Cantu and Dr. Kirkpatrick, our hope is for Jessica to be able to return to us whole again and pain-free!

What is RSD?

Imagine what it would be like to endure a burning sensation so intense that the most potent pain relievers are completely ineffective, leaving you with the feeling that your body is actually on fire...

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is a painful & debilitating chronic neurological disorder that occurs when the nervous system malfunctions in response to a injury or illness- in Jessica's case- Lyme disease.

RSD is characterized by: Continuous sharp, stabbing & burning pain; Extreme sensitivity to touch; Severe headaches; Painful skin ulcers; Intense muscle spams; Softening of bones; Dystonia; Skin temperature & color changes; Hair/nail growth changes; Muscle atrophy; Vascular & Autonomic dysfunction; Sensitivity to lights & sounds and Paralysis.

This rare condition is a mystery to scientists & often is misdiagnosed. Much more research is needed to find the cause of RSD and ways to treat and prevent it.

Ketamine Coma Study

The Ketamine Coma Study is a clinical trial procedure being conducted in both Germany and Mexico, that is considered for patients with the most severe, intractable cases, who have exhausted all other reasonable treatment options.

During this procedure, patients are put into a ketamine-induced coma-- essentially shutting the body down & giving it time to "reset" the nerves, brain and spinal cord. Patients are supported by a ventilator and monitored in the ICU.

So far, only about 100 patients have taken part in the study. For many, it has been miraculous!
However, like any treatment, there are no guarantees. There are also significant risks, especially in Jessica's fragile condition.

The Ketamine Coma shows great promise as a treatment for severe RSD- the key is going to be more research.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a central nervous system depressant that produces a rapid-acting dissociative effect, blocking signals to the conscious mind from other parts of the brain. It was developed in the 1970s as a medical anesthetic for both humans and animals.

There are currently three kinds of ketamine treatments: The Awake technique (continuous low dosage for 4-5 days), the Outpatient low-dose infusion (4-5 hours a day for two weeks, then gradually-lower doses), and the Coma technique (continuous high dosage for about a week).

The hypothesis is that ketamine blocks the neurons and manipulates NMDA receptors which might reboot aberrant brain activity, the coma shuts down the nervous system, allowing damaged nerves cells to heal and "reboots" the patient's brain, much like a computer.

Ketamine can have some nasty side effects. Especially when emerging from the coma, patients may experience hallucinations, lack of body awareness, visual distortions, confusion, and weakness.

Why Mexico?

There is a popular misconception that medical care in Mexico is of inferior quality. However, this is not (always) the case. In fact, many facilities in Mexico are state of the art, with top notch care.

Because Ketamine is considered a schedule 3 drug in the U.S., only a small amount of ketamine is legally allowed for medical treatment according to federal law. The high doses required for the Ketamine coma are currently only legally available in other countries.

Jessica's doctor, Dr. Anthony Kirkpatrick, is one of only a few specialists involved with this study in the U.S. He has teamed up with Dr. Fernando Cantu and his team in Mexico to perform the Ketamine Coma.