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This is an incredibly difficult thing to share. Three years ago I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Since then I have struggled with attempting recovery, only to have the illness come back each time. I spent nine months in a specialized treatment facility last year. I had to go back to work and eventually leave the program altogether before I was physically and mentally ready due to financial reasons. I've been told by my treatment team that my current health situation is critical and I am being sent to a residential treatment facility on Thursday, Jan 24th to be medically stabilized. Because of this I am losing my job and my health insurance and will be unable to work for at least six months (if not more). As hard as this decision is, I've been told that if I keep going on like I have been much longer I am going to die. I want to recover. But I need a lot of help to get there.
I have been able to cover all the medical expenses on my own up until this point, but I am now completely drained financially and cannot get the care I desperately need without help. My family is assisting as much as they can, but we need help.
The money I am asking for will assist me in covering costs for medical care, health insurance, and bills while I am out of work. I do plan on filing for disability, but must be out of work for a minimum of 30 days before applying and the process is not quick or even guaranteed. And due to me being out of work so much last year, any amount I would receive would be minimal. Unfortunately, I am not covered under FMLA due to the size of the company I work for.
Anorexia is considered the deadliest mental illness. 1 in 5 sufferers die. Through the years my ongoing battle with anorexia has caused damage to my thyroid, kidneys, liver, and heart. I am fighting through extreme fatigue and insomnia. My hair is falling out. I have lost consciousness on multiple occasions due to a combination of low blood pressure, low heart rate, and low blood sugar. At one point during a biweekly medical check up my heart rate was so low my doctor said she had to call an ambulance to take me to a hospital immediately because I was in danger of going into cardiac arrest. My heart seems to be taking the hardest hit and I have been in the emergency room multiple times due to heart palpitations and chest pain. Currently, walking even short distances doubles my heart rate because the consistent malnourishment has weakened it to a dangerous level. I know this all sounds scary. Because it is.
I don't want to die. But I can't fight this battle alone. I'm ready to fight through this illness and get better. I'm ready to be happy again and to have my life back. I want to be able to have the mental ability and energy to do the things I'm passionate about, including MRKH awareness and teaching my church preschoolers about the love of Jesus. My eating disorder has taken so much from me. As hard as it is to share all this, I need help to get there.
Thank you for reading. It is a challenge for me to be so vulnerable after keeping this struggle a secret for so long, but I am desperate to get better. I am stepping out in faith and trusting that God will provide during this time. Any support and prayers you can give are much appreciated.
Know that I am surrounded in love and encouragement from my loved ones during this time.
With love,
Kristen
I have been able to cover all the medical expenses on my own up until this point, but I am now completely drained financially and cannot get the care I desperately need without help. My family is assisting as much as they can, but we need help.
The money I am asking for will assist me in covering costs for medical care, health insurance, and bills while I am out of work. I do plan on filing for disability, but must be out of work for a minimum of 30 days before applying and the process is not quick or even guaranteed. And due to me being out of work so much last year, any amount I would receive would be minimal. Unfortunately, I am not covered under FMLA due to the size of the company I work for.
Anorexia is considered the deadliest mental illness. 1 in 5 sufferers die. Through the years my ongoing battle with anorexia has caused damage to my thyroid, kidneys, liver, and heart. I am fighting through extreme fatigue and insomnia. My hair is falling out. I have lost consciousness on multiple occasions due to a combination of low blood pressure, low heart rate, and low blood sugar. At one point during a biweekly medical check up my heart rate was so low my doctor said she had to call an ambulance to take me to a hospital immediately because I was in danger of going into cardiac arrest. My heart seems to be taking the hardest hit and I have been in the emergency room multiple times due to heart palpitations and chest pain. Currently, walking even short distances doubles my heart rate because the consistent malnourishment has weakened it to a dangerous level. I know this all sounds scary. Because it is.
I don't want to die. But I can't fight this battle alone. I'm ready to fight through this illness and get better. I'm ready to be happy again and to have my life back. I want to be able to have the mental ability and energy to do the things I'm passionate about, including MRKH awareness and teaching my church preschoolers about the love of Jesus. My eating disorder has taken so much from me. As hard as it is to share all this, I need help to get there.
Thank you for reading. It is a challenge for me to be so vulnerable after keeping this struggle a secret for so long, but I am desperate to get better. I am stepping out in faith and trusting that God will provide during this time. Any support and prayers you can give are much appreciated.
Know that I am surrounded in love and encouragement from my loved ones during this time.
With love,
Kristen