My name is Scott, and I am from Indianapolis, Indiana. Over the past few years, I suffered from a severe condition known as necrotizing fasciitis, commonly referred to as "flesh-eating disease." This illness resulted in a systemic infection that severely compromised my entire bloodstream and overall health. Medical professionals initially did not anticipate my survival, given the critical nature of my condition. Following an amputation of my foot—which was believed to secure the infection at or above the ankle—I learned that the disease typically progresses relentlessly, potentially leading to organ failure.
After the amputation, I spent a year in a rehabilitation nursing facility, relying on a wheelchair for mobility. Once I was ready, I sought a prosthetic fitting. However, specialists determined that I could not be fitted for a prosthetic limb immediately because I had retained too much of my lower limb. Attempting to fit me would mean that I would be walking on exposed bone, which posed significant risks. Consequently, I underwent a second surgical procedure to remove additional segments of my leg. Following my recovery, I returned for a more appropriate fitting.
Determined not to let my disability hinder my life, I engaged with a program designed for individuals with disabilities, allowing for flexible employment opportunities. However, I found that the support structure of this program was not well-suited to my needs. Subsequently, I faced sanctions from the Social Security Administration (SSI), leading to a reduction in my benefits. Currently, I am employed as a driver for a car auction, earning $8.50 per hour.
Despite being in recovery for over two years and four months, my financial instability has resulted in the loss of my sober living arrangement, which is a setback for my sobriety journey. I am now working to secure another sober living environment to maintain my sobriety, with my sobriety date being June 3, 2023. date being June 3, 2023.
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