Clovers' Chronic Pain Money Dance

Hey, y'all. My name is Clover and the last few years have been pretty rough. I have been experiencing joint pain in my hips since I was 11, but in 2018 I experienced additional damage to my dominant shoulder, essentially ending my career in illustration. In 2020, the pain in my hips and knees had grown so bad I began using a cane to alleviate some of the symptoms. Despite having seen multiple doctors in two states, I do not have an official diagnosis nor any prescription for pain management.

In the last six months, my pain has been increasing, to the point I find it difficult to stand long enough to cook more days than I don't, which leaves me reliant on takeout or readymade dinners. This adds up very quickly, and I am struggling to stay afloat financially because of these rising food expenses, especially as I cannot currently work not manage commissions.

I do have a referral to see a new rheumatologist......on October 31st. Even then, it may be even longer until we have any answers, and that's in the best case scenario where the doctor takes me seriously.

So I am turning now to the Internet to beg for help. The goal amount is meant to offset my food costs for roughly six months, in the hopes that will keep me afloat until there are some answers, if not a path forward. Anything above the goal amount will be used in turn to pay off debts to help reduce the financial stress further.

I thank you all for reading this far! I know times are tight and I have been at the internet's door more than I'd have liked lately, but I am grateful for every share, signal boost, retweet or dime sent my way. It really means the world to me.

From all three of us, thank you.