Hello, I am Bridgette, and I got into an accident. I am a single mother of two with no family who can help. In my accident, I dislocated my ankle and tore almost all ligaments in my lower leg and ankle which holds my ankle together and in place. I have a plethora list of medical conditions that include….Lupus, Epilepsy, ADHD, Esophageal Dysmotility, GERD, Cyclical Vomiting, Chronic Migraines, Gastritis, two partial rotator cuff tears in my right shoulder, a muscle and nerve disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, as well as a Mixed Connective Disease, and recently was diagnosed with Heart Disease, on top of other health issues not listed. This all has taken a toll on my mental health, as well as put so much responsibility on my two kids. I don’t even know what I am going to do about my monthly bills, and medical bills.

I am awaiting my appointment with the VCU Orthopedic Surgeon because I was told with the complexity and severity of my injury. I need a highly trained surgeon. This injury has taken me out of work and has put my family in a financial crisis. I didn’t want to put my personal medical conditions out there because it’s a lot and embarrassing. I feel like such a failure asking for help. If I could work today, I would, but I can barely get to the bathroom. We have stairs in my house, and I am completely helpless until I get my surgery, and the pain is painful. Nothing else I can really say about that. Furthermore, the recovery for someone who has my conditions is even longer. They told me I will have to do a good amount of PT to even walk again.

On top of this injury, I’ve lost coverage for my Migraine medication and my Lupus medications, which are both infusions I get, but my insurance stopped covering them because the cost is over $1,200.00 per shot. I’m lost right now and trying anything and everything to get some assistance for them, but no help at this time. These were the only treatments that helped me function every day, and I am truly scared. When my Lupus is uncontrolled, my body is at war with itself. Making my injury and everything else it’s worst enemy. Infections are sure to come because they always do if a shot is missed. I’m afraid of losing my job (which I’m looking for another that can accommodate my current situation now…just in case),and my health will decline.

I truly never try to ask for help. I try to be an independent woman who can take care of her family by herself. But even I can admit, I need help, and I know so many people out there are in need of help, so I completely understand if people can’t help. Times are hard for everyone, I understand that, and that’s what makes it so much harder for me to even ask, and I am truly sorry. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Also, I didn’t know how to do this, so if I was everywhere, I truly am sorry. My brain is everywhere always.