Hello,

My name is Isaac (aka Elijah). I manage a business as a personal trainer, nutritionist, and health & wellness coach. On August 14th, I dined at a pretty nice restaurant, which I’ll not name, and on the afternoon of the 15th I began experiencing symptoms that included high fever and abdominal pain. As of me typing this, it is now the 27th, and I have been sick with a high fever and severe abdominal pain for 13 days. there have been two instances where my fever temporarily exceed 104°F with the latest instance being 104.6°F. I’ve been to the ER three times with the most recent resulting in admission.

I have had numerous blood, urine, and stool tests performed and none of the common infectious microorganisms appear, and all other tests come back perfectly fine. More tests (the least common ones) will be performed to hopefully determine the cause of infection. It is strongly believed to be a bacterial infection. The CT scan and x-ray show that my small intestine is inflamed as well as the lymph nodes in my abdomen (mesentery) and spleen. After my second visit to the ER, I left with the understanding that I had mesenteric adentitis a condition common in children that could last up to four weeks or longer.

The doctor is telling me that what’s happening with the small intestine is causing everything. I’m being monitored by many doctors, lots and lots of tests are being run, but in spite of that, there is no telling how soon I may recover from this. Fortunately I am a Marine veteran and my healthcare is free. I’m super grateful for that. However, I’m self-employed, and there is no sick pay or FMLA for me to rely on.

Only recently I was a full-time student. I graduated with my bachelors in May. As a full-time student, I didn’t work full-time. I’ve just begun focusing on branding and finding new clients. That said, I don’t have a financial cushion to help me weather this storm.

I’m not one to really ever ask for help of any sort. I’m a very independent guy, and I do my best to overcome the challenges I face on my own. This is a matter where I am ill equipped to do so. I can’t overcome this challenge without the help of others. So I am asking for your help so that I can focus on recovery and not worry about how I’ll pay my bills. Two weeks of no pay is already a lot. Other than the abdominal pain actually getting worse, my symptoms have been constant these past 13 days. So it’s not like I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. My physical health is suffering big time, but I hope that doesn’t mean my financial health has to suffer too.

Every dollar counts. I’m super grateful for all donations as well as prayers, thoughts, positive energy, etc. Given that my health is otherwise really good, and I am extremely fit, my condition is very concerning, but I remain optimistic and patient.

Thank you for taking the time to read my request for help. Please share with others who won’t mind pitching in a dollar.

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