Synopsis:

I am suffering from extreme hypoglycemia which is caused by lesions on the pancreas that are insulin producing which cause major issues for my body. Insurance will not cover things in the entirety because I do not meet medical requirements as a diabetic as hypoglycemia is not recognized as a covered diagnosis. Please see the full story below. 

Backround:

My wife has had a rough two years. Early in 2021 she was driving home from a craft fair which is less than 10 miles from the home, and she became super thirsty, lips tingling and really confused.  I, her husband, was in front of her, and got to our house. After 10 minuets went by and she did not return I started to get worried. 10 turned to 30 and she was not answering her phone or responding to any calls. I tried calling our carrier to get her location when she finally called. She was in grave distress suffering from tunnel vision, an extreme migraine, profuse sweating, her heart rate dropped to 42 beats per minute per her smart watch, she was in and out of alertness, didn't recognize my voice once we were on the phone in her car and surprisingly did not wreck her car in the process. Once I found where she was by having her share her location she was over 35 miles away in the wrong direction in the middle of nowhere.  Fast forward two years and we finally have a diagnosis.  While the military does cover most medical for its families, some of the costs associated with her situation are not covered due to her not meeting criteria like requiring insulin.  She was diagnosed hypoglycemic. We have been trying to get the continuous glucose monitors covered, but the insurance will not. She has had multiple imaging, and procedures done to find out that the only remedy is a partial removal of the pancreas and possibly more. This will make her diabetic and qualify her for that treatment. Here enlays the problem. Her case is so rare that the doctors here do not know what to do. She would need to go upwards of 8 hours away to the mayo clinic for treatment, need food ,hotels, and out of pocket medical costs associated to treatment as the insurance does not cover everything. I am asking for any help you can offer.  Nothing is too small, everything is appreciated. We know that life expectency could be shortened but are hopeful with the best of the best who have seen these cases that her success rate will be better.  Thank you all for taking the time to read this. If you can't donate please share. 

Procedures:

Multiple imaging processes CT scans with and without contrast, doditech pet scan, MRE, MRA endo ultrasound of the pancreas which did not show the head or tail, Testing for MEN1, Calcium stimulating test which confirmed that there are secreting insulin lesions within the head and neck.

Providers:

Her current endocrinologist bedside manner is atrocious and has made her uncomfortable and the surgeon that was recommended only wanted to remove the pancreas without confirming through additional testing prior to the stimulating test. She is currently awaiting further recommendations on moving forward and wishes to go to the Mayo Clinic for a second opinion with specialists who have experience with this rare type of pancreas issue which only affects .02% of people. 

Update as of 19 August 23:

I have a referral to see the surgeon that I do not like as mentioned above as he is the best in this region, yet I am still uncomfortable with his treatment options. We are waiting on a medical board review before scheduling an appointment to discuss options for treatment going forward. A second opinion is still warranted. 

Insurance update: 

The insurance company stated we are responsible for half of the allowable bill. Meaning a bill for 25k and insurance only allows 10k we are required to pay 5k out of pocket. 

Endstate:

With your help of sharing or donating she could be able to see the specialist at the mayo clinic and hopefully will live a long happy life. We are grateful as anything helps. Thank you for taking the time to go through this long read. 

Sincerely, 

Gabby M.