Dear Friends and Family of Elizabeth Bulgherini Mitchell:
Some of you know Liz from her job as Coordinator of Admissions for Lamar University. Many of you know her as the friend you grew up with in Vidor, Texas. Maybe she became a part of your life at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where Liz has been a long-time member. Others met Liz over the past 10 years at one of the many Girl Scout activities that she has organized or participated in. No matter who you are, you have received this letter today because Liz and her family are in need of your help and support.
Updates (3)
May 26, 2014
Liz is doing well considering everything. She is maintaining a good MELD score and working on controlling the insulin dependent diabetes.
The diabetes seems to be harder to control due to the liver not functioning as it should. The Humulin she is required to use is FIVE times stronger than normal insulin, which causes other problems.
Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Cirrhosis causes resistance to insulin—a hormone produced by the pancreas that enables the body to use glucose as energy. With insulin resistance, the body’s muscle, fat, and liver cells do not use insulin properly. The pancreas tries to keep up with the demand for insulin by producing more, but excess glucose builds up in the bloodstream causing type 2 diabetes. This also makes it harder to lose weight.
The Hepatic Encephalopathy is the most noticeable part of her disease. A failing liver cannot remove toxins from the blood, and they eventually accumulate in the brain. The buildup of toxins in the brain—called hepatic encephalopathy—can decrease mental function and cause coma. Signs of decreased mental function include confusion, personality changes, memory loss, trouble concentrating, and a change in sleep habits.
This is the part that Liz has found so difficult. Not remembering the way to a place you have driven a hundred times before. Being accustomed to being organized and always working. To forgetting the admission standards for your university or not remembering if you have paid a bill. Not remember the name of family members that you haven't seen in a while. All these things can make you feel inadequate. Luckily, Liz is surrounded with people who take care of her. Family and friends who can support her, laugh with her and love her.
Thank you to all that has donated to this cause. Each donation helps. Currently, there is over 8,000 in unpaid medical bills.
June 8, 2011
Hepatic Encephalopathy
It's very hard to concentrate.
I lost $150.00 worth of Market Basket gift cards I was going to give to Branden. It took me 2 days to find them. I don't like losing things. :)
Never knew this would be part of Liver Disease.
Organ Donation is so important. I didn't know that one person could potentially save up to 8 other peoples lives. What a powerful thing. You should check out organ donation in your state.
Photo Galleries (2)
Guestbook
August 26, 2011
Liz ~ Know that we will be with you all the way through this process, both physically and mentally! Love you!
Vickie Mitchell
July 28, 2011
Liz, I will do anything and everything in my power to help out during these rough times. I'm ALWAYS here for you. I love you so much aunty!
Matt Mitchell
July 24, 2011
My prayers are with you Liz.
Angela Walton Vidor, Texas
