James Scott

James Scott Needs Your Help

In 2016, on a short visit home with his family, James went to the Urgent Care to have a wound checked before he had to leave town for work again. At this visit, the nurse gently pushed on his leg and blood seeped through his skin. The nurse informed James that this is a symptom of a liver problem and that he should make a visit with his doctor as soon as possible. James came home that night and by Monday morning his wife was on the phone with the Dr. making the appointment. After an ultrasound, and a few more tests, it was determined that James had Non-Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver. Basically, he was told due to his diabetes his liver was failing.

James went back to work as he was feeling good but in July of 2016, while down in southern Ohio, he started to have chest pain and discomfort. He called his wife and daughter and they told him to get to an ER as soon as possible. Two hours later, they received a call that James had pulled into a local fire station, informed them of what was going on and then was transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. The next day the hospital was in contact with his doctors at Cleveland Clinic and it was decided he would need to be transported and admitted to be evaluated.
The doctors at Cleveland Clinic concluded that James had verices of the esophogus which need to be “banded” to stop the bleeding. This started his 6-8 week visits for outpatient surgery of banding of these verices.

By November of 2016 James was so tired and weak from the repeated “bandings” and other symptoms that he had to leave his job. He ended up in the hospital for another few days as the doctors were worried he now had a pulmonary embolism. All of his doctors were in agreement, he was to no longer drive and he should be considered 100% disabled.

In 2017 James’ symptoms kept coming, his newest symptoms included forgetfulness and confusion. In September of that year he was diagnosed with Hepatic Encephalopathy. Basically Amonia is building up in his brain and not allowing his brain to function properly. It is not a consistent situation, but rather a condition that comes and goes.

Recently the days are coming quicker and staying longer. During these episodes James experiences anything from forgetfulness, confusion, and muscle weakness. He often becomes very shaky and unstable and,therefore, he is usually unable to move from his bed. His wife must hand feed him and remind him to chew or swallow during these episodes.

James was finally, after almost 2 years, approved for SSD, but payments haven’t started yet. Thankfully his insurance will pay for a majority of his medical bills. However, friends and family of James Scott are fundraising with Help Hope Live for the expenses his insurance doesn’t cover, including the live donor’s living expenses while they are in recovery (7-9 weeks).

Thank you for your support!