****TRIGGER WARNING****

This is the first time I am publicly sharing my story and am very nervous to do so, but it is time. I am ready to share now. Partially because I've done the emotional/mental work to be able to, but also because I am in the midst of finally seeking the medical attention that I need and we are having a difficult time doing so due to our financial circumstances.

As a young adult, I went through a series of assaults which resulted in quite a few infections and long-lasting effects on my health. Within the past 7 years, I've had various appointments with doctors to help clear up any infections and help to manage the other damage done to my body.

Unfortunately, while I no longer deal with the same infections, I am more prone to them and I deal with chronic pain. I have been diagnosed with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. This is a very blanket diagnosis in that there is no cure. There are a series of treatments, medications, and therapies that I can try to take advantage of now to help manage this pain and even someday be without most pain, but it can be costly, even with insurance.

This fall, I had a laparoscopic diagnostic surgery to look for cysts and endometriosis. Good news: no endometriosis. There was a small cyst found but nothing of major concern. I also went through a series of tests to check for Interstitial Cystitis. While I wasn't diagnosed with this, it was determined that it can't be ruled out just given that I still have some cysts that grow inside of me.

The series of treatments from here on out include weekly physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, and more invasive therapies weekly to help with muscle and nerve function. I will also need to go in every 3-5 months for procedures that involve a series of injections that will help to relax the nerves and muscles in my body and will help the other therapies to work better. There is a light therapy that I have the option of doing to help with circulation and reducing muscle pain, however that is not covered under insurance thus also adding to the over all cost.

It has been incredibly difficult to share even the smallest bit of this story to even those who are closest to me, but I'm ready to start sharing. And ready to start reaching out for help.

Single parenting a toddler has been hard and we have been incredibly blessed to have as much help as we already have, but all of my medical bills are piling up and we are getting to a point where even the smallest things/bills are getting harder and harder to manage. I have to decide if I stop all of these medical treatments now and just continue to deal with the pain so we don't put ourselves in such a bad spot financially, or reach out for help now and really go full force with the medical attention so that I can be a better me and a better mom to Finley.

I know it is unlikely that my pain will ever fully go away. But, here I am finally with a team of doctors and therapists ready to help me and I would really, really like to be able to go through with it.

Whether you're able to help financially or even through prayer and well wishes, I'm grateful to all of you who are here and show up for me and Finley every day. Thank you.