My life since October life has felt like an expert level balancing act, and I’m a beginner. The biggest problem is my liver failure, causing fluid and toxin build up. Every time I’ve been hospitalized since then had involved hepatic encephalopathy- my ammonia levels get so high that I lose brain functioning. It’s super scary. I wake up not knowing why I’m in the hospital, how I got there, and confused enough to struggle with communication. These episodes are the primary reason I might not live long enough to get my transplants.

Thankfully, I recently started a new medication that almost completely prevents the fluid build-up, which should make all of this a far lesser concern. My current visit is totally different. I came in because my blood sugar has been too high (my liver and kidneys and other medical concerns effect the release of insulin and makes it very difficult to manage consistently). One effect of this has been wiping out my appetite and making it hard to eat even when I’m hungry. The photo of me in the chair is my most recent picture (I don’t take many lately). I weigh 96lbs, when I should be closer to 120lbs. But I’m doing much better and actually feeling like I have some energy! Should be home and back to my 24/7 job of staying alive!

It’s Cf Awareness month, and I’m asking for continued support to COTA in my honor. We’re about halfway to our goal! Seriously ANY amount donated to COTA in my honor helps- it all adds up. Feel free to support by sharing this. We also have reopened the popular t-shirt campaign, so we’re currently accepting orders until May 23! Thank you SO MUCH to all of you

COTA: To the right of this blog post

T-shirt campaign:

Adult https://www.bonfire.com/cota-for-fessler-strong-adult/

Youth https://www.bonfire.com/cota-for-fessler-strong-youth/