In March of 2023, my life changed dramatically after a horrific fall in Publix. I herniated two discs in my neck and aggravated existing bone-on-bone arthritis in my knee and shoulder, which led to severe spinal stenosis and constant sciatica pain. Now, I can’t stand or walk for very long before I have to sit down. On top of that, I was neglected by my doctors and the hospital when I developed hyperthyroidism. I spent two months in a thyroid storm without help, which led to respiratory failure, hypokalemia, thyrotoxicosis, and Graves disease. I stopped breathing, was put on life support for five days, and spent two weeks in the hospital. My condition is so severe that my thyroid levels swing from hyper to hypo, and the doctors are still struggling to manage my medications. Because I couldn’t make my payment, I no longer have medical insurance.
Because of these health challenges, I’ve lost three jobs, and losing the last one broke me. I have applied for disability, but I have no idea how long it will take to be approved. I am now out of money and facing eviction, with no family or place to go. The funds I raise here will help me cover rent, food, insurance, repair my car, and get my license reinstated after it was suspended because I couldn’t renew my insurance while my car was broken down. I am trying to buy as much time as I can to stay in my home until my disability comes through.
The photos I’ve shared tell part of my story. The nice picture is what I looked like before I got sick. The other photos show what happens to me when I’m in a blue light or LED light setting and working on a computer. Even with blue light glasses, I have no defense against the effects of Graves disease. My sciatica and sensitivity to lighting make it impossible to work in an office environment, leaving me at a dead end. This disease zaps all of my energy, leaving me fatigued, unmotivated, and deeply depressed. I miss the person I used to be.
I was a healthy, vibrant, independent woman before all of this happened. Asking for help is something I never thought I’d have to do, but I am in a very bad place. Anything you can do to help keep me in my home until my disability arrives would be a blessing. Thank you for reading my story and for any support you can offer.
Because of these health challenges, I’ve lost three jobs, and losing the last one broke me. I have applied for disability, but I have no idea how long it will take to be approved. I am now out of money and facing eviction, with no family or place to go. The funds I raise here will help me cover rent, food, insurance, repair my car, and get my license reinstated after it was suspended because I couldn’t renew my insurance while my car was broken down. I am trying to buy as much time as I can to stay in my home until my disability comes through.
The photos I’ve shared tell part of my story. The nice picture is what I looked like before I got sick. The other photos show what happens to me when I’m in a blue light or LED light setting and working on a computer. Even with blue light glasses, I have no defense against the effects of Graves disease. My sciatica and sensitivity to lighting make it impossible to work in an office environment, leaving me at a dead end. This disease zaps all of my energy, leaving me fatigued, unmotivated, and deeply depressed. I miss the person I used to be.
I was a healthy, vibrant, independent woman before all of this happened. Asking for help is something I never thought I’d have to do, but I am in a very bad place. Anything you can do to help keep me in my home until my disability arrives would be a blessing. Thank you for reading my story and for any support you can offer.
Organizer
