This year has been a struggle for me for several reasons. My health was poor at the beginning of the year due to overwork, and an NP at the Urgent Care I went to at the end of March informed me, in no uncertain terms, that if I did not find a new job and start prioritizing my health, I would not be here much longer.

Heeding her warning, I found a new job, but much of the damage was done. The new job came with a pay-cut, which in and of itself would not have been an issue, especially since I would no longer be salaried and could make OT again, and I could get an additional job because I no longer had on-call responsibilities, but I missed a lot of work due to my asthma and horrible migraines and the meds my provider placed me on as a prophylactic only made the migraines worse, one made them stronger and so that I was having them on a daily basis, the other had other side effects such as sleeping through my alarms, consistent nausea, and horrible hot flashes. I gave up on them in turn, and am almost back to normal, but by that I mean at least 2 migraines a week.

I am afraid to try another prophylactic at this point because I cannot afford to miss anymore work, both literally (I have no PTO left so if I don't go in, I don't get paid) and figuratively (I've missed too much work and will end up in corrective action).

And taking the personal leave to be with and care for my dad while he was dying did not help matters as I had to take that unpaid due to being out of PTO.

I signed up for Door Dash to try and make extra money, but between migraine days where I can't drive, or not having enough for gas to make the deliveries, I haven't been able to start.

I haven't even been able to bring my car in to get fixed from being hit while parked outside my house because I don't have the $500 deductible.

I can't get my head above water and before I drown, I need to admit it. If you're able to spare a few dollars to get me back on dry land, it would be more than appreciated. If not, I completely understand and wish you a very happy holiday season!!!