A New Life For Teresa

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$2,875 raised of $25K

A New Life For Teresa

Hi y’all. As most of you know, my life completely turned upside down 11 months ago. I just needed an MRI of my foot as I had developed a diabetic foot ulcer resulting in bone infection. I knew I was sick, but assumed it was only from sepsis. Little did I know my ailing foot would save my life. After the MRI, I had difficulty breathing and my O2 Sat was only 81. Over the next couple of hours, my lungs completely filled with fluid bringing me to death’s door…literally. I knew I was taking my last breath…I reached up with my right hand, and said, “I’m right here Jesus.” I smiled because my next breath would be in Heaven!! I was sooo ready to go! But God…He wasn’t ready for me yet. I was so sad that I woke up with air being shoved down my throat and hearing all the commotion in the ER. I was shocked to learn I was in heart failure. What???!!! I was there for my foot, and now I’m being told I needed a quadruple bypass just to survive as all four arteries were 90% blocked. How could this be?? I’m too young, I thought. But I never once asked why me.

After 18 days in the hospital, I was sent home to now begin treatment for my foot, which, by now, had become gangrenous. I began fighting a losing battle over the next four months with daily trips to wound care, hyperbaric treatments, endless IV antibiotics and severe pain. I could hardly walk. On November 4, 2021, I was told my leg could not be salvaged. I had the choice of dying in a day or two, or have my leg amputated. I didn’t come that far to only get that far!! It was a no brainer. Off with the leg!

Once in rehab, I began to feel better than good. Gone were the infections that had plagued my life for years! I felt whole despite losing a limb. There was finally hope for a future! Then I fell at Christmas, requiring two more surgeries to my leg. The third surgery would not begin to heal and I was told I now needed an above-knee amputation. This news was too shocking to handle. I had fought so very hard to get well! My surgeon, whom I call Dr. Eternally Hopeful, said he would give me every chance, even if slight, to avoid the additional amputation as it is extremely difficult from which to recover. He removed damaged tissue and bone, but managed to save my little leg!!

It took six long months to finally receive my prosthesis and relearn to walk. I am still in physical therapy for the foreseeable future. I am finally living in my apartment that I rented the weekend before my original amputation. All of the hospitals, doctors, surgeons and therapists want to be paid. I have exhausted all attempts to reduce the balances owed to no avail. Financially, I am tapped out. Unfortunately, it’s just me to handle my bills. My income is currently restricted to social security disability. In no way, shape or form, am I able to fulfill my medical financial obligations. It is extremely difficult to live even frugally on disability funds, never mind paying the mountain of medical bills. Insurance covered most of everything, however, I am left with amounts I am unable to pay. I am now only covered by a Medicare plan which pays very little. I am asking, out of desperation only, if you are able, to donate financially to help me pay down my expenses as now my credit is being ruined and I have no means to pay. I am about $25,000 in the hole, which includes my portion of my new leg. I will require another one sometime next year. This is a burden I did want to share. Please pray about it and donate if you can. My gratitude will be endless! Thanks to all y’all for the prayers and support you’ve given me this last year.

Organizer

Teresa Chaney
Organizer
Foley, AL
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