Medical Bills for Lydia

Greetings!

Family and friends suggested I set up a funding page to help with my medical bills. I am a local musician, filmmaker, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and loyal friend in Santa Fe, New Mexico and have participated in many community activities to raise funds for others many times.

I have not asked for assistance in this way before. I have always been a self-made woman and weathered many things in my life, but this time is quite different. Unfortunately, my circumstances, due to illness and the pandemic, have created and will continue to create mounting financial medical bills as well as living expenses. This has been such a tough time for so many. Both parents died during the pandemic, and my work was reduced so greatly that I have had to rely on savings (which are almost gone) during this time. I have worked with churches, public and private school music programs, teaching, mentoring and more throughout my life. My music is centered on positive thought and spirituality as well as story-telling in the hopes of benefitting humanity.

I have had back problems periodically over many years, and this past summer I began experiencing much more pain and inability to do things. I had been going to regular doctor, physical therapy, and getting a little better, but things took a turn for the worse in December and came to a head a few weeks ago. I ended up in the ER twice the week of January 24th, have had MRI, and referred to several specialists.

I'm in a lot of pain, barely walking with a walker, cannot drive, do housework, or cook. I have been waiting to see a neurosurgeon (scheduling is very difficult), and finally have an appointment with a pain clinic to hopefully get some relief. I am unable to lie down flat, and trying to sleep in a recliner, taking meds, and need help with what most of us think of as day-to-day activities. Insurance won't cover these as they classify them as "custodial" not "medical". I am not clear on how these decisions are made, only that I'm not getting help.

According to the MRI, there is a severe herniation at L-1, L-2 (lumbar), smaller herniations from L-1 through L-5, a rotated disc at L1-L2, narrowing of spinal cord/column, advanced arthritis in my spine and hips. They are cutting off and pinching nerves, causing many problems and pain. I'm hoping the neurosurgeon will say therapy, not surgery, but don't know yet. But, whatever he recommends, this will be a long haul with physical therapy. I will update status as it occurs here.

I have to sell the house as I have not had a regular job for a year and a half due to health and the pandemic, only a few hours a week playing for church, and now losing that as well. I'm not sure when I will be able to work. Hoping for possibility of remote after I get some treatment and relief from pain and can sit for a longer period of time. My children and sibs are helping as much as possible and are beginning to pack boxes and moving things into a storage unit. I will be staying with family after I leave the house, but they don't have the financial means to support me.

Times are desperate. I have reached a point where I'm selling musical equipment, have to find new homes for my beloved pets, and move from my house due to lack of income. Your donation will help me to survive and pay needed medical bills. My money will be gone by the end of March, so any little bit helps. Any amount is welcome! I am battling a ticking clock and need your help NOW!!!

Peace and blessings to you for donating and your support.