Nikki (23) wants her life back: family starts gofundme for treatment in US

Door: Michael Clasens

But March 11, 17:10
General

ZEVENBERGEN – Nicky's life from Zevenberg has been at a standstill for two years. The 23-year-old was embroiled in a complicated recovery process after catching a fever that caused an inflammation of the pericardium. After several hospital visits and multiple diagnoses, his condition still showed little improvement. Nikki is now hoping for a promising treatment in America. However, it is not reimbursed by health insurance, which is why his family has started a fundraising campaign. “I believe in a better life,” says Nikki.

Nicky initially led an active and fun-loving life, but in the last two years his career has stalled. “My life turned 180 degrees in one fell swoop. I can't work full days, go to parties, or exercise. I mostly stay at home,” says Nikki. It is very difficult for a 23-year-old high-spirited person to experience this. “Your friends keep going, but you're actually standing still. I never thought it would take so long in the beginning.

Complex diagnosis

In March 2022, Nikki woke up in the night with a high fever, palpitations and stitches in her chest. Once in the hospital, it was soon discovered that she had developed inflammation of the pericardium as a result of a flu virus. It was initially thought that Nicky would need six weeks to recover from this, but that's when the problems started.

The physiotherapy Nikki received to rehabilitate was counterproductive, and the effort made her ill. After many hospital visits, admissions and tests, Nikki was faced with a complex list of diagnoses. In June 2022, a cardiologist diagnosed him with dysautonomia, post pericarditis and post viral syndrome. In May 2023, POTS and ME/CFS diagnoses were added. She also had Lyme disease. The disease has been latent for a long time, but is active as a result of other conditions.

Hopeful treatment

All these diagnoses create a complex clinical picture that has seen little improvement for some time. “I had to learn to say 'no'. I would say 'yes' to anything, but because of my illness I don't have the energy,” says Nikki. She wants nothing more than to go back to her old life, and is hoping for a promising treatment in America. .

Treatment in the US lasts four months. It begins with a preliminary examination, which results in an individualized treatment plan. According to Niki, the difference in treatments in the Netherlands is huge. “The research they do there is much more extensive than in the Netherlands and there is a great therapeutic team that helps you during this process.” According to Nikki, the treatment is very thorough. “The advantage of the treatment is that it helps with all diagnoses. Here in the Netherlands I am not eligible for treatment because it is not yet available for my diagnoses. After the treatment, Nikki receives aftercare at home for 6 months, during which further tests are carried out to evaluate the results.

Crowdfunding

According to Nikki, the treatment is promising, but the problem is that it is not reimbursed by health insurance. According to him, the total costs of travel and treatment quickly amounted to about 90 thousand euros. A significant amount, which is why her sister Maud has started a fundraising campaign. “I'm actually a little overwhelmed with all the good news and donations that have come through the crowdfunding,” says Nikki. She is very grateful for all the help from her family. “The last two years have been difficult for my family as well. We have a good bond and they always try to think together. Over 10,000 euros have already been raised for Nikki's treatment. You can donate through this Website.