Help Denise Renae Dobbs Get to Specialists and Get a Service Dog

March 25, 2025

Finally made it to Cleveland Clinic last week! Was only able to see the Internist for this first visit, but we were able to prioritize some things and work on the game plan. I was so impressed with the doctor and am hopeful they will be able to help me. I have a long way to go, but it feels so good to have some movement forward after being stuck for so long! Thank you to everyone who contributed!!! ❤️

December 7, 2024

Officially registered as a patient at Cleveland Clinic today!!! Still can't use state funded insurance outside the state, so as soon as we raise enough I will *finally* get to see a team of specialists, including for MCAS!!! That's the diagnosis that knocked me out of going to Mayo, as it's on a list of six conditions they don't want to mess with - even if you have the money in hand.I cannot get there soon enough, because the weird interplay between these conditions is getting much worse, to the degree it's getting to be pointless trying to leave the house. The neck spasms and head movements might be fine when I leave, but literally two minutes in Walmart triggers episodes so extreme I can't walk myself out or drive home. The photosensitivity is absolutely out of control. Which makes it really problematic being home and needing to take care of everything online. Like right now as I type this. The primary mode of socialization is online for me now, too, but often I can't talk to people even though I want to. I have to choose between being isolated or having symptoms flare from the screen light.Sometimes, even the tiniest movement forward is enough to restore my hope. After zero sleep last night due to neck pain and the effects of the screen light, getting registered with Cleveland Clinic today gave me the encouragement I needed. That wouldn't mean anything without this fundraiser, though. Thank you for living up to your name Help Hope Live! Thanks to everyone who contributes and spreads the word! And thank you, Stacia for being the BEST coordinator ever! You are true life savers.

December 1, 2024

Renae here. I meant to just postpone the procedure for the heart monitor implant this week until after Thanksgiving, since I have not been able to attend since 2019 and was looking forward to my grandson's first family holiday. However, I haven't been able to reschedule the procedure, yet, due to a few questions and concerns still not being answered. Hoping to get answers and move forward.No one can tell me what happens if I get this device implanted and then Medicaid goes away. I can't even afford to have it removed if they stop paying for the service. There's already so much I need that is not covered, I can't afford another thing.I also had questions about the materials used during the procedure due to my severe MCAS reactions to adhesives, solutions, plastics, meds, etc. That can probably be answered but hasn't been, yet. I just know the couple of months after my heart catheter last year were tough. Not sure which materials my body reacted to, but the rash alone was an ordeal. The meds and side effects and meds for meds were another round of agony. Waiting for answers on these questions while battling flares is the pits.

November 1, 2024

Today, the cardiologist recommended an implant that would send reports every six weeks over the next five years, especially since I having two TIAs (mini-strokes), Factor V Leiden (blood clotting disorder), Eagle's Syndrome (may need neck surgery), and family history of strokes and heart problems. AND especially after the August 3rd accident.

The device will monitor POTS/atrial tachycardia, which seems to be progressing to A-fib. A-fib also leads to stroke or heart attack.Every procedure has risks. After a heart catheter last summer, I had a "pseudo-aneurysm" scare AND a serious MCAS reaction to materials used during the procedure. Then came the rounds of antibiotics and more side effects and meds to deal with those.

Before getting an implant, I need to see an MCAS expert to minimize risks from procedures and meds. I can't even take Aspirin, because it aggravates MCAS. Arkansas does not have this kind of specialist, and even MAYO won't work with MCAS patients due to how tricky it is to treat. The right information is needed to make these decisions.