Two years ago, I was in a car accident. At first, I thought I was fine, but I later learned I had herniated two discs in my lower back. The pain and complications forced me to resign from my career and put work on hold while I tried to recover with medications and physical therapy. Eventually, I was able to return to work, but things took a turn for the worse in mid-October. I began experiencing chronic back pain and sciatic pain, and one morning I woke up unable to feel my toes in my right foot. The numbness lasted for weeks and spread up my leg, but I kept pushing myself to go to work, even though I was struggling every day.

On November 29th, I woke up and got ready for work as usual, but I considered calling out. I decided to go in anyway, but while at work, I became lightheaded, nauseous, and my chest began to tighten. I went to the ER, and after several tests, I was transferred to another hospital for an MRI. The results showed that the two herniated discs were compressing my nerve root and pushing on my spinal cord. I was admitted to the hospital and told I needed surgery. I spent almost a month in the hospital, and now my recovery could take anywhere from six weeks to a year. My job is physically demanding, and I can't apply for FMLA because I haven't been with my agency long enough.

I am now two months behind on rent and utilities, and I am struggling to cover medical bills and groceries while I recover. I am reaching out for help because I want to focus on healing and getting back on my feet, but I can't do it alone. Any support you can offer would mean the world to me during this difficult time. Thank you for considering helping me as I work toward recovery.