Hi everyone,
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
I can't believe that in just one week from today Jessica will be turning 22 ! On that day I will be posting a special letter that I have written for her. Also, it is my birthday wish for her to receive the most comments on the blog for well wishes for her birthday and the new year. I don't know if you are all aware of this but this blog site has a very interesting feature. They have a service that will turn your blog, all the posts and all the comments, everything, into a book - so that it will forever be a special reminder or keepsake - of where you have been, what you have gone through, and how far you have come!!!
Thank you all for your continued prayers for Jessica. The tests did reveal that she has two infections and because of that she will remain on antibiotics until the infections subside and the fevers are gone. These past few weeks have been trying to say the least - but Jessica's whole "journey" has been one of perseverance, strength, hope, and faith; first and foremost in God and also in herself as well! One day a time, with God's help - that has been our plan from the beginning!
We pray that this day finds you all well and happy. Till tomorrow....
Forever in His care,
Jessica's Mom*
"The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom!. ( Deuteronomy 28: 11-13)
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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 illThe 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 lesionsJessica'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 campFour 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 rashDuring 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. KirkpatrickUpon 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!
12 comments:
*When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts.*
I saw this and thought of Jessica. Just b/c it may seem like God is not there for you right now he is always in your heart, soul, and especially in your steadfast and spunky personality. I love you Jess and Sarah.
your coma buddy, Dev
I just had the pleasure of talking to Nancy and discussing the Vemma products. I am looking forward to having us all healthy with the help of Vemma products. Our continued prayers I am sure will help Jessica's good health return.
Tomorrow is your special day Gina and I hope that the Lord gives you special grace for your birthday.
Love to a special friend on her birthday.
Linda
How grateful we all are for modern medicine. While more antibiotics are not preferable, it is good that they are available when we need them. Jess, keep pushing through, you will beat this fever like the last ones!
My care page site is the same. You can have it made into a book with the pictures and everything. I am thinking about doing that one day and very glad to hear that your whole family can treasure such a keepsake, as well.
Sarah, how is your husband?
My prayers go with you today as in every day. Be well and feel secure in the loving arms of Jesus who is the author and perfecter of our faith.
Good Morning Ladies! It's chilly here in SW FLA and raining! A good day to stay in and pray for Jessica to beat the infections again! Prayers for David too!
Special pray for you on your last day of being 29 years old. Or do you keep that for a few more??
Thank you Linda for asking about the New Year's Vemma fundraiser we have going on. It's at:
http://www.HopeForJessica.vemma.com
Ever purchase helps with funds to offset medical expenses. Thanks Linda & everyone helping!!
See you tomorrow on your special Birthday Blog Sarita!
Nancy
1 John 5:4-5
4for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
5Who is it that overcomes the world?
Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
I read this and thought of you and your sweet Jessica.
1 John 4:16
16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
May He give you all the strength to persevere through this, one small step at a time!
With love & prayers,
The Turners
whoops
a day ahead of myself
your birthday is the 10th-that would be Sunday-the Lord's Day and Gina's day.
Linda
A little birdie told me that someone is turning 50 so I wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY GINA and God Bless you. I wish I could be there to give you a big kiss but I'm sure that Jessica will stand in for me. Wow!!!! 50 is fabulous.At least you're in warm Mexico. IT'S FREEZING HERE!!! Miss you guys. Hugs and kisses, Bonnie
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSICA!!! May this day bring you much love and my prayer for you is that you realize how many people love and care about you and are praying for you....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Jenn
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GINA! May our Lord bless your new birthday year with Health, Happiness and Healing for Jessica.
Love ya....Kathy Shohfi
Great blessings to you on your Birthday Sara...may this be the year of all your hearts desires come true...you are the most dedicated mom I know and the Lord will surely bless you for that and for your obedience to Him. I hope you have a blessed day in the Lord.
Big hug and kiss to you and of course, to Jessica whom we all continue to pray for.
Again a very Happy Birthday to you!
Love Angela & family xoxoxoxoxo
Psalm 37:4
PS It's freezing in Sunny S. Florida!
dear mommy,
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to mommy, happy birthday to youu!! I love you mommy! you are the best mom eveerrrr. you dont look a day over 20!! you'r e the besttt. happy birthday againnn! you are the best best best best best best best best bestestestest motherrrr everrrr!<333
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y ! !
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