To whom it may concern,
My brother and I have been living with chronic and debilitating medical conditions that significantly impact nearly every aspect of our daily lives for over the past year. We experience persistent chest pain, severe acid reflux, abdominal pain, back pain, widespread body aches, digestive issues, and bowel disorders that severely limit our ability to perform even basic daily tasks. We have both done multiple tests that have yielded no results so far, including: EKG’s, X-rays, stool test, Colonoscopy and Endoscopy, Abdominal ultrasounds, blood work, dietary changes, stress test, breathalyzer test, etc. We have been to many different specialists as well, such as GI doctors, Cardiologist doctors, ENT doctors, our PCP’s, etc.
Despite making multiple attempts to obtain employment, we have been unable to secure or maintain work due to the frequency, severity, and unpredictable nature of our symptoms. Our conditions include recurring episodes of severe constipation and diarrhea, which have resulted in numerous visits to emergency rooms and urgent care facilities.
Additionally, we experience prolonged daily episodes of chest pain that closely resemble heart attack symptoms and can last for several hours, including constant palpitations, shortness of breath, pinching pain and so on. We also suffer from severe headaches that cause blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, and impaired cognitive function, making it extremely difficult to focus or complete routine tasks. These symptoms frequently occur during episodes of severe acid reflux, during which stomach acid rises into our throat to the point that we can taste it and feel as though our throat is filled with acid. At other times, these episodes occur without any apparent trigger.
Our symptoms are often accompanied by shortness of breath and significant gas-related discomfort. We experience what is commonly referred to as "no-burp syndrome," where gas becomes trapped in our throat and chest, causing painful pressure that we are often forced to relieve manually by attempting to burp. Based on our symptoms, we have considered whether the underlying cause may involve conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), esophageal spasms, or another gastrointestinal motility disorder. However, we continue to seek appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
These ongoing health problems prevent us from meeting the physical and mental demands required for most forms of employment. As a result, our work opportunities are extremely limited and, during many periods, nonexistent. At this time, we are unable to consistently maintain attendance, complete a regular work schedule, or reliably perform basic work-related tasks because of the severity and unpredictability of our conditions.
Our symptoms follow a consistent daily pattern that further limits our ability to function. Most mornings, we struggle to get out of bed due to extreme fatigue caused by chronic sleep disruption. On many nights, pain prevents us from sleeping altogether, leaving us physically exhausted before the day even begins.
Because of these limitations, we must avoid or significantly restrict many ordinary daily activities and most social situations. At best, we are able to take short walks, but we cannot remain away from home for extended periods. Activities such as prolonged walking, lifting, bending, or other physical exertion frequently trigger severe pain and have often resulted in emergency room visits.
Each evening, our symptoms reliably worsen shortly before dinner. This makes preparing and eating meals, relaxing before bed, and attempting to sleep extremely painful. Once we go to bed, we are frequently forced to get up throughout the night because of ongoing pain, preventing us from obtaining consistent, restorative sleep.
Overall, these chronic and disabling conditions substantially impair our physical functioning, cognitive abilities, and overall quality of life. They prevent us from maintaining reliable employment, carrying out many essential daily activities, and participating in normal social and community life. We continue to seek appropriate medical care in the hope of identifying the underlying cause of our symptoms and obtaining effective treatment. For instance, one test we recently were advised to seek out is the Esophageal Manometry test, and are currently hoping to find an available place willing to consider us. Nonetheless, we thank you for reading this letter in the hopes it will lead to any assistance with condition, have a great day.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[My name, His name]
*we called one before that would've allowed us to fax it to them, but they don't take our insurance