Lupus-A Lifetime of the Unknown
Donation protected
Five years ago, following a stressful incident, I was diagnosed with Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Raynaud's Syndrome and Pernicious Anemia (a vitamin B12 deficiency). Lupus can be hereditary and it could even be medicine induced. Two days after that stressful situation, I could barely walk, feverish, aching all over, headache, and extreme fatigue. I am my mother's only child and she came to help me. I am the single mom to a 14 year old son who was about 9 when I was diagnosed with lupus. Just as my life changed, so did his and he should not have to carry a burden for his mother. My son has a very promising life ahead of him. My family has been my moral support and what's their's is mine but sometimes things become soooo big and hard to handle that you need a very large order of HELP.
Currently, I am taking a maintenance drug that could drive the disease into remission. I also take monthly B12 shots. I am not able to absorb B12 through the gut (pill supplements nor foods with B12) so this shot is necessary. I have to see an Opthamologist 2-3 times a year because of the maintenance drug as it can cause blindness/color blindness. Scary thought, huh?
Over the course of 2 years, I was taken off work and placed on short term disability...a total of 3 times. I knew that telling my employer that I had the disease was a huge risk but I wanted to do the right thing, especially for myself. Well, last week I was "laid off" from my job. I wondered when the book would drop but I didn't have to wonder any longer. I had only been back to work 3 months and was doing great with production and all other facets of the job... but was in constant fear. In the back of my mind, I knew that losing my job would disrupt things in my household. I was the only employee from my team laid off.
Lupus/autoimmune issues do not play well with stress and I am trying really hard not to stress but sometimes worry /stress is in the subconscious. I have been constantly stuggling with my health since losing my job. I keep telling myself that everything will be okay but my body is just not cooperating. Sometimes I just want to throw my hands up in defeat but then I think about my son and my faith and I stay on track with my job searches and continue to be kind to my body by trying not to worry. Lupus can also lead to other medical hurdles down the line.
The disease has caused me to lose almost all of my teeth between the age of 40 and 46. I don't go anywhere because the loss of teeth is a big deal. My self-confidence has been shakened. Lupus causes gum disease and creates other deficiencies in the body that can cause muscle, teeth and hair loss. Unfortunately, I am affected by all 3. Not only does it affect my self-esteem and confidence, it can hinder my job search because my outward appearance has been altered by this disease. I cry all the time about my mouth and hair but I cant afford what it will cost to get those things back. I have an estimate from the dentist and it doesn't even sound realistic. There is no way that I can even attempt that.
My benefits have ended and I don't know what I am going to do. I had a $3000 deductible and a $4500 out-of-pocket. To give you an idea of how my medical cost impact my life, I usually satisfy the deductible and out-of-pocket within the 1st quarter of the year. Benefits started in January 2017 and I met my deductible in March 2017...same thing happened in 2016.
I am in need of these funds as soon as possible...for necessities and other things needed to maintain an operate a normal life... As normal as possible. I have several outstanding medical bills as well, not to mention the bills projected for the future...with no medical insurance. Cobra will cost me almost $800 per month for my son and I. That is not practical with my current situation.... practical or not, I cannot pay that. My son is entering high school and he will need things as well. Thinking ahead at what's to come is overwhelming.
I cannot express how much I need your help. I'm at the end of my rope and need a quick turnaround. Thank you in advance for any donations given to help my son and I.
Sincerely,
--Dana Curry
Currently, I am taking a maintenance drug that could drive the disease into remission. I also take monthly B12 shots. I am not able to absorb B12 through the gut (pill supplements nor foods with B12) so this shot is necessary. I have to see an Opthamologist 2-3 times a year because of the maintenance drug as it can cause blindness/color blindness. Scary thought, huh?
Over the course of 2 years, I was taken off work and placed on short term disability...a total of 3 times. I knew that telling my employer that I had the disease was a huge risk but I wanted to do the right thing, especially for myself. Well, last week I was "laid off" from my job. I wondered when the book would drop but I didn't have to wonder any longer. I had only been back to work 3 months and was doing great with production and all other facets of the job... but was in constant fear. In the back of my mind, I knew that losing my job would disrupt things in my household. I was the only employee from my team laid off.
Lupus/autoimmune issues do not play well with stress and I am trying really hard not to stress but sometimes worry /stress is in the subconscious. I have been constantly stuggling with my health since losing my job. I keep telling myself that everything will be okay but my body is just not cooperating. Sometimes I just want to throw my hands up in defeat but then I think about my son and my faith and I stay on track with my job searches and continue to be kind to my body by trying not to worry. Lupus can also lead to other medical hurdles down the line.
The disease has caused me to lose almost all of my teeth between the age of 40 and 46. I don't go anywhere because the loss of teeth is a big deal. My self-confidence has been shakened. Lupus causes gum disease and creates other deficiencies in the body that can cause muscle, teeth and hair loss. Unfortunately, I am affected by all 3. Not only does it affect my self-esteem and confidence, it can hinder my job search because my outward appearance has been altered by this disease. I cry all the time about my mouth and hair but I cant afford what it will cost to get those things back. I have an estimate from the dentist and it doesn't even sound realistic. There is no way that I can even attempt that.
My benefits have ended and I don't know what I am going to do. I had a $3000 deductible and a $4500 out-of-pocket. To give you an idea of how my medical cost impact my life, I usually satisfy the deductible and out-of-pocket within the 1st quarter of the year. Benefits started in January 2017 and I met my deductible in March 2017...same thing happened in 2016.
I am in need of these funds as soon as possible...for necessities and other things needed to maintain an operate a normal life... As normal as possible. I have several outstanding medical bills as well, not to mention the bills projected for the future...with no medical insurance. Cobra will cost me almost $800 per month for my son and I. That is not practical with my current situation.... practical or not, I cannot pay that. My son is entering high school and he will need things as well. Thinking ahead at what's to come is overwhelming.
I cannot express how much I need your help. I'm at the end of my rope and need a quick turnaround. Thank you in advance for any donations given to help my son and I.
Sincerely,
--Dana Curry
Organizer
Dana Curry
Organizer
Irving, TX
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