Blackfoot woman’s medical condition baffles doctors

When we want to go outside, we walk out the door. But for Brady Meline, assuming she’s able to get out of bed that day, it’s another 20 minutes to fresh air.

An oxygen tank is not typical fall attire, but it’s her lifeline for a trek outside, even if it’s just a few feet to her front yard.

“I love everything about nature, skiing, biking, mountain biking,” Brady, of Blackfoot said. “I never went inside when I was a kid.”

But a few years ago, everything changed.

She’s only 28 years old and baffling doctors across the country.

“I got so sick I couldn’t play with my son anymore,” she said. “Now it’s to the point where I feel like I’m having a heart attack almost all the time.”

Doctor after doctor couldn’t figure it out.

“It’s a lot of ifs and buts and questions,” her husband Phil said.

Despite the unknown, there’s one constant: Phil… also known as the best husband in the world.

“She she calls me that,” Phil said. “I don’t know that I would. I just do what i can.”

“I’ve never heard him complain ever about having to do too much,” Brady said.

Searching for answers sent them across the country. Finally, a diagnosis: Microvascular disfunction Endothelial dysfuction. But, no cure.

“I got off the plane and I saw my family and I just cried because I came back with the same thing I left with,” Brady said.

It’s all pretty new, so even doctors are learning as they go. Which means the search and the pain continues.

“Right now we’re just treating symptoms,” she said. “I want to find something to help me feel better,”

Enter Bart Bradford, a fun-loving family friend.

“What an outstanding person (Brady is),” he said. “(I) wondered why hadn’t anything been done? Why hasn’t anyone done anything?”

He rallied the troops for a “Poker Run” fundraiser set for Saturday, Sept. 29. Bart says there will be entertainment, all sorts of fun activities and prizes galore.

“It’s going to be a fun time to get together,” Phil said.

“I’ve done charity dinners for people who have heart problems,” Brady said. “Now it’s me that needs it.”

And her family’s more than happy to step up.

“I want to know tomorrow’s going to be an okay day and I’m going to get out of bed,” Brady said.

To give you an idea of how much pain Brady’s in on a daily basis: A typical heart attack patient gets about 30 to 60 micrograms of nitroglycerin. Brady is on 300.

The poker run is this Saturday. It starts at 11 a.m. for motorcyclists.

But you can join in the fun around 5 p.m. at the Nail Sports Bar, where Phil and Bart’s band Hambone will take the stage — all to help send Brady to the Mayo Clinic. If you would like more information, call (208) 569-2963.

A fund has been set up at Wells Fargo in her name.